Gone are those days, when car seats for babies were not compulsory!
According to federal child safety act, parents need to add baby car seat in their cars. Child seats ensure the safety and security of the kids. Baby car seats are no more a luxury. Every parent needs to attach car seats. If poor finance is an issue for you, then you can take help from Medicaid.
Medicaid helps needy individuals and families in having baby car seats for free. It’s one of the most trusted and verified organizations involved with helping and supporting low-income people. Any pregnant woman or parent can learn – how to get a free car seat through Medicaid with ease. You need to prove your eligibility and send a request. Access the free baby seat program.
Medicaid will provide your car seats for free. Follow an installation guideline for convenient setting in your car. An incorrect sitting arrangement may cause internal injuries to the baby’s spine and backbone. Learn how to install a rear-facing baby car seat or a front-facing baby car seat in simple steps.
How to install a rear-facing baby car seat?
A rear-facing car seat is best for one year or below the aged child. You must seat your baby facing rearward for six months. Rear-facing seats are safe against jerks and accidents. It provides support to the spinal cord and neck bone. You can turn the baby in the front position until they are four years old.
Let’s provide you a step-by-step guideline to install the rear-facing baby seat, received from Medicaid for free.
Step 1 – Discard the top-tether anchor point that comes with the baby seat. It will look like a big bolt. You do not have to do the same with old cars. An old car will have in it.
Step 2 – Choose the correct side of the car for installation. The safest side is the passenger side, but if you are adding baby seats for multiple children, then this advice is a moot anyway.
Step 3 – Set the base at the rear of the child seat. It will provide the correct angle for seating your child. There’s likely to be decals at both ends. You can use it as a guide.
Step 4 – Set the seat firmly against the car backrest after removing the stabilizer bar from the front. In this way, you can set the child seat into position in the car.
Step 5 – Pull out the ISOFIX buckles. ISOFIX buckles are like small seatbelts which are fixed on either side of your car’s seat. You may be able to find the ISOFIX logo behind the seat fabric, right where the seatback meets the base. If you do not see any ISOFIX, opt for less secured seatbelt or top tether fitment.
Step 6 – Lock the ISOFIX buckles on either side of the straps. Be careful of any twist on the buckle strap.
Step 7 – When you tighten the ISOFIX buckle in the right way, a green line will show up.
Step 8 – Take out the tether strap from the child seat. Extend the strap to its maximum length.
Step 9 – Tighten the tether strap around the headrest. Lift the headrest and tie it within or around, ensuring that it is positioned in the accurate direction. Some of the cars have their tether point on the parcel shelf or ceiling, look into the car manual to find the tether point. You will hear a tuck sound when it is correctly installed.
Step 10 – Pull the tether strap in a straight line without any slack or twist. Tighten it around headrests. Make sure the belt has minimal turns. Keep the strap straight and secure always.
Step 11 – Once the baby is in the seat, and you are done with the seat belt, do not forget to match the tether strap on another side. Tighten it with the clamp.
Step 12 – Finally, you need to make sure that the front seat is not pushed back far enough. It will put pressure on the child seat.
How to install a front-facing car seat?
A front-facing car seat is suitable for children aged 1-4 years. Seat your child in the forward direction, once they learn to manage their body weight. Turn your child from rearward to forward position. Not based on their age, rather than their growth and size. Every child grows at a different age. It is essential to progress towards different seating stages based on their individual growth. Do not just move to the next step.
Let’s provide you a clear guideline on the installation of the front-facing baby seat.
Step 1 – Place the car seat against the car seat’s backrest. Keep the base and stabilizer bar of the child’s seat in a folded position.
Step 2 – From the child seat, take out the tether strap and extend it to the maximum length.
Step 3 – Repeat the 9th step for rear-facing baby seat installation. Take the headrest up and tug the tether strap around or within the headrest posts to the tether point. You can find the tether point behind the seat
Step 4 – Pull the loose end of the top-tether strap. Keep it tight and secure. Remove the slack from either side of the belt. It’s mostly in front of the back seat. Be sure; there should not be any twists in the straps. Do not make it too tight, or the child seat will lift off the base of the car seat. You should probably have to try this couple of times.
Step 5 – Find the ISOFIX straps of the child car seat. Lock it into the correct points.
ISOFIX straps are normal seat-belts attached to the baby car seat. ISOFIX points lie just between the base and backrest of your car seat. You can identify it quickly.
Step 6 – Insert the ISOFIX straps to the ISOFIX point. It will secure the seat tightly to the car. A green line will appear. Use your body strength to push the chair in place. Make sure the seat is tight enough.
The above-mentioned instruction is simple guidelines for first-timers. For installation of Medicaid car seat, you can ask professionals help. It will cost an additional charge. Better do the installation on your own. The step-by-step guide will be a big help.
Choosing a Car Seat for Babies – Things to Keep in Mind!
Child-car seats are available in various design and choices. You need to keep certain things in mind for the safety of the child. Avoid chances of any misfortune by taking proper care. Here’s a simple guide to help you –
- Consider a car seat based on baby’s age, weight and height
- Know whether the car seat meets all safety standards
- Measure the back seat of your car to know how much room is for a car seat.
- Choose a rear-facing or front-facing seats based on your choice. Or, you can pick a convertible one that will grow with your child.
- If you want an infant car seat at low-cost; consider ordering a car seat stroller.
- Choose a tested, verified, and certified child care car seat. Make sure your car seat is approved for the current industry standards
- Focus on the harness, (two shoulder straps, two waist straps, and one strap between the legs that meet in the middle), side-impact protection (extra foam or air pads at the side of baby’s head), and compatibility with the LATCH system.
- Select an easy to clean child seat
- Opt one with all installation diagram and texts
Bottom Line
If you are thinking – “how to get a free car seat from Medicaid”? Visit the site directly. Medicaid tries to reach the maximum number of needy people. You can find the application details online. Speak with the experts through the phone. Having a child seat is not a luxury; it’s a necessity!!
You may also like – Free Cars for Low-Income Families
