• With a clever convertible design you can make the most out of your car seat. A convertible seat can be rear-facing when your baby/toddler is younger and front-facing as your child gets older.

• Your toddler will need to travel in the rear-facing position until 2 years old - the AAP advises parents to keep their babies/toddlers in rear-facing car seats until age 2, or until they reach the maximum height and weight for their seat. A rear-facing child safety seat does a better job of supporting the head, neck and spine of infants and toddlers in a crash, because it distributes the force of the collision over the entire body.

• When the car seat is in the rear-facing position and you would like to see your toddler's face, use a special baby mirror and install it on the back of the car seat. Not only will you be able to see how your toddler is doing, but your toddler will be entertained by her own image!

• Choose a seat which has the five-point harness system. This means that it has straps for the thighs, two over the shoulder straps, and a crotch strap.

• Always pay attention to the height and weight limits of a seat before you buy it.

• If your rear-facing seat has several slots for the harness make sure that the harness is in the slot below or level with your baby's shoulders.

• Never let an older child buckle in your baby. To ensure it's safe every time, a parent needs to do this.

• Remember to use a rear-facing seat designed for an toddler -  you can then move onto a convertible seat for a preschooler taking note of its height and weight limits and after this you can use a booster seat. It also advises that most children will need to ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until they have reached 4 feet 9 inches tall and are between 8 and 12 years of age.

• After purchasing a new seat, always read the owners manual and the accompanying instructions BEFORE installing. Make sure you follow all the steps.

• Allow at least 30 minutes to correctly install a car seat. Grab a friend to help out or use a car seat installing service (some fire departments or hospitals provide a free service)

• After installing the car seat check that it's securely in place by pushing it hard. It shouldn't move more than 1 inch in any direction. If it does you'll need to re-adjust and check it again.

• It's a good idea to check the seat whenever your child is using it. It only takes a few seconds and considering it's your toddler's safety at risk it's time well spent.

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