Protecting Our Precious Little Ones :: New Technology from Britax

0

Confession. On more than one occasion, I’ve been unsure if I’ve secured my daughter into her car seat properly. I’ve tightened and pulled and shrugged, all the while praying nothing bad happens as I drive from point A to point B. Fortunately nothing has – yet. But the sad fact is, the more you drive, the more your likelihood for getting into an accident increases. (Funny how that works, no?)

As I was beginning to seriously consider how to remedy this situation, I received an opportune invite, courtesy of City Moms Blog Network. Because September is National Child Passenger Safety Month, CMBN would be partnering with Britax to spread the word about safety. Would I be interested in joining a group of moms and representatives from Britax to learn about car seat safety and receive a complimentary Britax Advocate ClickTight Convertible Car Seat? Resounding yes, please. The installation doubts I’d had plus the fact that my 8-month old was pushing 25 pounds and 30 inches were telling me the time to consider a new seat was here. And ever since purchasing and falling for the BOB stroller,* Britax was on my list of car seat companies to consider. This invite could not have come at a better time for us.

Now, I don’t know about you but when I’m about to purchase an item I intend to rely on for years to come, I dig into the company a bit. How enlightening this turned out to be.

Perhaps the most pleasant revelation about Britax – aside from the proper pronunciation of the company’s name being “breh-taxh” – is that they began making automotive safety equipment in 1938. That’s more than 75 years of experience in keeping people of all ages safe on the road. Britax straight up invented the inertia reel seat belt. (You know, the one that locks when you slam on the brakes?) They ventured into child safety seats in the 1970s and haven’t looked back since. In fact, not only did they also co-invent the LATCH system, they also waved all patent rights and “dedicated the patents to the public good” in order for the technology to be adopted in the US. How’s that for tickling the safety senses? Uncovering these fun facts was the perfect primer for my day with Britax and co. I was ready for car seat schooling.

7With some scary and sobering statistics, the Britax rep helped us understand the reasons why we should be diligent about car seat safety. According to our rep, nearly 75% of car seats are improperly installed. And if the seat isn’t secured as it should be, it simply cannot be counted on to do what it is meant to do the event of an accident. The solution? Simple, easy to understand instruction and effortless install. The Britax Advocate attaches the old-fashioned way – with the seat belt – through 3the bottom of the seat. The seat then “clicks” back into place atop the belt. In goes the child, the buckles snap shut, and the safety harness is pulled and “clicks” so you know it’s tight enough. A swift check of the straps and another pull on the tether allows you to take the wheel with confidence.

Our rep described the safety features in detailed yet plain English. For starters, the base is made from solid steel. Next, layers of foam padding – similar to that used in skull-sheltering motorcycle helmets – line the base to provide impact absorption and cushion. Proper positioning guidelines ensure your child is where she is meant to be for her weight and height. A removable safeguard called the Anti-Rebound Bar (for rear-facing positions only) helps to stabilize the seat, reducing the distance the seat (and your child) will move in a collision. What’s more, the Advocate can grow with your child from 5 pounds, all the way up to 65 pounds before it expires, making it quite the bang for your buck.

10The safety of my child is paramount (as I’m sure it is with you!) and I can’t deny the peace of mind afforded by the combined safety features of this seat: the steel base, reinforced foam padding, and side-impact protection. Did I receive a complimentary car seat prior to this post? Yes, I did. But to be honest, what really drew me in was the opportunity to be with the Britax reps, ask questions and finally SEE for myself how to install my seat correctly. And of course, to share it all with you. So do yourself a favor. This coming week is Child Passenger Safety Week. Take a moment and check the security of your car seat(s).

*Fun fact: BOB and Britax are the same company!


**As stated above, I received a Britax Advocate ClickTight Convertible Car Seat in order to write this post. All of the opinions shared within are 100% sincere and my own. 

In-Article Ad