If you’re traveling with children this holiday seas, child passenger seat safely is obviously a top priority. Luckily, keeping your child safe in your San Francisco car hire is becoming increasingly easier thanks to advances in infant and toddler car seat safety. Designed to be both sturdy and comfortable, the kids’ car seats of today offer on-the-go parents plenty of options and improved safety features.
In the market for a child’s car seat this holiday season? Here area few tips to help you select the proper model for your growing bundle of joy.
What to Look For in a Car Seat
San Francisco car hire travelers will want to check the ratings of any child seat prior to purchasing it. The most important rating is the one provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You can also look up reviews on ConsumerRports.com. When it comes to car seat type (there are two basic designs: convertible and shell), both offer unique benefits. The important thing to look for is a design that locks in so your infant faces the rear of your San Francisco car hire vehicle. You’ll also want to make sure that the seat is equipped with:
- A five-point harness: This design reduces the chance of ejection and provides a snug fit.
- Clear weight limitations: All seats should be marked with weight restrictions. Be sure to purchase a seat that is appropriate for your child’s size.
- “Wings”: Most modern car seats are now equipped with “wings” that offer extra protection if the child is asleep when a crash occurs. That being said, you want to purchase a car seat that offers the best fit possible. The wings on your car seat of choice should fit snuggly around your child’s body.
- Twist-free harness: Twist-free harnesses offer more protection.
Important Safety Reminders for Child Seats
Child seats are an important safety feature for traveling parents. That being said, they only offer protection if used properly. Here are some tips to help San Francisco car hire travelers make the most of their car seat requirements.
One Car Seat Doesn’t Fit All
Babies can grow quickly. As such, you’ll want to constantly monitor your car seat to make sure that your child hasn’t outgrown it. Remember those weight limitations? Many infant car seats are only designed to protect children until they reach the 20-pound milestone. Once they surpass this weight class, you’ll want to consider purchasing a new car seat that suits their growing needs.
Check the Manufacturer’s Recommendations
When purchasing a car seat, always check the tags on the car seat to make sure the seat you are considering will fit your vehicle. What’s more, you’ll want to make sure to reserve a San Francisco car hire vehicle that is compatible with your chosen car seat. A SuperCheap Car Rental expert can help you reserve a vehicle that’s compatible with your car seat.
Never Place a Child Seat in the Front Seat of Your Car Rental
Kids should always ride in the back seat of your San Francisco car hire, safely strapped into their car seat. What’s more, this should be the case until the child is 12 years old or roughly 85-pounds. There are a number of reasons for this regulation. Modern San Francisco car hire vehicles are equipped with extremely forceful passenger side airbags. While an adult’s body can sustain, and actually benefit from this force during a collision, a child can be seriously injured, if not killed by the weight. Placing children in the rear of your San Francisco car hire in an approved, quality car seat is the best way to avoid these sorts of injuries and ensure your child’s safety.
Note What’s Happening with Your Car Seat Harness
The harness of your child’s car seat is extremely important. Not only does it offer support, it also keeps your child secure. As such, this strap should never be above an infant’s shoulders. When securing the chest clip, make sure that it is securely fastened at armpit level. It should be tight; if you can put more than one finger under the strap, near the child’s shoulders, you’ll want to tighten it.
Make Use of Child Safety Locks
Most San Francisco car hire vehicles are equipped with child safety locks. Remember to activate these nifty safety features before you embark on a trip in your vehicle. This will prevent inquisitive children from accidentally opening a car door when the vehicle is in motion.
Driving safely with children is a top priority for any parent. If you have questions concerning your car seat and our fleet of San Francisco car hire vehicles, please don’t hesitate to ask one of our rental experts for assistance. Our team of knowledgeable rental agents are always happy to help.
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