Car seats have had decades of development and changes to become the champions of safety that they are today. However, parents quickly become confused when trying to pick the right one. This guide will help clear all that up.
Getting started with car seats
The sheer volume of car seat options can be overwhelming to new parents. From the different price ranges, fabrics, colors, special features, and design types, there are potentially thousands of choices. However, which car seat you need depends on your child's size. When setting out to find a car seat, it's important to understand that small infants, for safety, need to be rear facing. In fact, depend on your child's size, it's recommended that they stay in a rear facing seat until they are 3 years old.
Types of Car Seats
Car seats can be divided into three basic types: infant, convertible, and booster. Not all seats are appropriate for your child; you'll need to look closely at the individual seat's weight and height limits.
- Infant. A infant car seat is the most common choice for newborns since it's specifically designed for convenience. All infant car seats snap in and out of a base that is buckled into the car and frequently come with a compatible stroller. However, an infant car seat is rear facing only, and many children can outgrow one by their first birthday.
- Convertible. A convertible car seat can face backwards for infants or forwards for toddlers and preschoolers; thus the name, convertible car seat. Safety experts recommend that a child stay in a convertible car seat as long as possible.
- Booster. A booster seat is for older children who no longer need a car seat, but still need extra height for the seat belt to fit properly. Each state has specific laws for how long a child must use a booster seat, so make sure that you check yours carefully. Additionally, please remember that the lap belt needs to cross your child's lap (not stomach); if it doesn't, then get a different seat.
Common car seat features
Since 2002, all new cars have to be equipped with LATCH, which is suppose to make car seat installation easier. It's important to remember that LATCH isn't safer than installing a car seat with a seat belt. You should use whichever installation feature works best in your car.
- Cup holders. Many car seats come with cup holders. However, these are frequently flimsy, take up extra space in a car, and your toddler's arms won't be long enough to reach the cup.
- Adjustable shoulder straps. It is vital for your car seat's shoulder straps to be properly set; otherwise, your child won't be protected in the event of a crash. Most car seats have straps that you must manually rethread as your child grows. Adjustable shoulder straps are much easier.
- Tightening mechanism. For safety, your shouldn't be able to pinch any fabric on the car seat straps. The tightening mechanism on some car seats is difficult to operate. Test them out in the store and buy the seat with easiest tightening mechanism.
Top names
There is no shortage of car seat manufacturers, and top names include Britax, Evenflo, Graco, Safety 1st, Baby Trend, Chicco, and Eddie Bauer. However, remember that the most important thing is that the car seat fits in your car appropriately.
Car Seat Shopping Tips
- Don't assume that the most expensive seat will be the best.
- Make sure that you can return the seat if it doesn't fit properly in your car.
- Don't buy aftermarket items to put on your car seat. Safety experts recommend against them.
- Don't buy a used car seat. It's impossible to know if the car seat has been in an accident which would weaken it's structural integrity.
- Car seats have expiration dates since the beating sun coming into your car will break down the plastic components. Keep this in mind if you're planning to get a car seat from a family member or friend.
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