Important Info on using Britax Roundabout

Now that you've got the Britax Roundabout car seat that you've been researching for awhile. What's next? As you know, the most important thing to remember regarding car seat safety is proper installation. Always and I say always check the manual to get familiar with it. Yeah, I know sometimes you'll think that its easy as 1-2-3. But, of course, its always good to consult the manual. Don't be a "know it all". This isn't any other "stuff" that you buy and play with. You can't afford to get it wrong.

Below are some important information that you should keep in mind for your child's safety on your new Britax Roundabout. Note that this was taken from the manual but new information can change and might be added by Britax depending on the time you've read this article. So, I would suggest that you look at the manual that come with your purchase. I'm just reprinting some of the important information here to help out disseminate such a very important information that every parent should know before using their Britax car seat.

1. Use only with children who weigh between 5 and 40 pounds (2.3 and 18.1 kg.) and whose height is 40 inches (101.6 cm.) or less. Use rear-facing for children 5 - 35 pounds (2.3 - 15.9 kg.) and forward-facing 20 - 40 pounds (9.1 - 18.1 kg.).

2. Adjust the belts provided with this child seat so they fit snugly around your child. A snug strap should not allow any slack. It lies in a relatively straight line without sagging. It does not press on the child’s flesh or push the child’s body into an unnatural position.

3. Secure the top tether strap provided with this child seat.

4. Secure this child seat with vehicle’s child seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system if available or with a vehicle belt.

5. Follow all instructions on this child seat and in the written instructions.

6. Register your child seat with the manufacturer, Britax Child Safety, Inc. by visiting www.BritaxUSA.com/registration, or fill out the registration card that was shipped with this child seat.

7. To prevent injury due to deterioration or hidden damage, discontinue use of a child seat that is older than six years or has been in a moderate or severe crash. See date of manufacture located on child seat.

8. This child seat must not be used in the home, in boats, or in other non-certified applications.

9. Based on crash statistics, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that parents select the back seat as the safest location for a properly installed child seat. Please study the Vehicle Safety Belts section in this booklet to ensure your child’s safety and consult your vehicle owner’s manual.

10. Secure this child seat even when it is not occupied. In a crash, an unsecured child seat may injure vehicle occupants.

11. When using in a vehicle with air bags, refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for child seat installation instructions and precautions. Never use adjuster strap to lift or carry this child seat. Doing so could cause damage to harness adjuster and webbing. Always carry this child seat by its shell or tether straps.

12. The primary protection for vehicle occupants in a collision is the body of the vehicle itself; a child seat will not protect a child when a vehicle is seriously impacted. However, correctly installed, a child seat will substantially improve the chances for survival in most crashes. Make sure all users fully understand the correct ways to use this child seat in a vehicle.

Sometimes you might think that there's too much information you have to keep in mind. I would suggest that you don't overthink. Just use your common sense and follow what the manufacturer recommends. If you're not confident at all if you're doing the installation properly, have it checked by your local police. They'd usually help out. Better, if there are car seat clinics happening near your area. Check the schedule and additional information from your country's safety agency.