A car seat is one of the most important purchases you’ll make for your child or children. It’s important that you take the time to choose the right one, their safety is the number one priority. Your child’s car seat helps to protect them while in the car, as well as support their smaller bodies.
Children are required by law to be in a car seat. You want to make sure that it is also comfortable for them. The car seat should fit their current age, weight, and height and also have the ability to adapt to the next stage of your child.
Consider These Things When Buying A Car Seat
When making your decision, there are things you should consider to make sure you’re making the best choice for your child. Depending on the stage your child is in, you’ll want to look at baby and child car seats that are best suited to them. A pro-tip is to test the seat in the car and have the child sit in it before you purchase. Not all stores allow for this, but take advantage of this option where you can. When ordering online, it’s best to read as many reviews as possible. Other things you should consider when buying a car seat are:
1. Has The Car Seat Been Approved?
One thing you definitely want to consider is whether your potential car seat has been approved. This information should be relatively easy to find. Brands will put the approval somewhere on the packaging. If you are unable to find it there, then you can check their website for the information.
You want to choose a car seat that’s been approved as you have more of a guarantee on the quality. This can help you feel more assured that the car seat you’ve purchased has met the necessary safety checks. Car seats fall under two types of regulation, ECE R44 and UNR 129. Look for these when checking for approval on the car seat.
2. What is The Child’s Age and Height?
Based on your child’s age and height, you’ll need to choose the most suitable car seat. Newborns will need a newborn rear-facing seat, toddlers need a front-facing seat that supports their head and gives them more legroom. After that children need a booster seat which they’ll be in until the age of 12.
Some car seats are convertible and can adjust to the needs of your child as they grow. This is the best option for most parents. Going for a multipurpose option is a smart choice as it reduces the cost of having to purchase a new seat for every stage of development.
3. Is it Easy to Install?
Another thing you should consider is how easy the car seat is to install. Your car seat shouldn’t require a rocket scientist to install it in your car. The instructions should be straightforward and easy to follow. As a parent, you’ll have enough going on, you don’t need the added hassle of figuring out how to secure the baby seat.
Most modern seats have tab locks that are easy to locate. Some also have the seat belt latch area that allows for a seat belt to be put through and locked in place.
4. How Long Can it Last?
Something else you want to pay attention to is how long your seat can last. The material, design, and build will tell you how durable your child’s car seat is. Truthfully, no one wants to constantly change car seats. It’s costly and tedious.
Make sure that you’re choosing an option that is easy to clean and doesn’t hold on to stains.
5. How is the Impact Protection?
When checking for the approval rating of the car seat, you should also look into how it handles impact. In the event of a car accident, does it have enough side protection and back padding to protect your child? This is one of the most important characteristics of a good car seat. Test this out when buying.
The makers of children’s car seats consider all of these factors when they manufacture their products. However, no two car seats are made the same. Some pay more attention to a particular area than others. Some go for aesthetic more than function, and then you have the gems that take everything into consideration and deliver on it. Children truly are precious cargo and as such should be protected throughout all aspects of their life. Riding in a vehicle is no different. Make sure that your child is well-supported and protected in their car seat. As they grow, make the necessary adjustments.