When you are choosing a car seat for your baby, it is vital to understand what to look for. Unfortunately, it can be somewhat confusing trying to find the right car seat to buy, as there are many on the market to choose from. However, understanding what to look for before you shop will help you make an informed, correct decision. Consider the many different factors that come into play when you are looking for the best car seat for your baby and for your needs.
Consider the Type of Car Seat
You’ll want to consider the different types of car seats available for your child. All car seats have both slight and major difference in their shapes, the size of the child that can be in the seat, how they are secured in the vehicle and more. There …show more content…
While these models are more expensive up front, they pay for themselves later on when you do not have to buy any additional equipment for your children.
Choosing the Best Car Seat
Each car seat will have different features that may work well for one family and not as well for another. Understanding what to look for in the beginning will help you make the right decision when you are shopping for a car seat for your child.
Five-Point Harnesses
Most infant and toddler seats come with a five-point harness system that adds the most protection in the event of a car crash. A five-point harness will secure your child across their chest, shoulders and legs and will distribute the energy form an impact across the torso of the baby or child in the event of an accident. Most models now automatically come with this type of system in place already, but it is still important to make sure your car seat has it. Also, make sure the harness can be adjusted easily. As your child grows, you will have to let out the harness a bit at a time to ensure your child is comfortable, so you want a car seat with easily adjusted straps. Also be sure that the harness is escape proof. While many children will do their best to get out of their car seat, the proper harness can help your odds of keeping them properly …show more content…
Review the car seat on the manufacturer’s website to make sure they have followed all safety laws and have put the car seat through crash tests. The best car crash tests will involve the car seat in a crash up to two times the Federal Crash Test Standards. Read reviews to find out how well a particular model holds up in a crash.
Also, never ignore any potential recalls. If there has been a safety issue with a particular car seat, the manufacturer may issue a recall. If you have already bought a car seat and there is a recall, immediately find out how to get the seat either replaced or repaired before using it again. Additionally, do not buy a used car seat, as tempting as it can be. Used car seats may have parts or pieces that are not working correctly that you cannot clearly see, or may have been damaged in an accident. The frame of the seat and materials can become damaged in an accident, causing the seat to malfunction if in another one. It’s always recommended to put your money in a new car seat for your child’s
Consider the Type of Car Seat
You’ll want to consider the different types of car seats available for your child. All car seats have both slight and major difference in their shapes, the size of the child that can be in the seat, how they are secured in the vehicle and more. There …show more content…
While these models are more expensive up front, they pay for themselves later on when you do not have to buy any additional equipment for your children.
Choosing the Best Car Seat
Each car seat will have different features that may work well for one family and not as well for another. Understanding what to look for in the beginning will help you make the right decision when you are shopping for a car seat for your child.
Five-Point Harnesses
Most infant and toddler seats come with a five-point harness system that adds the most protection in the event of a car crash. A five-point harness will secure your child across their chest, shoulders and legs and will distribute the energy form an impact across the torso of the baby or child in the event of an accident. Most models now automatically come with this type of system in place already, but it is still important to make sure your car seat has it. Also, make sure the harness can be adjusted easily. As your child grows, you will have to let out the harness a bit at a time to ensure your child is comfortable, so you want a car seat with easily adjusted straps. Also be sure that the harness is escape proof. While many children will do their best to get out of their car seat, the proper harness can help your odds of keeping them properly …show more content…
Review the car seat on the manufacturer’s website to make sure they have followed all safety laws and have put the car seat through crash tests. The best car crash tests will involve the car seat in a crash up to two times the Federal Crash Test Standards. Read reviews to find out how well a particular model holds up in a crash.
Also, never ignore any potential recalls. If there has been a safety issue with a particular car seat, the manufacturer may issue a recall. If you have already bought a car seat and there is a recall, immediately find out how to get the seat either replaced or repaired before using it again. Additionally, do not buy a used car seat, as tempting as it can be. Used car seats may have parts or pieces that are not working correctly that you cannot clearly see, or may have been damaged in an accident. The frame of the seat and materials can become damaged in an accident, causing the seat to malfunction if in another one. It’s always recommended to put your money in a new car seat for your child’s