WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO USE A CAR SEAT IN INDIA?

Most Indian parents prefer to place their babies in
their laps rather than invest in car seats. However, experts believe that this is the safest option when travelling with your little ones. In many countries around the world using car seats is mandatory. Though Indian traffic authorities have not made it compulsory, but given the benefits it is a good idea to invest in a car seat to ensure that ensure the safety and security of your little one. This also makes for a comfortable ride, both for you and the baby.


Selecting the right car seat for your baby can be a difficult task with so many different brands available in the market. One great idea would be to first try getting a car seat on rent to try how it goes and then investing in one. One website that offers infant and toddler car seats on rent is www.kinderent.com. You can find a wide range of car seats here. Browsing through their catalogue, you can find a seat that seems perfect and get it delivered at your door steps.

What the Statistics Prove?

 As per the Global Status Report on road safety, India has one of the highest road
accidents in a given year. Statistics prove that 16 children die on an average in road
accidents every day. The metropolitan and cosmopolitan cities are the most affected
cities with Delhi showing the highest rate of accidents per year. This happens more
when you place your child in your lap as it is not possible to strap him up safely.

 Also, the ARAI (Automobile Research Association of India) has submitted detailed
guidelines to the government for updating road safety regulations in India and the new
regulations might come in force as early as 2017.

 Carrying a child on the mother’s lap or holding him while travelling in the car is not a
good idea. Any surprise jerks or bumps can result in the baby getting dislodged from the
arms which could cause serious injuries to the child. With the safety harness of the car
seat in place, you can be assured that your child is well taken care of.

  As per the CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention), car seats bring down the
risk of accidents by 71% in case of infants and 54% in case of toddlers.

 These statistics hold true for booster car seats as well. As per the CDC, using a booster
seat can bring down the risk of accidents by 45%.

Why you Need a Car Seat

 Your child should ride in a safety seat with a five-point harness which allows you to
strap his securely to the seat.  This ensures that in case of a hit your child does not suffer
major injuries.

 You need to use a car seat till your child gains up to 20Kgs weight or till his shoulders no
longer fit in the harness straps.

 Most cars in India do have air bags for passengers riding on the back seat. This makes it
all the more essential that you use a car seat for your child while travelling.

All you Need to Know about Car Seats

 Car seats can be easily installed though might need some help initially. A perfectly
installed car seat should be sturdy and should not move once installed. The car seats
offered by Kinderent are accompanied by detailed installation guides, which make it
easy for you to install them.

 You will find that car seats are of various sizes. Depending upon your child’s weight you
need to choose one that is most appropriate.

 Ideally your child should use a booster car seat from the ages of 4 to 8.

 The car seats are extremely comfortable and have an ergonomic design which offers
maximum support to the child, even when he falls asleep during the course of the
journey.

 Since babies tend to grow up fast, they outgrow a car seat quite soon. This is one of the
main reasons why people prefer to rent a car seat. With www.kinderent.com at your
service you can save a lot of money by renting one. All Kinderent products are of
impeccable quality and have been tested. Regular checks are conducted on the products
to ensure their safety.

 The car seat supports the natural posture of the baby which is not possible when he is
held in the lap.

 A car seats harness is specially designed to keep the baby safe and fully secure. Though
you might think that your baby is safest in your arms, this is not true. In case of a hit or
an accident, you might not be able to offer the security that a harness belt can.

 Car seats are best used in the rear seat of a car. Infant car seats should never be placed
on the front seat. However, in case you need to seat your toddler in front, make sure that
the air bag on the passenger’s side is disabled.

 Car seats are adjustable. So you can alter them as your child grows in height and weight
to ensure complete comfort.

Car seats are the best way to ensure the safety and security of your child. So, make sure that you
do not compromise on the quality of a car seat.

References:

1. www.data.gov.in

2. www.cdc.gov

3. www.who.int

4. www.ncrb.gov.in

PLANING A BABY? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Raising children is an expensive feat in any country. From Planing a baby to Delivery and from Delivery to Toddler-hood. Baby's can take up significant amount of time and mind share. You should ideally save up enough for your baby before your delivery so as to avoid any surprises later on. 

No doubt having a baby is the most beautiful experience for any mother. You can make it more joyous with proper planning. Right from the time of the delivery, your expenses will shoot up. If you are a working mother, then you would have to factor in wages lost due to unemployment unless of course, the organisation you work for grants liberal maternity leave.

Before Delivery:

1. The first thing to consider is to shortlist a hospital where you plan to have your delivery. 

2. Check the status of your insurance and run through the facilities that the Insurance agency covers for you.

3. Mothers nowadays are also choosing the kind of procedure ; Normal Delivery or a Cesarean.   

4. Discuss with your doctor the possibilities on the basis of any past delivery, recovery and convenience

5. Once your special date is near, ensure that your hospital bag is ready. You should have your ID and health insurance card inside the hospital bag. Add a nightgown, slippers, medication (if you are currently taking any), toiletries, your cell phone and charger, a few snacks, and finally some loose fitting clothes to wear while coming home. You can also add any other stuff such as favourite picture or a music player, anything that helps you in relaxing.  

6. The most important aspect soon after delivery is nursing your child. Hospital these days have a Lactation expert to assist new mothers or experienced mothers with feeding.

7. Banking the stem cells is another big decision that parents should ponder on. These new innovations promise significantly advanced treatments for organ regeneration and fighting life threatening conditions in future
8. You should also have your Nursery  ready before you bring the little angle home. Please refer to our 'Baby gear needs' tree. Smart parents are now choosing cost effective baby gear rental options available through various online portals.These come with door step delivery and tested quality. Try www.kinderent.com 

After Delivery:

Bringing home your little bundle of joy is an exciting experience. Do give a thought to details like, 

- Where will the child sleep? Do you need a bassinet/ baby cot or will you use your own bed

- Do you need a breast pump? There are many international brands available

- Do you need a car-seat and a stroller? Car-seats are must haves in many first world countries due to obvious benefits and safety features

If you choose to add a feeding bottle for night time convenience, a Bottle sterilizer is must have. Children are susceptible to infections and getting a bottle sterilizer is a must for every new parent.

You will also need a huge stock of diapers initially so it is a good idea to purchase them in bulk. Usually a size XS or 'Newborn ' fits well for an Indian babies. Also buy a diaper rash cream to prevent rashes. For the baby’s bath, you would require a baby bath tub. Most baby bath tubs come with special anti-skid inside linings that are smooth and do not cause any harm to your loved one. Follow all precautions while handling your baby in bath, crib/ Bassinet , car-seat and stroller. 

For Mothers

Young mothers need a balanced diet for quick recovery. Drink plenty of water and fluids. Resist the urge to diet even though you would want to shed off the excess weight and return to your earlier self as quickly as possible. Very often, young mothers tend to neglect their diets because their time is occupied with the baby. Fill your breakfast with proteins. Whole wheat grain breads, eggs are a must. Young mothers should also try to eat smaller meals throughout the day. This will ensure that you are energized throughout the day and will not feel exhausted. 

Infant to Toddler

An important drain on the budget is setting up the nursery.There are plenty of domestic and international brands available in the market.Choose the one that ensures your child's safety and suits your budget.

If you decide to purchase each and every item such as a crib, Stroller, High chair, Car-seat, Rocker, Baby Swing, baby monitor, other toys, you will easily exceed the budget. However, new parents are now opting for rented baby gear, due to its high quality, flexibility and affordability.

Every child is unique in a special way, they grow and develop at different pace. Thus, the baby gear needs also vary .Parents should exercise the flexibility of renting to meet these needs , without investing too much.

 Kinderent provides high quality baby gear and furniture products that one can choose and rent as per convenience. Please visit www.kinderent.com

References-

www.childbirthconnection.org

www.cdc.gov

www.nhs.uk