You don't need us to explain the importance of a car seat when you are driving with your baby. With various changes made in the manufacturing industry, we understand that it is getting increasingly difficult for you to zero in on the ideal car seat for your child
A child requires a car seat right from the time they exit the hospital to the time they are grown enough to sit on an adult seat. So, what is it that you need to know when buying a car seat for your dearly beloved? Here are some points worth keeping in mind
1 -Know the rules
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines is your rulebook. AAP knows what they are talking and referring to their rules would be the best of option. Some of their critical guidelines include:
- lt is vital to replace any damaged car seat with immediate effect
- All children, until the age of 13, should ride in the backseat.
- Ensure to check the expiration date of the car seat without fail.
- Be mindful not to use a recalled car seat. Check the Child Seat Recall list for information on recalled car seats.
2 Know the types of car seats
lnfant car seats
It is mandatory for all car seats to be rear-facing, at least up until the age of 2.
The best thing about an infant seat is that they have a detachable base letting you use the carrier separately.
However, since the seats are always rear facing, your child will grow out of the car seat soon.
Convertible Car Seats
These car seats are one of the most cost-effective car seats in the market. They can be used both as an infant car seat, and you can turn the seat around once they are old enough not to be seated in a rear seat.
These seats, however, does not serve as a carrier for the babies. Also, these carriers are bigger for smaller infants and experts do not recommend them for safety purposes.
Booster Seats
Booster seats lift your child so that you may use the car's seat belt to secure them. It is ideal to use this car seat when your baby exceeds the size limits of a front-facing harness seat.
Two of the types of booster seats are:
Backless boosters
These seats are cheaper and lightweight; making it portable. However, these seats do not position the seat belt of the car as secure as it has to be
High back seats
These seats provide side impact protection and a place for your child to rest their head
All-in-One Car Seats
These sets are the best money saving option for a car seat. A single car seat will work well from infancy to the booster seat. However, not all manufacturers of these seats can design and make them as secure as they need to be.
Also, these seats are bulky and may not fit into many small cars. The seat will also not work as a carrier. We also have a list of some of the best car seats available in the market currently:
- Britax a-Safe 35 Ultra
- Chicco Fit2
- Chicco KeyFit 30
- Peg Perego PV 4/35