In the U.S., it is not recommended that you install a second car seat in your home. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping your children in one car seat until they are at least 12-months old or until they reach a height and weight equal to the weight and height limits for their car seat type. Once your child reaches this threshold, keep them in that car seat for as long as it will safely fit them.
If you have multiple kids who like to travel, plan on taking trips frequently, or regularly babysit other family members, then installing a second car seat may make sense. However, if you have just one child and take no trips outside of town, or your child doesn’t travel with you often, then installing a second car seat probably won’t benefit you either.
How many cars do you have? Imagine if every time you drove somewhere else with just one person – how much hassle would it be? Thats why having two seats is better than just one when possible And yes! A second carseat can actually be safer than the first! Here’s whyג€¦
The Safest Car Seat is the One You Already Have
If you already have a car seat installed, then it is generally safe to keep using the same one. If you are currently using a rear-facing car seat and your child is old enough, they can remain in that rear-facing car seat until they outgrow it. The AAP recommends keeping your children in their rear-facing car seats until they reach either the maximum height or weight limits for the age/height of their current car seat. They then recommend switching to a forward facing restraint or convertible restraints when your child reaches those milestones.
So, why install another car seat if you already have one? There are some cases where installing another car seat may be beneficial. For example, if you have multiple children and will be taking frequent trips with them, then installing a second one may reduce the total number of trips required for travel (since only 2 carseats need to be purchased) and help you save on baggage fees.
The Second-Most-Safe Car Seat Is the One in Which You’re Always Traveling
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A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that almost one-third of children who were killed in car accidents were riding in an improperly installed or used car seat. If you’re always traveling with a carseat, then you’ll know how to install it properly and how to make sure your child is safe!
The most important thing about installing a second car seat is making sure you have it installed correctly. When installing a second car seat, make sure that you feed the straps through the back of the seat belt slots, not out from the top or sides. This will keep your kid extra safe. The most important thing to remember is that when using a second car seat, make sure that you always use the anchors and tethers provided with your child’s carseat.
The Third-Most-Safe Car Seat Is the One in Which You Take Longer Trips Only Sometimes
One car seat will be most safe for your child. Just make sure that your child is in the car seat for as long as it will safely fit them. If you have multiple kids, then install a second car seat that is safe for the type of trips you take. This may not be the safest for every single trip but it will be the safest option for a majority of your trips.
If you are only replacing one car seat, then choose one that has good reviews and is rated highly on safety.
If you have a third-row or extended cab vehicle, installing a second car seat may actually be safer than having just one in those scenarios because it creates more air space around the children in the backseat and ensures they can breathe better and stay cooler during long trips.
When it comes to installing two car seats, remember to do so carefully, by following all manufacturers’ installation guidelines!
A Second Carseat Isn’t Worth the Safety Risk
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends installing a carseat with a five-point harness only if it will fit your child, or if you want to keep them rear-facing for as long as possible. The typical five-point harness takes up less space than the seatbelt, which can cause entrapment and injury.
A few other risks that come with using two carseats in one vehicle are:
1. Your car could be smaller than the recommended weight limit for either seat, which would leave your child without enough room to safely occupy his or her seat.
2. The second seat could interfere with the operation of the first seat’s safety belts (if they’re not secured) and make it difficult to buckle your child in properly.
Why a Second Car Seat Isn’t Always Dangerous Either
A second car seat can actually be safer than the first! Here’s whyג€¦
#1: It’s easier to keep a toddler safe
Some kids like to look out the window, and sometimes they may fall out of their seat. The second carseat is more easily accessible, so there’s less chance of your child falling. That means less risk of injury in the event of a fall.
#2: Is it harder to get an older child in and out of the first car seat? The first car seat will often have higher weight requirements because it’s designed for a heavier child or adult. If you’ve got a little one who doesn’t want to sit still, then installing the second seat can help prevent you from having to lift them up into their seat every time you want them in it.
#3: A second car seat can make driving with your older child easier
If you drive with your older child often, then buying another carseat is justifiable – especially if getting in and out of their current car seat is difficult for you or for them. Kids are more likely to stay seated when riding in a comfortable place like their own carseat, versus traveling on bumpy roads standing up in a carrier.
Install a 3rd Row of Seats Instead
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If you have enough room in your car, you should install the seats so they are like they are now – two seats. If you have to purchase new seats or make them bigger to fit, this can add up to a lot of money. And it’s not always worth it when there are cheaper alternatives.
Install a 3rd row of seats instead of adding a second car seat. When you do this, it will be easier for you to keep your child safe and comfortable on long trips with more passengers! Your child won’t have to share a carseat that is too small for them and they can sit in their own seat without the risk of hitting their head on something or getting squeezed between the people sitting next to them. In addition, when installing three rows of seats, you also get more trunk space for luggage and cargo. An added benefit: More than one child can sit in the backseat without fighting over who gets the middle seat! All in all, installing a third row of seats is safer and less expensive than adding a second car seat.
FAQ’s
When is it recommended that you install a second car seat in your home?
It really depends on where you live and what kind of trips you take. It can be dangerous to leave an unsecured child in a car seat (even one that’s properly buckled), so this isn’t always necessary. But if you’re driving for a long time, or going for a hot car seat, installing a second one may be necessary.
The AAP recommends using a car seat until your child:
– is at least 12 months old (at least 20 pounds)
– reaches the weight and height limits for their car seat
– when your child can sit upright without support
How long should a child remain in their car seat once they reach the weight and height limits?
In the US, pediatricians usually don’t recommend buying a second car seat for home use, although some families may choose to do so.
Although it’s safe to install a second child car seat in your home until baby reaches 12 months or is at the weight and height limits of their seat, it is not always necessary. Even if you don’t have another child in your house, the first car seat is still available in case of an accident or other emergency. Also, children may not be able to make use of another car seat if they are used to sitting in one that is nearby.
It may be physically possible for a child to fit into both a forward-facing or booster seat as well as their own car seat. It may also be physically possible for them to sit in both seats at the same time. However, it is never recommended that they ride with someone else in the back seat. This puts them at greater risk of injury due to the way that vehicle seats are designed. The safety belt around the adult’s body can only protect one person from a frontal impact; any occupants in the back must wear their own seat belts separately.
If you have multiple kids who like to travel, how often should you take trips?
If you have multiple kids who like to travel, plan on taking trips frequently, or regularly babysit other family members, then installing a second car seat may make sense. However, if you don’t plan on making frequent trips or dealing with extended family on a regular basis, you can save money and avoid the extra inconvenience by installing a seat belt instead.
You might also want a second car seat for when you have more than one child travelling in the same vehicle. If a child falls asleep in the backseat, you may need to wake them up before reaching your destination safely. Additionally, if someone is sick or injured in the backseat and needs to be transported to an emergency room, you will have more space available to transport them.
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