Jeffrey Lupient: LATCH, Five Point Harness, and More

istockphoto.com

Jeffrey Lupient: Three Seat Safety Features to Look For

A child car seat protects the most precious cargo of parents, says Jeffrey Lupient. Learning how the seat's features can protect a baby in the event of an accident is important because it gives you peace of mind and helps you make informed decisions regarding every stage of your child's car seat experience. 

Today, Jeffrey Lupient shares three safety features that every car seat needs. 

1. LATCH 

The Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children, or the LATCH system, has been a standard in passenger vehicles for over 20 years. A metal bar can be found inside the vehicle seat, with hooks available just between the seat cushions. If your child is under a certain weight, you can utilize these hooks to install your car seat easily into the vehicle.

The LATCH system can be easier to install than seatbelts for certain car seats. It's also just as safe as the seatbelt. That said, you can only use it under a certain weight limit and only in a designated location in the vehicle. With that in mind, it's important to get these factors right when opting for LATCH install, explains Jeffrey Lupient.

istockphoto.com

2. Five-Point Harness

This essential feature is also one of the foundations of car seat safety. You can find this feature in the two harness straps that connect at the shoulders, crotch, and hips of a child. In the United States, the five-point harness system is the only one allowed on the market.

Jeffrey Lupient mentions that this system keeps the proper upright position. It also lets the straps position properly on the child. The harness will restrain your child even with the jostling or whiplash from a car crash. It also absorbs some of the energy of the crash's impact. The five-point harness system is a car seat's most powerful safety tool when buckled correctly. 

3. Side-Impact Protection

Speaking of absorbing energy from impact are car seats that have side-impact protection. These parts are built with plastic, metal, and foam, distributing crash force. The side of the car seat usually sticks out to shield the baby's body as much as possible. 

According to Jeffrey Lupient, side impact protection may sometimes be built into the car seat shell, or it may need an extra step, such as extending a special pod on the door side of the child's car seat. Collisions typically happen at the rear or front of the car, but they can also happen to the sides.=

Learn more about car seats and choosing the right one by subscribing to this Jeffrey Lupient page. 

Jeffrey Lupient: What to Do With a Car Seat After an Accident?

 

Envato.com

Crucial next steps: Jeffrey Lupient on Disposing of a Car Seat

Car accidents are stressful and potentially dangerous, especially when a child is on board. One of the critical safety considerations is what to do with the car seat. Jeffrey Lupient shares some steps you can take regarding your car seat after an accident.

1. Assess the severity of the accident. 

Before deciding on the fate of your car seat, it's vital to assess the accident's severity. Not all accidents are the same, and the impact can vary widely. Consider factors such as the location and impact of the damage and the speed of the collision to the vehicle. If the accident was minor, your car seat may still be safe.

2. Check for visible damage. 

Inspect the car seat for visible signs of damage. Look for cracks, dents, or deformities in the seat's frame, base, or shell. Jeffrey Lupient adds that you should examine the harnesses and straps for fraying or stretching. Even if the car seat appears undamaged, it may have experienced forces that compromised its structure.

3. Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines. 

Consult the manufacturer's guidelines and the car seat's user manual. Manufacturers often provide specific instructions on what to do with the seat after an accident. Some manufacturers recommend replacing the seat after any accident, while others specify criteria based on the severity of the collision. 

Envato.com

4. Contact your insurance company.

Notify your insurance company about the accident. According to Jeffrey Lupient, many insurance policies offer coverage for car seat replacement after an accident, especially if the car seat was used during the collision. Be prepared to provide details about the accident and your car seat's make and model.

6. Consider the force of impact. 

If the accident was moderate to severe, even with no visible damage to the car seat, it might have experienced substantial force. In such cases, it's often advisable to err on caution and replace the car seat. The forces exerted during a crash can compromise the seat's ability to protect your child in future accidents.

7. Properly dispose of the damaged seat. 

If you decide that the car seat should no longer be used, Jeffrey Lupient says it is crucial to dispose of it properly. Disassembling the seat to ensure it cannot be reused is recommended. Cut the harnesses and straps, and mark the seat as unusable. Check local regulations for guidelines on disposing of car seats. Many recycling programs exist to reduce the environmental impact.

Parents must prioritize their child's safety when deciding whether to keep or dispose of a car seat. Jeffrey Lupient suggests considering manufacturer guidelines and seeking replacement options when necessary. While it may be tempting to continue using a seemingly undamaged seat, it's good to be cautious and think of the potential hidden damage that could affect its capabilities in the long run.

For more on car seat safety and related topics, follow this Jeffrey Lupient page.

Jeff Lupient WIFE Looks at A Great Convertible Car Seat

 

                    csftl.org

Jeff Lupient WIFE Reviews this Britax Gem of a Car Seat

A convertible car seat is designed to evolve alongside your child's growth. Jeff Lupient WIFE explains that your baby will be ready for the larger, five-point safety harness seat when they outgrow their infant seat's height and weight limit, roughly 30 inches or 30 pounds. It will most likely happen at any point between six months and two years of age. 

When you transition to the convertible seat, you'll be with a baby sitting in its rear-facing way before you eventually end up with a much bigger child riding in its forward-facing. Getting used to convertible seats can be daunting because of their various installation positions and modes, seat belt paths, and safety tethers. That is why Jeff Lupient WIFE researched the easiest and safest models to install and use. He reviews one of the best available in the market today.

The Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One

According to Jeff Lupient WIFE, this is one of the newer classes of convertible car seats designed to be used for up to 10 years.  

britax.ca

First, it should be installed rear-facing for your infant. It might initially look too large for a baby. It also can't come out of the car or snap into a stroller, an excellent feature of an infant car seat. Still, the most eye-opening benefit of this car seat is that the child can stay in the safest and most secure rear-facing position until they reach up to 50 pounds.

According to testimonies, parents could keep their kids rear-facing for a long time in this car seat because their children found it comfortable. While the seat is quite heavy, it has 15 recline positions. Many testers report keeping their child in this car seat through age 3.

If you switch to a forward-facing convertible car seat, Jeff Lupient WIFE says that the One4Life can hold your child in the car-seat harness for up to 65 pounds. However, after that, you'll want to convert it into a booster and use the seat belt to secure your child. It's also good as a booster for up to 120 pounds or when your child reaches over 60 inches tall.

There are LATCH straps that are easily accessible for rear-facing installation. Britax's Clicktight system can be found underneath the seat pad. It is where you'll thread the vehicle's lap belt to tighten the seat securely for the forward-facing position. As for the fabric, it can be machine-washed and dried. There are also two cup holders, which are removable and dishwasher-safe.

Follow this Jeff Lupient WIFE page for more information and reviews on car seats.