Read the car seat manual and meet with a CPST before baby's birth to learn everything you need to know about the proper use and installation of your car seat
Most doctors and nurses are not certified in child passenger safety and their knowledge of car seats can be very limited, outdated or incorrect - be careful with any advice given and bring the car seat manual with you to the hospital or doctor's appointments
If your baby requires a "car seat test" in order to be discharged, arrange for a CPST to be present if possible, or consult with a CPST for instructions on how to conduct the test properly. The car seat test checks baby's vital statistics for about 1.5-2 hours to ensure their breathing, heart rate and oxygen levels remain at a safe level when being transported in the car seat. This test is typically performed on premature infants and those with respiratory issues or other medical concerns.
Aftermarket Accessories
Only use accessories that are included with the car seat and refer to the manual for instructions on their proper use
Never use parts or accessories that are not approved by the car seat manufacturer. Even if they claim to be crash-tested, they do not adhere to the same standards as your car seat
Use vehicle seat protectors with caution - even if the car seat manufacturer approves their use (not all do), seat protectors can interfere with a proper install or allow for mold-causing moisture to get trapped underneath them
All loose items within the vehicle should be kept to a minimum and secured within the vehicle as much as possible
Car seat & vehicle accessories such as mirrors, window shades and tablet holders are also considered projectile risks
Children's toys should be soft and lightweight with no hard/sharp edges
Properly restrain your pets at all times using crash-tested safety harnesses or crates and only in the back seat or trunk/cargo area; animals should never sit in the front seat (if the airbag activates during a crash, the animal can be severely injured or killed)
Always follow car seat manual instructions for cleaning and consult with manufacturer for guidance if necessary - going against these instructions can compromise the overall safety of the car seat
Some seats allow fabrics to be machine-washed, others can only be hand-washed or spot-cleaned; never steam-clean or spray seats down with a garden hose
Some seats allow fabrics to be machine-dried, others can only be hung or laid flat to dry
Never completely soak or submerge the harness in water
Use only mild soap or detergent with no additives such as bleach or OxyClean
Never use household cleaners, disinfectants or stain removers (even "natural" or eco-friendly cleaners contain ingredients not suitable for car seats)
Never use vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, or any other ingestible substance (aside from plain water) commonly used for household cleaning purposes
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