Jeff Lupient: How to Buy a Good Car Seat Online

Jeff Lupient: Tips for Buying a Car Seat Online

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There are a couple of tips to keep in mind when buying a car seat online, notes Jeff Lupient. Online shopping is a good option to avoid crowded areas, but it is important to follow a few guidelines to ensure you get a car seat that meets federal safety guidelines.

When buying a car seat, make sure it fits in your car and can be installed properly every time. It is also important to check the height and weight limit of the car seat to ensure you get one that is appropriate for your child, adds Jeff Lupient.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has developed several resources to help you determine which type of car seat to use. Also, it gives you the option to compare different types of car seats. Once you know which kind of car seat to buy, you must get one that meets federal guidelines. When purchasing online, it can be very difficult to determine if you are getting a car seat from a third party. If you don't know what to look for, you may end up getting a counterfeit seat.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when buying a car seat online:

• Buy the car seat directly from the manufacturer so you can be sure the seat is not a knockoff or counterfeit seat.

• Be careful when buying seats on Amazon or other sites that allow third parties to sell seats. Many counterfeit seats are unsafe as they do not meet the federal safety guidelines.

• Even if the car seat looks the same as the original, it may not have met safety standards.

• Be careful with deals that seem too good to be true or car seats that are very cheap.

.. • Check the American Academy of Pediatrics to see if the car seat brand is listed on their website. All car seats that are listed on the website meet federal safety guidelines.

• When buying from a retailer, make sure it is a reputable retailer that sells seats directly from manufacturers.

• Check to make sure they have a return policy.

• Never buy a used or secondhand car seat from social media. Jeff Lupient does not recommend buying a used seat because you do not know the history of the seat. If the seat has been involved in an accident or is missing any of the safety features, it is not safe to use.

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It is the primary duty of parents to make sure their child is safe and healthy at all times. Buying a car seat is one of the many important decisions you must make to ensure your child's safety, adds Jeff Lupient.

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Jeffrey Lupient: Should You Consider Used Car Seats?

 

Jeffrey Lupient Shares His Insights on Used Car Seats

A car seat or booster seat is specially designed for the safety of infants and children when traveling in a vehicle. The primary purpose of these seats is to protect their occupants in the event of a car crash or sudden stop, as regular seat belts are not designed to fit children properly, mentions Jeffrey Lupient. As most brand-new car seats come with hefty prices, should you settle for a used one?

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There's no doubt that a used car seat can help save you money. However, there are a few things you need to consider before skipping a brand-new unit. Consider the history of the car seat. According to Jeffrey Lupient, if a used car seat is in good condition, has never been involved in a car accident, and has all its parts and labels, it can still provide a reasonable level of safety. However, if the seat is damaged, has missing parts, or is expired, it may not offer the same level of protection. Check if the manufacturer has recalled the car seat. If it has, find out if the necessary repairs or updates have been made.
Ensure that the car seat comes with its original instruction manual and is within the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Check for labels that indicate the seat meets federal safety standards, reminds Jeffrey Lupient. Proper installation is crucial for a car seat to be effective. Make sure you can install the used car seat securely in your vehicle. Consider consulting with a certified to help with the installation.

 

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While it is possible to use a secondhand car seat safely, it's essential to exercise caution and thoroughly inspect the seat before use, shares Jeffrey Lupient. If you have any doubts about the history or condition of a used car seat, or if it doesn't meet current safety standards, it might be safer to invest in a new one. Additionally, always register the car seat with the manufacturer so that you can be notified in case of any recalls or safety issues.

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Jeff Lupient: The Advantages of a Rear-Facing Car Seat

 

 

Jeff Lupient on How a Rear-Facing Car Seat Can Be Helpful

When it comes to ensuring the safety of infants and toddlers during car rides, rear-facing car seats are the preferred choice for many parents and caregivers. These seats are designed to provide the highest level of protection for young children, and safety authorities like the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend their use. Jeff Lupient discusses the advantages of using rear-facing car seats. 

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Superior protection for young bodies

The primary advantage of rear-facing car seats is the enhanced protection they offer to young children in the event of a crash. Infants and toddlers have developing necks and spines, which are highly vulnerable to injury. In a rear-facing position, the car seat cradles the child's entire body, distributing the force of a collision more evenly, significantly lessening the risk of head, neck, and spine injuries.

Minimizes the impact of forward motion

In a front-facing car seat, a child's body moves forward during a collision, exerting tremendous force on their delicate neck and spine. According to Jeff Lupient, rear-facing car seats are designed to minimize this forward movement, providing an added layer of safety that can prevent severe injuries.

Suitable for infants and toddlers

Rear-facing car seats are specifically designed to accommodate infants and young children, providing them with a snug and secure fit. These seats have adjustable harnesses, headrests, and additional padding to ensure a comfortable and safe ride.

Extended use

Many rear-facing car seats are convertible, meaning they can be used in both the rear-facing and front-facing positions. This versatility allows children to remain in the safer rear-facing position for an extended period, often until they go beyond the maximum height or weight specified by the car seat manufacturer. This extended use promotes safety and is recommended by safety advocates like Jeff Lupient.

Supports safer sleep

Many rear-facing car seats are designed to recline at the proper angle to support a child's airway and reduce the risk of positional asphyxia. According to Jeff Lupient, this is particularly important for infants who may fall asleep during car rides.

Easy installation

Modern rear-facing car seats are designed with user-friendly features for quick and secure installation in various types of vehicles. It makes it easier for caregivers to ensure their child's safety during every trip.

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The advantages of rear-facing car seats are clear, with their unmatched safety features designed to protect infants and toddlers during car journeys. As responsible caregivers, it's essential to prioritize these advantages by adhering to safety guidelines and using rear-facing car seats for as long as possible to ensure the well-being of our youngest passengers. Jeff Lupient and safety experts continue to emphasize the importance of this safe and sound practice in child transportation.

Jeff Lupient shares more tips and advice on choosing the right car seat for your children in his blogs. Follow this page for updates. 

Jeff Lupient: How to Fix Car Seat Safety Mistakes

 

Jeff Lupient: Four Car Seat Mistakes to Avoid

Car seats are complicated, says Jeff Lupient. That's why it's unsurprising that almost half of all car seats are used or installed incorrectly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Of course, we don't want to put our kids in danger intentionally. As parents, our children's safety is our top priority, especially in the car, where crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for children. The good news is that while car seat mistakes are quite common, there are many things we can do to keep our kids safe in the car.

Jeff Lupient rounds up expert tips on common car seat safety mistakes and how to prevent them.

The Car Seat is Too Loose

Jeff Lupient notes that car seat installation mistakes are very common. The car seat is often not securely attached to the vehicle or installed properly.

The Solution: Ensure the car seat is securely installed by confirming that it moves less than an inch in any direction when checked at the belt path.     The Chest Clip is Too Low or Too High

Harnessing mistakes are also common, Jeff Lupient says. Details matter about the overall adjustments of harness straps, the tightness of the straps, and the crotch buckle, as well as the chest clip placement, if your car seat has one. All these details must be spot-on for your car seat to properly protect your child in a crash.

The Solution: Place the chest clip at the top of your kid's armpits. It ensures that the shoulder straps will remain firmly planted on the top of your kid's shoulders.

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Moving Forward-Facing Too Soon

Another common mistake parents make is moving their child to the next stage of a car seat too soon, Jeff Lupient points out. It puts a child at risk, so parents are encouraged to take this slow. 

The Solution: Keep your child's car seat rear-facing until they have reached the weight or height limit the car seat manual allows.

Wearing Puffy Coats

A puffy coat may keep your child warm. Still, the extra padding of the coat provides a false sense of tightness—it creates space between your child's body and the harness that allows for movement that could cause life-threatening injury or even death in a crash or collision, notes Jeff Lupient.

The Solution: Buckle your child securely into the seat without additional layers. Use a blanket tucked snugly around their body or hand them their coat to use like a blanket to keep them warm, explains Jeff Lupient. 

 For more discussions on car seat safety, features, and other related topics, follow this Jeff Lupient page.

Jeff Lupient: Are Rear-Facing Car Seats Safer?

 

Jeff Lupient: The Best Position for Your Car Seat

Many parents don't know when it's safe to switch their child's rear-facing car seat to the forward-facing position, notes Jeff Lupient. Expert organizations used to say it's safe to turn your child's car seat around at age 2. However, the recommendations have changed in recent years.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends that children stay rear-facing as long as possible, even after turning 2, and making the switch shouldn't be based on age. The reason? Rear-facing car seats are better at protecting the head, neck, and spine in the event of a car crash.

Rear-facing car seats and convertible seats

According to Jeff Lupient, infants should always be in rear-facing car seats. Two types are safe for young children.

Many parents prefer to start with a rear-facing car seat because they're portable, lightweight, and convenient. Rear-facing car seats come with a base plus a seat that clicks into place, so you can quickly take the seat in and out, explains Jeff Lupient. Infant car seats also have handles that make them easy to carry when your infant is inside.

The downside? Babies tend to outgrow infant car seats well before they're ready to face forward. Most rear-facing car seats have an upper weight limit between 30 and 35 pounds and an upper height limit of 30 to 35 inches. An upgrade is necessary once your infant reaches the maximum height or weight, whichever comes first. The next step is to buy a convertible car seat that can start in a rear-facing position and eventually face forward when your child is much bigger.

Convertible car seats are typically heavy and bulky and are designed to stay put in your car, explains Jeff Lupient. You can't easily carry them around, so many parents choose to start with a lightweight rear-facing infant seat. 

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Still, convertible car seats are safe for infants, notes the AAP. They can be an excellent option for families who'd prefer not to eventually buy another car seat: Convertible seats can be used rear-facing until a child is between 40 and 50 pounds and then can face forward until a child is 65 pounds or more, explains Jeff Lupient.

Why are rear-facing car seats safer for children?

Infants and toddlers have less mature connective tissues and bones at greater risk for serious injury. Rear-facing seats act as a protective cradle — particularly for your child's delicate neck and spinal cord — in a serious accident. They give young children more protection, and age alone isn't enough to determine whether a child is physically developed to sit in a front-facing seat, adds Jeff Lupient. 

For more discussions on car seat safety and features, follow this Jeff Lupient page.

Jeff Lupient Discusses Rear-Facing Child Car Seats

 

Learn About Rear-Facing Car Seats with Jeff Lupient

According to Jeff Lupient, the three types of rear-facing seats are rear-facing only, convertible, and all-in-one. The AAP recommends that all infants ride rear-facing seats starting with their first ride home from the hospital. In addition, all infants and young children have to ride in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible or until they reach the maximum weight and height their car seat manufacturer allows.

Almost all convertible seats have limits. These allow children to ride rear-facing for two years or more. However, as children reach the maximum weight and height or length allowed by the manufacturer for their rear-facing–only seat, they have to continue riding rear-facing seats in a convertible or all-in-one seat.

 

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On that note, here are the three types of rear-facing seats in child car seats.

1. Rear-Facing Only   

Rear-facing seats are meant to be used for and by infants up to 22 to 35 pounds and 26 to 35 inches. It depends on the model. Most models are small and have carrying handles. They also typically come with a base that can be left inside the car. The seat clicks into and out of the base; thus, you don't have to install it each time you use it, explains Jeff Lupient. Parents can buy more than one base if they have additional vehicles.

Some models of rear-facing car seats include load leg or anti-rebound bars, which help absorb the energy of a crash. Load legs decrease forward rotation in the initial phase of a crash. The anti-rebound bars protect children during the second phase of a crash from rearward rotation.  

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2. Convertible   

Convertible car seats can be rear-facing and then converted to forward-facing when children outgrow the weight or height and length limit for rear-facing. This also means your child can use convertible car seats longer, adds Jeff Lupient. 

Convertible seats are bulkier than infant seats. They don't come with carrying handles or separate bases. They are also designed to stay in the car. Many convertible car seats have higher limits in rear-facing weight, up to 40 to 50 pounds. This feature makes convertible seats ideal for babies who are bigger and toddlers.  

3. All-In-One

All-in-one car seats can be used as rear-facing, forward-facing, or belt-positioning boosters. It also means your child may use the seat longer as they grow. This type of car seat is often bigger, so you'll have to check if it fits in the vehicle when facing the rear.

All-in-one car seats don't have a carrying handle or separate base, but like convertible car seats, many models have higher limits in rear-facing weight of up to 40 to 50 pounds, says Jeff Lupient.  

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Jeff Lupient's Tips on Safely Installing Car Seats

 

Jeff Lupient on Ensuring Properly Installed Car Seats

Securing a car seat in your vehicle is critical to ensuring your child's safety. Jeff Lupient shares essential steps and tips to ensure the car seat fits perfectly in your vehicle.

1. Check compatibility. 

Do your research before purchasing a car seat. Look for information in the car seat's user manual or the manufacturer's website to ensure compatibility with your vehicle's make and model. According to Jeff Lupient, some car seats are designed with specific vehicles in mind, so matching them appropriately is crucial. Review your vehicle's owner's manual for instructions and recommendations for child safety restraints and car seat installation. This will give you insights into your car's specific requirements.

3. Seek professional help. 

Jeff Lupient suggests visiting a retailer or child passenger safety inspection station when in doubt. Certified technicians are available to assist you in ensuring the car seat fits your vehicle perfectly and is installed correctly. They can also provide valuable insights and demonstrate the proper installation process.

4. Measure the vehicle. 

Before buying a car seat, take measurements of your vehicle's back seat. Jeff Lupient says paying attention to the width, depth, and spacing between seat belts or LATCH anchors is crucial. Ensure there is ample space for the car seat without any obstructions.

5. Check the angle indicator. 

Most car seats have an angle indicator to help you achieve the correct recline angle. Ensure that your vehicle's seats allow for the proper angle without causing interference with the car seat's installation.

6. Inspect seat belts and LATCH anchor points.
Examine your vehicle's seat belts and LATCH anchor points for functionality. These are critical for securing the car seat correctly. Double-check that there are no damaged or malfunctioning components.

7. Secure the installation. 

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the car seat in your vehicle. Ensure it is secure and does not move more than one inch in any direction when properly installed. Use your body weight to fasten it securely. Check that the car seat fits snugly against the seat, with no visible movement or gaps between the two.

8. Consider rear-facing vs. forward-facing. 

Depending on your child's age and size, you may need to choose between a rear-facing and forward-facing car seat. Jeff Lupient suggests checking if your vehicle can accommodate the type of car seat you require. If you have multiple vehicles, test the car seat's fit in each one. Different car seats may fit better in various vehicles.

Properly installing a car seat will give you peace of mind, knowing that your child is secure and protected while on the road. Remember, the safety of your little one should always be a consideration.

Jeff Lupient will discuss more tips and advice on buying and installing car seats in future articles. Follow this page for updates.

Jeff Lupient: Important Information Regarding Car Seats

Jeff Lupient shares vital information about car seats.

Jeff Lupient: Important Facts About Car Seats

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When driving your car, your most important responsibility is keeping your passengers safe. If you're a parent, odds are your passenger is your child.

Every year, many children get hurt in car crashes. Because of this, it's paramount to use car safety seats properly. However, because so many different seats are available on the market, Jeff Lupient says many parents have difficulty choosing. To help out, he shares some important facts about car seats for children, which could aid parents in choosing the best and safest car seat for them.

On seat belts

If you install a car seat using the car's seat belt, Jeff Lupient says you must ensure the seat belt locks and holds the seat tightly. In a majority of newer cars, you can lock the belt by pulling it all the way out before allowing it to retract. It will keep the seat belt tight around the car safety seat. 

In addition, car safety seats come with built-in lock-offs, which means you can lock the belt, and you don't have to lock the seat belt separately. 

You can check the vehicle owner's manual for details on how your seat belt locks.

On the safest spot in the car for children

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The safest place in a vehicle for children younger than 13 is the back seat, according to Jeff Lupient. If possible, it may be best for the child to ride specifically in the middle of the back seat. That said, installing a car safety seat tightly and securely in the middle is sometimes challenging, especially if the vehicle seat is narrow or uneven. Many vehicles don't have lower anchors for this position.

It is safest and best to put the car seat in a position where you can install it tightly and securely with either the lower anchor system or the seat belt. Jeff Lupient mentions that in some cases, this position may be on one of the back seat's sides, not the middle. Child passenger safety technicians (CPST or CPS technicians) are available to help you decide which place is best to install the seat in your vehicle.

On features that absorb crash energy

There are load legs and anti-rebound bars in rear-facing seats that help absorb the energy of a crash. Load legs decrease forward rotation in the initial phase of a car crash. On the other hand, anti-rebound bars protect the child during the second phase of a car crash from rearward rotation, explains Jeff Lupient.

More discussions and information about car seat installation and safety will be featured on this Jeff Lupient page.