The Chevrolet Malibu is one of the most popular full-size family sedans on the road today and it can be the ideal vehicle for your family.
It offers plenty of power with either a 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter engine and front-wheel drive, touchscreen infotainment, and plenty of upgradable features.
Beyond the Chevrolet Malibu’s comfortable interior, it’s a popular choice for families because of its safety features. This is especially true for families with small children. Thanks to the Malibu’s ten standard airbags, host of driver-assist features, childproof locks, and intuitive LATCH system, you’re little one is in great hands.
While your new Chevrolet Malibu was built to keep your family safe, there are some extra steps to ensure all of your passengers enjoy the safest ride possible. Here are some tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on best practices regarding car seats for your most precious cargo.
Use The Correct Car Seat
There are various brands and kinds of car seats out there. Most car seats fall into one of four categories:
- Rear-facing: has the child facing the rear of the vehicle
- Forward-facing: the child faces the front of the vehicle, like a normal seat.
- Booster seat: positions the child so that the car’s seat belt fits properly
- Seat belt: used by children and adults to remain safe in case of a crash
Finding the right car seat means considering your child’s age and size. Car seats are rated for different ages and sizes. You also want to make sure the car seat is a good fit for your vehicle. If possible, test the seat before buying it to ensure it fits correctly.
Face The Back As Long As You Can
While most children grow out of their infant car seats within the first year of their lives, they should stay in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible. Most parents upgrade to a convertible or all-in-one seat as their children grow. These kinds of car seats can change from rear-facing to forward-facing.
Both the NHTSA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend keeping your children rear-facing as long as possible. It might be tempting to turn the seat forward after the child passes his/her first birthday, but waiting is the safer choice. Your car seat should have a guide to help you know when it’s appropriate to turn the car seat around.
Don’t Skip The Booster Seat
After a child grows enough to no longer fit into a forward-facing car seat, it’s time to move towards a booster seat. For most children, this may be around the age of five, but it varies depending on your child’s height and weight.
Booster seats work by raising the passenger’s torso to ensure the seat belt crosses the child’s chest in the appropriate location. If the seat belt crosses too high, as it would without the booster seat, it is less effective in an accident.
Many children will want to graduate out of their booster seats early, but the leading recommendation is to wait until the kid is at least four feet and nine inches tall.
When In Doubt, Follow The Experts
Since medical and safety advice evolves as practitioners gain knowledge, it’s critical to listen to the experts in regards to proper car seat usage. Your parents and grandparents may have different opinions on what is correct, but it’s wise to stick to the most modern advice.
Luckily, the new Chevrolet Malibu makes it easy to connect your car seat, regardless of your child’s stage of life. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions and always drive safely.
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