Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
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Supplementing Breastfeeding with Formula - Mixed Feeding
Biologically, breast milk is the healthiest food for a newborn as it provides the child with exactly everything she will need in order for her to develop physically, mentally and emotionally. Parents do not usually opt to use supplement formulas, nor do doctors advise to use them unless it is absolutely necessary to do so as in the case of mothers who are unable to produce milk. Working mothers often choose to give their babies formula while they are at work and will nurse from the breast when at home. Women who are uncomfortable breastfeeding their babies in public places can opt for the formula when in a pinch.
What is Formula Feeding?
Essential nutrients can be added to your baby’s diet through manufactured formulae available in the market. These can be fed through a feeding bottle as they are usually a fine powder that can be diluted with water. Though these are made in order to aid in feeding your child, it is best not to start weaning your baby onto anything, even these supplements, until your baby is at least one month old as breastfeeding boosts your baby’s immunity.
Why Do Nursing Moms Consider Formula Feeding?
Babies who are prone to malnutrition may need to be fed the supplement in addition to breastfeeding to ensure they get their essential nutrients.
Some mothers are unable to produce milk after delivery, and some have low milk production. For these mothers, the formula is important as they are what will provide their babies with nutrients. Other women who are suffering from some sort of illness, like HIV or tuberculosis, will be too weak to feed their babies.
Can You Supplement Breastfeeding with Formula?
It is perfectly all right to supplement breastfeeding with formula. However, one should keep in mind that since breastfeeding helps in boosting your baby’s immunity, it is best to include it daily, even if it is only once a day. While the formula does provide all the essentials for your baby’s growth, it does not provide your baby with immunity.
Basics You Need to Know for Supplementing Breastfeeding with Formula
For whatever reason you may be thinking about including formula into your baby’s diet, there are a few things you need to know before you start.
1. Market Research
Do some market research and consult with your doctor about what the best brand of formula is to feed your baby. Most of the brands, whether store or name, will have a different formulation that they use while preparing the formula. Your healthcare provider will be able to help you decide on which one is the best for your baby’s requirements based on the reason you are beginning to use a supplement in the first place.
2. Introduce Formula
Formula is made with a base of soy, goat or cow’s milk. It comes in either the ready to feed liquid version or the more common powdered version that you will need to add water to prepare the formula.
The ready to feed version is best for babies who are born early or whose immunity is low and who are unable to be breastfed. The ready to feed version will also be properly formulated with less risk of contamination due to the water used while preparing the powdered version.
3. Simple Steps to Feed Your Baby
When feeding your baby, place her in an upright position so that the bottle is parallel to the floor. Place the bottle on her top lip and wait for her to accept it. Once she does, tilt the bottle only slightly so that the tip is filled with milk. Do not force-feed the formula to your baby.
Will Supplementing with Formula Affect Your Milk Supply?
Since your production of milk depends on your baby’s demand for it, if you begin to use supplements on a daily basis, your production of milk will decrease. If you only give your baby supplements once a week, then there should not be any significant change.
If you do not want your milk supply to diminish, but you still need to give your baby supplements, then you may want to try pumping your breast milk when you have to feed your baby supplements. This way you can freeze your breast milk and use it at a later date.
How Can You Tell When Your Baby is Getting Enough Breastmilk?
Most women produce plenty of milk and are able to give their babies enough. However, if you want to make sure that your baby is getting enough milk, then here are a few things to look out for:
Loads of dirty diapers are an indication that your baby is getting plenty of milk. Babies who are nursing well will have a mustard yellow stool. They will wet their diapers many times a day, and some babies even go potty after every feeding.
During the first three months, your baby should be gaining an average of half an ounce to an ounce on a daily basis. Babies between three and six months, gain about half an ounce a day if they are getting enough nourishment. Weighing your baby several times a week may be helpful to you if you want to keep track.
During the first few months of life, babies need to be fed a lot so you may find yourself nursing your little one even up to twelve times a day.
Signs That Indicate Baby Needs Supplemental Formula for Growth
During the first five days, a baby loses ten percent of their birth weight. If your baby loses more than this or is taking longer than two weeks to put it back on, then you will want to give your doctor a call.
If your baby isn’t consuming enough milk, you will be able to make it out because your breasts will not feel soft or empty once the nursing session is over.
If your baby is producing less than six wet diapers a day, it could be because she isn’t drinking enough milk.
Your baby will be lethargic all the time and will fuss a lot if she isn’t getting enough nutrition.
When Can You Start Offering Formula to Your Breastfed Baby?
Unless it is a clear emergency, most lactation consultants will recommend that you wait until your baby is at least one month old before you start to give her supplements. This is to allow your breastfeeding and milk supply to become better established before it is interrupted with the occasional bottle of formula. Once your baby crosses the one-month milestone, you can introduce formula at any time.
How to Get Your Baby to Drink Formula from A Bottle?
Switching baby from breast milk to formula can be tricky since breast milk is sweeter than the supplement formula and so most babies are hesitant to drink it at first, especially if you are the one who tries to give it to her. But do not give up. Babies will generally accept what is offered to them if they are hungry enough.
If your baby is fussing, you may want to try to have your partner or family member offer the first few bottles. You can try offering her the formula when she is hungry and not when she is in the mood to nurse more for comfort than nourishment.
Can You Mix Breast Milk and Formula in One Bottle?
Most consultants would suggest you try a combination feeding breast milk and formula by first feeding your baby your pumped breast milk, and if she is still hungry, to follow up with a new bottle of formula.
Can Supplementing with Formula Affect Your Child?
Since babies cannot digest the formula as fast as milk, they are likely to get hungry less often. You will also notice that your baby’s stool becomes more solid and darker than before. They will probably smell a lot more and will be less frequent than when she was only on breast milk.
If your baby is enthusiastic about her feeding, then she may begin to reject the breast if she is fed supplements regularly. This is because milk takes a longer time to come out from the breast as compared to the almost immediate response from the bottle.
If you notice blood in your baby’s stool or vomit after you begin feeding her supplements, you will want to call your doctor as this is most likely a case of intolerance towards the milk.
There is nothing in the world that can truly substitute the milk that a human mother produces for her child. Sometimes, as we have seen, a mother has no choice but to feed a supplement formula to her baby. Feeding baby breast milk and formula is better than only feeding formula, and most doctors will advise alternating breast milk and formula during feeding in order to ensure your baby still gets the immunity only your breast milk can provide, while at the same time getting the extra nutrition from the supplement formula.
Also Read: Breastfeeding Myths and Facts Read more
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Teaching Toddlers To Sit in a Chair
Encouraging toddlers to sit on chair can be a daunting task for parents. Since they're so energetic and easily distracted, it's tough getting them to listen. However, it's important to start teaching them to sit still as it enforces discipline and teaches them when to play and when not to.
Toddlers can get very fidgety and uncomfortable when they’re asked to sit still and behave for a while. It can send parents into frustration, trying hard to keep their patience! Yet, there are times when you really want kids to sit still and quietly especially when out at a restaurant with the family, or when there are guests at home. How does one achieve this? Let’s find out.
When Can Toddlers Sit in a Chair By Themselves?
Toddlers between 20-24 months old are usually capable of sitting in a chair by themselves. Some children might even start earlier than that. It’s believed that as soon as a toddler is able to pull himself up from his sleeping position to a wobbly sitting posture, he’s ready to be trained to sit on a chair. However, making a 24-month-old toddler sit still is another matter! He’s full of energy and wants to explore everything. Fortunately, it’s not impossible and with a few hints, you should be able to succeed!
Tips for Teaching Toddlers to Sit on a Chair
Make your toddler practice sitting still, even if without a chair. You can also make a game out of it and challenge him to sit still for as long as possible, and reward him with an incentive like a little chocolate. Start by making him sit on your lap, and then move on to a chair. If he has older siblings, ask them to play too.
When teaching him to sit still, don’t play with him as he’ll get distracted.
Try reading his favourite book or story while he sits on the chair. Tell him that you’ll read him a tale only if he sits quietly.
Encourage artistic activities like drawing and painting. Make sure that your child has access to a table or some hard, flat surface for this activity.
Praise his good behaviour. You’ll see that he gets more eager to sit when he associates it with something positive.
Start to observe silent moments, especially during meal times, more frequently than you normally do. This will encourage your toddler to keep quiet like the rest of the family. Children learn what they see adults do, and when your child witnesses everyone in the family keeping quiet, he’ll be more inclined to do the same.
If your 24-month-old refuses to sit on a chair, it could that he’s uncomfortable. A conventional wooden chair might make his back sore and painful, so use soft cushions or have him sit on an upholstered one.
With toddlers, the best course is to have a plan and a lot of patience. They’ll learn how to sit on a chair gradually. You can’t force it. Consistency is very important too. You must make your tot practice sitting still every day otherwise he won’t get used to it. What practices do you adopt to make your toddler sit quietly? Read more
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12 Tips to Ensure You are Breathing Fresh Air at Home during the Festive Season
What once used to be a festival with only light, love and happiness has become one full of pollution, sickness and damage. True, there is childlike joy in lighting firecrackers and celebrating one of the greatest festivals in India but in recent times some responsibility and caution go a long way in reducing the pollution levels for our own sake and the sake of children and animals that get doubly impacted. Even when the festive season isn’t around, indoor air pollution comes from various sources like soot from candles, phthalates from air fresheners, dust-laden fabric etc. These pollutants only increase and intensify during Diwali.
While you may not be able to control the air that’s being polluted outdoors during Diwali, you certainly can control the quality of air inside of your own home.
If you’re planning to gift your family something this Diwali, then why not gift them great health with a paint job that will not only transform your home into a luxurious haven but also protect them from inhaling harmful pollutants? Asian Paints Royale Atmos paints come with activated carbon that help purify indoor air as well as have a fresh fragrance that lasts for long so you can even ditch harmful air fresheners!
If you’d like additional solutions to keep the air quality in your home more breathable and less toxic for you and your loved ones here are 12 great tips for you!
1. Remove Your Shoes at the Door
Make sure you remove shoes that the door to avoid carrying chemicals, pollen, dust and other dirt from outdoors into your home. Diwali involves having guests over so make sure you add a little note that tells your guests to remove their shoes too.
2. Ban Smoking
While smoking should be prohibited altogether, there is bound to be a guests or two who want to have a quick smoke during a party at home. However, that one occasion can leave its traces on your walls, curtains and other furnishing for a long time. Cigarette smoke contains over 4000 chemicals, some of which are carcinogenic. So, politely tell your guests to smoke outside if needed.
3. Ditch Aerosols
It might be tempting to spray some room freshener to welcome guests to a sweet-smelling home or even to drown out the smoke from the fireworks outdoors, but inhaling the chemicals in aerosols can cause health issues of the heart that can be fatal over time. Air fresheners contain phthalates which are known to be endocrine disruptors. This is especially dangerous for babies and kids whose endocrine systems haven’t fully developed. Instead, use essential oils for fragrance.
4. Clean Your Walls
You might have gone all out to spring clean your kitchen, cupboards, bathrooms and floors and you might have already noticed a difference in the quality of air. However, walls often get neglected because they may ‘appear’ clean. Use a solution of warm water and vinegar for your walls to ensure you get them squeaky clean. If your walls are whitewashed, just use warm water instead.
5. Consider a Paint Job
The air in our homes is actually 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outdoors, owing to several reasons - dust, pet fur, smoke from cooking, chemical cleaning products, and so many more. And festival fun aside, celebrations during Diwali contribute to rising air pollution levels too (both indoors and outdoors), and in turn, amplifying the negative health effects that it already has on people-. If you’re going to spend time indoors, the kind of paint you choose for your walls matters a lot.
Paint over your walls with 2 to 3 coats of Asian Paints Royale Atmos, which is incorporated with Activated carbon technology. It reduces indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde and VOC in the air and provides a fresh, but mild fragrance. The best part? The fragrance lingers on for a couple of weeks after the walls have been painted, providing relief from any malodours! And you know all those stains that are part and parcel of celebrations, and threaten to dirty your beautifully painted walls? Say goodbye to stain worries with the product’s Teflon surface protector, that make it easy to wash off any unfortunate food or dirt spills on your walls!
6. Check Humidity Levels
Humidity indoors makes it prone to mould which can cause serious respiratory issues. Gift yourself a dehumidifier to keep the air indoors much easier to breathe.
7. Keep Your Home Well Ventilated
Diwali is probably not the best time of the year to leave your windows open but one of the best ways to refresh the stale air indoors is to let fresh air in! Keep your home well ventilated in the morning when firecrackers are minimal to promote healthy air circulation.
8. Invest in an air purifier
To keep your kids safe from dust allergies, air purifiers help a great deal. The best part is that they now come in smaller sizes and quaint shapes so not only do they preserve air quality but also make great decor items. Air purifiers remove particulate matter like pollen and dust from the air, protecting you from breathing in these particles and saving you from the sniffles and wheezing.
9. Add in some Green
It is a no-brainer that plants will purify the air at home. Plant some plants at your window to filter out any smoke and dust that tries to pollute your home. While there’s no guarantee that the plants will block out every pollutant, they will certainly contribute to your efforts in keeping your home toxin-free. Plus, think of how gorgeous they will look with your Diwali lights around them!
10. Fix Leaks
As part of your Diwali home cleaning, make sure to call your plumber. Leaking pipes are a cause of potential mould formation in various parts of your house.
11. Check your Cleaning Chemicals
While you choose cleaning chemicals that have pleasant fragrances, these fragrances are a concoction of not-so-pleasant chemicals that can cause your health to take a hit. Look for non-scented products and herbal ones that get the job done while allowing you and your family to have cleaner, purer air to breathe!
12. Clean all Fabric
Upholstery, bedding etc. can hold spores that enter your nostrils, causing respiratory issues like wheezing, snoring at nights etc. Make sure all your bedding and upholstering go in for a thorough cleaning this Diwali and after Diwali too so that you can finally feel the joy of fresh indoor air!
With all these tips at hand, we can ensure that the air you breathe will be fresher than ever before. Whether you choose a long-term but effective solution like a paint job with Asian Paints or you choose to regularly apply the above tips to your home, we can guarantee that this festive season will be a cleaner, healthier and more eco-friendly one for sure! Read more
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The Ultimate Car Seat Buying Guide
1. Overview
When your baby coo-chi-coos and smiles at you with love, all you want to do is make the world a safe place for your bundle of joy! You childproof your home, but what about when you take the baby out in your car? Mishaps don’t come with a forewarning, and you wouldn’t even dream of harm coming your child’s way. A child car seat is an indispensable aide to help you secure your child’s car travel. The motive of this guide is to act as your trusted friend and ready reckoner for everything you need to know about car seats for your child.
2. What Exactly is a Car Seat?
Car Seats for children, also referred to as child safety seats, are seats which are designed to protect your child from possible car crash injuries. A Car Seat comes equipped with a restraining system, which helps absorb the impact of the crash to a large extent, thereby protecting your child in the event of a collision. Car Seats have various features which help you provide not just safety, but also comfort for your child while traveling in a car.
3. Do I Really Need a Car Seat?
Child car seats are a relatively new phenomenon in India. Chances are that you’re thinking, “When we never knew the need for a child car seat during our childhood why should we bother about it now?” That’s a good question.
As a parent, safety for your baby is, no doubt, one of your primary concerns. Extensive testing indicates that the force of impact during an accident, is thirty to sixty times stronger when the passenger is unrestrained, compared to when using a child car seat or a seat belt (in case of adults). Since a baby has no way of exercising self restraint, it’s at a greater risk of being hurtled around the car or even worse, thrown out of the vehicle. Using a child car seat helps you overcome these risks and ensures that your child is safely restrained when travelling by car.
Did you know India has the dubious distinction of the record for the worst road safety in the world, and that at least one death occurs on Indian roads every six minutes1? Of these, the National Crime Records Bureau reports that nearly 20 children under the age of 14 die daily in the country2. Scary, isn’t it? But this is the unfortunate truth a parent in India faces today. If you travel by car, using a car seat for your child is the best thing you can do to ensure that your child doesn’t become a part of the unfortunate statistics.
Reference:
1- Dr.S.Rajasekaran, Alarming Facts of Road Accidents in India
2- UCAN India, More School Children Dying in Road Accidents in India
4. What Makes Car Seats Safe?
Car seat manufacturers perform intensive crash tests on their products before putting them through a certification process to ensure quality. This means that you can be sure of your child’s safety when restrained within a car seat. These seats are designed after careful research and contain a number of safety features that play a vital role in ensuring your little one’s safety. The most important features that render car seats safe for your child are:
5. Other Safety Features of a Child Car Seat:
Seat Belt Guides
In some car seat models, you can secure your child via the car’s seat belt system. The seatbelt guides in such models ensure that the seatbelts are threaded through the seat so that your child is in the best possible position.
Side Impact Protection
Car seats with side impact protection, maintain the alignment of the baby’s head, neck and spine, in case of an accident. The energy-absorbing foam evenly distributes the force of the crash, keeping the baby safe.
Impact Protection Shield
An impact protection shield is equivalent in safety to a 5-point harness, but is shaped like a bar, and is placed across the chest and midsection of your baby. In case of an accident, it disperses the force away from your child, reducing the risk of injury.
Performance Chest Pads
In addition to dispersing the energy in case of a crash, these pads ensure that the baby is held securely and does not lurch forward.
Lateral Headrests
The lateral headrests cushion the baby’s head from the sides, while keeping it in a central position- this is all the protection you’ll need when you hit those potholes.
Pitch Control System
A pitch control system helps reduce your child’s forward movement in the seat3. This is especially useful in heavy traffic, where a lot of braking is involved and passengers are subjected to a lot of jerks. Also, in the event of an accident, this ensures that your child is not thrown forward.
Removable Pillow
A baby’s head is extremely sensitive to shocks. A pillow offers added protection, so the back of his head remains protected no matter what the condition of the road.
Side Wings
Side wings are those padded sections on the car seat that are about the height of the baby’s chest and shoulders. When seated, the baby gets to rest snugly between the padding, which means longer rides just became more comfortable.
Multiple Harness Slots
When choosing a taller model, look for well-spaced harness slots which can be raised as your baby grows. It is utmost important for the safety of the child to check that harness should be fitting your child snugly and is not too tight or loose. Some car seats feature as many as 3 sets, placed 1-2 inches apart.
Head Impact Protection
Many car seats come with head impact protection, maintain the alignment of the baby’s head and neck in case of a collision. The energy-absorbing foam evenly distributes the force of the crash, keeping the baby’s head safe.
Safety Harness
All car seats are essentially equipped with safety harnesses. There are several kinds of harnesses - padded, un-padded, height adjustable, etc.
5-point safety harness: This is to secure the baby through five straps. Two at the shoulders, two at the hips and one at the crotch, all connected through a buckle release mechanism.
3-point safety harness: This is a Y-shaped straps arrangement. Two straps securing both shoulders and one at the crotch. All are connected through a buckle release mechanism.
2-point safety harness: This is a lap belt that goes over the waist.
The safest one for your baby among these is the 5-point harness, as it ensures that your baby is restrained at shoulders, hips and pelvic region. This will take away the impact of the crash from baby’s more delicate parts.
Adjustable Multi-recline Position
Any angle less than 150 degrees will be unsafe for an infant, since babies can’t sit in an upright position until they’re about 6 months old. Be careful to note the various reclining angles before making your purchase.
Extra Padded Inner Lining
Considering the many naps your baby will be taking in the car, you might want to spend a little extra attention on the car seat’s padding, especially if you’re considering a convertible, which you will end up using for a longer period.
Thermotex Fabric Padding
The padding in some car seats are made of breathable fabric, so whether it’s hot or cold, your baby will be dry and comfortable. (You’ll thank us later when you take that long road trip out of the city.)
Seat Height
The general thumb rule is - the taller the model, the longer it’s likely to be in use. It’s only as your child grows older that weight becomes a primary consideration.
Wide Age Bracket
All factors, like build material, foam quality, etc., have an impact on the longevity of a car seat. When making your choice, consider the fact that plastic is less sturdy than metal, and EPS foam more brittle than EPP foam. However, all child car seats have an expiry date- 6 years on average- and will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Weight Capacity
As your baby grows older, he will start to get heavier, and not all car seats are designed to handle that equally well. If you’re buying a convertible/booster, it makes sense to look for higher weight capacity. All car seats come with a defined weight capacity, and it should be considered while making a choice.
Durable Cover
It made some covers of more durable fabric, which will increase the life of your car seat. Some even feature extra padding and extra protection for your car, with additional pockets for storage.
Multiple Uses
Some car seats are built to double up as carry cots, rockers, can be integrated into pushchairs or used inside aircraft (although not all applications will be possible within the same model).
EPS(Expanded Polystyrene) / EPP(Expanded Polypropylene) Foam
EPS or Expanded Polystyrene foam (also found in bicycle helmets and portable freezers) absorbs energy, protecting the baby in case of a crash. Its more modern variant, EPP or Expanded Polypropylene foam, is more durable and flexible, making it the safer of the two options.
Absorbing Material
Babies can get messy wherever they are, and the car is no exception. So whether you’re dealing with spilled fluids, wet pants or sweaty backs, an absorbent material for the base will ensure that your car seat stays dry, and the baby stays comfortable.
Combination of Baby Seat & Child's Car Seat
Convertible car seats combine the features of both an infant carrier and a toddler car seat, although they lack the portability offered by an infant car seat.
Slim Base
Some car seats have contoured, narrow bases, while others are flatter and broader. While broader is sometimes better, preferably the ones in the back. You’ll be better off if you first check the specifics of your car seats, before making up your mind.
Lightweight Design
This feature applies to infant car seats, since those are likely to be the only ones you will be transferring to and from the car. But be careful when choosing an infant car seat for its weight alone. While lighter is more convenient, the sturdier, safer models are generally made of a tougher, more durable material.
Adaptable to Wide Variety of Cars
The car seat should compatible to variety of the car, if the baby travels in your car, or your dad’s or your friend’s car, or for that matter in a cab. It helps to have a car seat that adapts well with multiple cars.
Aircraft Approved
Some car seats are built to airline specifications, so the baby won’t have to deal with an ill-fitting seatbelt, and you won’t have any worries should you encounter turbulence.
Retractable ISOFIX Connectors
ISOFIX – International Standards Organization Fix
This is a standard for attachment parts in a car. An ISOFIX connector is a fixed point on your car’s seat that anchors your child’s car seat. Since not every car has this facility, retracting them allows you to install the child car seat even in non-ISOFIX cars.
Seat Belt Integration
Most boosters are built to integrate with the car’s seat belt system. Before making your purchase, just make sure that your booster seat comes with seat-belt adjusters, which will ensure that the belt is always in the right position, as your baby grows.
5-Function Handle
The 5-function handle is especially handy for a carry cot-car seat combination, as it enables mounting, reclining, sitting, rocking and carrying.
Integrated Diagonal Seat Belt
This feature is exclusive to boosters, particularly backless boosters that use the car’s seat belt system to secure the baby. They provide a slot to insert and position the seat belt, so the car seat stays in place.
Harness Retainer
The harness retainer secures the harness in place, so you can get your baby in and out of the seat without the buckle and harness getting in the way.
1-Pull Frontal Harness Adjustment
A frontal harness adjustment is a strap that lets you adjust the harness from the front. The single-pull mechanism makes it easy to adjust your baby’s position even while seated in the front seat (provided you can reach it, of course).
Seat Belt Locking
Some car seats have an extra lock that engages with the car’s seat belt to secure the child more firmly. If you’re getting a booster seat, you won’t have to worry about this feature- the integrated diagonal seatbelt should do just fine.
Single-hand Recline Adjustment
If your car seat comes with the recline facility (boosters generally don’t have this feature), you would want something that’s easy to handle. Look for recline adjustments that mention ease of use, like single-hand recline adjustment.
Single Button Shoulder Belt Adjustment
Seat belts can get tangled, especially in case of booster seats. To fix this problem, some car seats have a shoulder belt adjustment, which while adjusting the harness for your child’s changing height, also helps keep the seat belt from twisting.
Easily Removable Washable Covers
Babies are messy, and over time, the car seat’s covers will accumulate food crumbs, stains, dirt and eventually germs. So look for removable covers that are machine-washable.
Detachable Seat Cushioning
Some car seats take the detachable bit a step further, with removable padding that can be machine-washed at will.
LATCH System
The LATCH system (Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children) is a kind of car seat standard in western countries. A metal bar is mounted between the lower back portion of the car’s seat and cushion, and can be attached to the child car seat with special buckles.
Reference: 3- Defination of Pitch Control System
6. Different Types of Car Seats
Car seats come in diverse models, pertaining to the various age groups of children and according to their height and weight. Some of the major types of car seats you will find available are:-
Rear-facing Infant Seats
This is the car seat you should ideally bring your infant home in, for the first time, from the hospital. As the name suggests, the child is seated facing the rear in this model, which provides maximum protection to the highly vulnerable and extremely fragile body of your newborn.
Forward-facing Toddler Seats
When your little one enters toddlerhood, he is ready to turn about and face the world – literally! This forward facing model allows your toddler to explore the world racing past through the window, while still restraining him firmly from unwanted movements and unnecessary injury.
Booster Seats for Older Children
Booster seats do not have any restraints to hold children in place. Instead, they only raise their position such that the car’s seat belt fits them properly. These are best for preschoolers and older children- those who have outgrown the forward facing seats.
Convertible & Combination Car Seats
I designed some car seats to work in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes. However, these seats are not suitable for newborns, are heavier and less portable.
Please note:- all car seat models discussed here are made by manufacturers in accordance with the regional norms prescribed by that particular state/region. Most adhere to United Nations & European Safety Standard ECE R44/04. I design these seats to meet the specific safety needs for every stage of your child’s early years.
While the types mentioned above are based on the characteristics of various car seats, norms in US and UK classify the child car seats into various groups, as shown in the table –
Approximate Weight Range
Approximate Age Range
Group
Stage
From birth to 9 kg (20 lbs)
Newborn to 9 months
0
Infant
From birth to 13 kg (29 lbs)
Newborn to 15 months
0+
Infant
2-3 kg to 13 kg (4-6 lbs to 29 lbs)
Newborn to 24 months
0+ & 1
Infant
09 kg to 18 kg (20 lbs to 40 lbs)
9 months to 4 years
1
Toddler
15 kg to 25 kg (33 lbs to 55 lbs)
4 years to 6 years
2
Toddler
22 kg to 36 kg (48 lbs to 76 lbs)
4 years to 11 years
3
Grown up Child
7. Choosing The Best Car Seat for Your Child
We have discussed in brief the different types of car seats available in the market and the features you should look for in the one you buy. In this section, let us venture deeper into the various types. We will explore each type in all its detail, and consider all you need to know about a particular model before you’re ready to make a buying decision. We will also help you choose the model that suits your child best through our Buyer Recommendation Form (link to the form). Make sure you go through all the details thoroughly before arriving at the model you think is perfect for your little one.
8. How to Install a Car Seat?
All child car seats come with their own instruction manuals. Keep the manual safe at all times, preferably along with the car seat, so that you can refer to it whenever you have any doubts. Fitting instructions might vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so be sure to follow the instructions specific to the car seat you’ve bought. In case you lose the manual, check the manufacturer’s website to access necessary information.
Most cases of discomfort when using car seats occur because the instructions are not properly followed. In fact, many organizations claim that at least 8 out of 10 car seats are installed improperly. Therefore, you need to pay great attention to the fitting and upkeep of your child’s car seat.
Here are a few general guidelines for installing child car seats –
Fitting a Rear-Facing Car Seat
Place the child car seat in the back seat, facing the rear window of the car. Avoid fitting the rear-facing car seat in the front passenger seat. In case you absolutely must, make sure the passenger airbag is turned off.
Attach the seat belts to the car seat’s base. Usually, there are guides on the child car seat for the car’s seat belts to pass through it. Make sure the belt passes through all the right slots. Ensure that the car seat is tight when you attempt to pull it from side to side. It must not shift more than an inch.
Recline the seat enough to ensure that the baby’s head doesn’t flop forward during a jerk.
Ensure that the shoulder straps are away from the neck. You can place a towel between the crotch strap and the baby so that the baby does not feel any discomfort.
Fitting a Forward-Facing Car Seat
Place the child car seat on the rear seat, facing the front. The base should sit firmly on the rear seat and the back should be firm against the cushion.
Pass the tethers through the belt path on the child car seat and attach them to the car’s tether anchor.
The lap belt must go over the child’s thighs and not over baby’s tummy.
Installing Booster Car Seats
Ensure that the booster seat has both shoulder and lap belts.
Make sure the seat belt goes over the child’s shoulder. It should not cut into your baby’s neck.
The lap belt must go over the child's thighs and not over baby's tummy.
Position the car seat such that the child is sitting in an upright position.
9. Things to Remember When Installing Child Car Seat
It is recommended you get the car seat installed by the manufacturer for the first time. If this is not possible, then ask for a demo from the manufacturer.
Whether you are using a rear-facing child car seat or a forward-facing one, the best position to place it is in the middle of the rear seat of your car. However, in case it does not fit properly there, try securing it behind the front passenger seat and finally behind the driver.
Make sure you don’t fit the car seat anywhere near the airbags, either the ones on the side, or the ones installed for the passenger seat in the front. In case of an accident, the force from the airbag can cause injury to the child.
Always check the car seat’s compatibility with your vehicle. For example, if you have a car seat that works on the LATCH system, your vehicle needs to have the necessary anchorage and tethers too. It’s best to buy a car seat that is compatible with the make and model of your car.
Keep the instruction manuals handy in case of a combination or convertible car seat. You may need them when changing positions.
Never make any modifications by yourself in the car seat. In case you need something changed, approach the manufacturer.
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Heenuchauhan has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
11 hours ago
Q. I got a very pinkish line in t from 2 test which I took after 7 days of missing period am I pregnant?????
Heenuchauhan
Guardian of 2 children
11 hours ago
A. yeah postive
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. hi,
I have done LFT in which SGOT is 58.80 & SGPT is 96.90,
and Bile test is 8.83.
my gyne is suggesting for pre term delivery in 37 weeks.
and other hospital gyne is saying it's normal.
please suggest what should I do, is it matter of concern?
do I have to do early delivery in as per report?
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
9 hours ago
A. It is not a pre-term degree once you enter into your nine months you can deliver any time and it will be a full-time delivery so see if your gynaecologist is suggesting you something go for that because she’s monitored your pregnancy throughout these nine months so I think she would not suggest you anything wrong of going a sec for a second opinion you go for what your gynaecologist suggesting but try going ahead with a normal delivery
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a Newborn child
7 hours ago
Q. y does my baby spit up so much,is it fault of my breast milk
does eating tamird make baby to spit up
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. nothing to do with mothers diet ok. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. difference between lactogen 2&3
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
7 hours ago
A. dear Mum the difference between lactogen 2 and 3 is related to the age
lactogen 2 is for the age group of after 6 months upto 12 months
lactogen 3 is formulated for the age group of after 12 months upto 18 months
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
5 hours ago
Q. Explain me procedure of epidural …how it works
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. most of the times the anaesthesia will be inside dura but in epidural it is above the dura matter oj. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. In august 2023 I diagnosed OHSS with ectopic pregnancy in September we abort that pregnancy after that my period cycle was not proper very irregular or scanty periods now can i plan next pregnancy naturally? How can i plan how to get rid of irregular periods
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. You have to take proper medications to balance your hormones and that is what is going to be helpful in a regular period cycle once your periods are regular you’ll be sure about the time when you’re on dating and that would be the right time for you to conceive so that is how you need to work upon it
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