How to Choose a Car Seat for Your
Baby?
As most couples and parents have
recognized, a car seat is the number one essential equipment that
they could ever purchase for their babies. It is very important
more than any other that they are required by law in all 50 states
in the US.
Car seats, as far as I know, are
highly considered for babies in the United States for a number of
safety reasons. Numerous reports have noted that thousands of
babies and young children are injured and killed due to car
accidents, the reason that car seats are designed and required to
prevent further injuries and deaths from happening. Given this
fact, car seats are then worth buying. Although it is painful just
like going to a dentist for the fact that car seats, because of its
high demand, cost much, the benefits it can provide outshine its
high price.
What is the “Best” Car Seat?
The first question that most families
often ask when it comes to choosing a car seat has something to do
with the “best”. To tell you honestly, there is no particular
“best” car seat. You can only consider a car seat “best” based on
how it is installed or how it is manufactured. Also, the safest or
best car seat is the one that fits your child comfortably and the
one that is used properly every time a situation calls for
driving.
So, when shopping for a car seat,
don’t think much about the price. As what I’ve mentioned earlier,
the benefits that the car seat can give may outdo the price. Just
think that those car seats that cost much have added features that
may or may not offer a big difference to the safety of your new
prize. Such added features may or may not also make the seat easier
to use. So instead of thinking about how the seat costs, note that
every car seat manufactured in the United States must meet the very
strict standards created and maintained by the federal government,
and its safety capabilities are highly determined by to whom the
seats are specifically designed for. Yes, in the United States,
there are certain standards for the use of car seats. The seats are
classified according to the babies’ and young children’s ages,
regardless of weight.
Besides, the best quality of care
seats can be determined based on how it is installed by the
parents. According to some studies, about eighty percent of the
available baby car seats are improperly installed by parents, which
could also be a cause of injuries or accidents. Of these noted
studies, it was found out that the most common mistakes parents make
are not making the seat belt tight enough for their children to hold
safe. Along with this, it was found out that most parents fall into
the error of not using the safety strap when in fact it is highly
required for every car seat.
Given that idea, it is now easy for
us to say that the safest and best car seats are as good as how they
are installed. Parents who have children should then take enough
time and effort to make sure that the car seat they have bought for
their child is properly installed, according to the manufacturer’s
instruction. It is best that when choosing a baby car seat, you
should test or try it out. Place your child in if possible and
make sure that the size fits to your child properly and securely.
Also make sure that the seat fits securely in your car.
Types of Car Seats
Second to asking what the best seat
is, most people ask what types of car seats are available for them
to choose from. Generally, there are about three major types of car
seat. The first is the rear facing seat, the second is the forward
facing or convertible seat, and the last is the combination seat.
Let’s take a look at these types closely, including their subtypes.
Rear Facing Car Seats
Rear facing car seats are also known
as infant-only seats. This type is specifically designed of infants
weighing 5 to 20 pounds, although there are some rear facing seats
that can hold infants of 22 pounds. They can only be used rear
facing and since they are created for infants, it is understandable
that they are small and portable and fit only the newborns.
Below is a list of some of the
features known to rear facing car seats:
-
Harness Slots
– Most infant-only seats come with more than one harness lot.
Most manufacturers consider this as an added asset as more slots
means more room for the growing baby. It is important to note,
however, that when choosing a rear-facing car seat, the harness
slots should be located at or below the baby’s shoulders.
-
Handles
– Rear facing car seats are also identified by
its carrying handles. Well, I think this is common for almost
all types of car seats. But in rear-facing seats, the carrying
handles generally vary in style as well as in ease of use.
Because of this, checking the instructions for adjusting the
handles during travel is definitely worth considering.
-
Detachable Base
– Today, hundreds of rear facing car seat
models come with detachable bases. These bases are basically
designed attaching the car, so to use it you only need to unlock
the seat. If for instance you are ready to drive in your car
again, what you only to do is simply to buckle your baby in the
car seta and lock in it to the base. Because of this feature,
many consumers have claimed that of all the car seat features,
this is by far a time saver. This claims stems from the fact
that with a detachable base, you do not need to belt down the
base every time you get ready to drive around the town again.
What’s more, you have option whether to purchase additional
bases to leave in other cars, or just use the car with the same
base. If you prefer the former, then you can transfer easily
just the seat between cars.
-
Higher Weight Limits
– As mentioned earlier, there are rear
facing car seats that are capable of carrying children that
weigh 22 pounds. According to some, this is one specific
advantage of this type of seat as you can make it easier to keep
your baby rear facing for the entire year. Yes, I said entire
year as the rear facing seats are designed for infants up to
their first year, provided that they remain below 22 pounds.
If it happens that you child’s weight exceeds the 22-pound limit
before a year, you can use a rear facing convertible that has a
higher limit of weight.
So the features are revealed. Now is
the time for you to know that there are two types of rear facing car
seats: the infant-only seats and the convertible seats. The main
difference between the two actually lies on the size and the weight
capacity. The infant-only rear facing seats are typically small
and may only carry up to 22 pounds, while the convertible type can
be used rear facing, but also forward-facing once the baby is big
and old enough to do so safely.
Forward Facing Car Seats
Forward facing car seats are
specifically designed for children above one year of age. This can
carry infants weighing above 22 pounds to 40 pounds, but there are
others that can hold 60 pounders. This type can also be classified
according to types:
-
Convertible Seats
– As mentioned earlier, the convertible seats can also be used
rear facing. However, they can be used forward facing by young
children who are at least one year of age, and even those who
weigh more than 22 pounds. If it happens that you have used
your convertible seat rear facing, then you should know how to
transform it to make forward facing. How? Just follow the
simple steps mentioned below:
-
Move the shoulder straps to
the top slots or as described in the manufacturer’s
instructions. Note that for it to properly install, the
shoulder straps should be located at or above your child’s
shoulders. For additional information, check your manual
regarding the placement of the shoulder straps.
-
Move the car seat from the
reclined into the upright position. Also check the
manufacturer’s instruction for the allowed angles.
-
Route the seatbelt. You can
do this by following the belt path when forward facing.
-
Built-In Car Seats
– This type of forward facing car seat is highly available in
some vans and cars. This too has its own weight and height
limit, but generally the limits vary so I really can’t figure
out the exact capacity. To determine it, simply read your
vehicle’s owner or contact the manufacturer of the seat and ask
about how the seats are used.
-
Combination Forward
Facing Seats – This is obviously the
third type of forward facing car seat. Well, this is called
“combination” as it features a combination of forward facing and
booster seat. They come with harness straps that can be used
for children who weigh up to 40 to 65 pounds, depending on the
model. It is important to keep in mind though that when using
the seat’s harness straps, secure the seat with a lap and
shoulder belt, or perhaps a lap-only belt. And, if you prefer
to use it as a booster seat, you can remove the harness and use
a lap or shoulder seat belt.
-
Travel Vests
– This is the forward facing seat type that can
be used greatly if your car has lap belts only. Nevertheless,
travel vests can be used for a child who has outgrown his car
seat with a harness, but is not yet ready to ride a booster car
seat.
Combination Car Seats
The combination car seats are the no
doubt the third commonly used type of car seat. Just like the first
two types, the combination car seats are classified according to
forms, but they all known as booster seats.
Booster seats typically hold children
weighing 40 to 100 pounds, depending on the seat model. They are
also known as toddler seats are usually forward facing. What
basically sets this type unique is that it can be changed from a
five point harness to a built positioning seat. They do not come
with harness straps, but they can be utilized with the use of lap
and should sear belts in your vehicle.
Aside from the child’s age, how can
you identify if your child is ready to ride a booster car seat?
Well, there are some indications for
that. The first one is if your child reaches the top weight or
height allowed for the seat with a harness. You can find these
measurements on the labels on the seat as well as on the instruction
manual that is provided to you when you purchase the car seat.
Another indication is when the shoulder of your child reaches above
the slots of the harness, and last is when her ears have reached the
top of the seat.
Here are the most common types of
booster car seats:
-
Shield Boosters
– These seats are specifically designed to be used with lap
belts. Perhaps the main downside of using this type is that
they do not provide enough protection for the upper part of the
body. Although the manufacturers may suggest the use of shield
boosters at lower weight, those who are above 40 pounds may
encounter the risk of ejection from the seat and this is highly
possible in case of a rollover crash.
-
Belt Positioning
Boosters – These are commonly used
with shoulder and lap belts. As what is commonly observed, this
type raises your child for the seat belts to fit properly and
comfortably to the child’s body, then protecting your child’s
head and upper body from any possible injury.
-
High Backed Boosters
with 5-Point Harness – This is
basically the type of booster car seats that are commonly
attached to the vehicle with the use of an existing seat belt or
latch. Its 5-point harness is what provides a full protection
to your child’s body.
So you’ve know the types of
boosters. Note then that although the booster car seats differ in
type, there is one particular important thing to keep in mind
regarding the booster car seats – they are designed largely to raise
your child for the lap and shoulder seat belts to fit properly and
comfortably. What does this mean? In booster seat, the lap belt
should lie low across the thighs of your child, and the shoulder
belt should cross the middle of his or her chest and shoulder.
This is pretty the same way the adult rides.
Choosing the Right Car Seat
So you’ve known what the best car
seat is and its different types. Now is the time for you to know
the ways in choosing the right car seat for your baby.
As you may know, choosing the right
car seat is a pretty difficult task provided that there are a lot of
car seat types to choose from. Yes, it can be a time consuming and
agonizing process especially for those who are just starting a
family. Although difficult, this should not be a reason for you to
surrender. Note that there are a lot of options out there and it is
only up to you to decide on what to consider.
To help you decide on what to
consider when it comes to car seats, I have mentioned below some of
the helpful tips. Please read on.
Tip #1:
Know Your Child’s Needs
Knowing your child’s needs when it
comes to car seats is pretty practical. Just know the age of your
child and of course his or her weight as car seats differ primarily
according to their weight limits.
Tip #2:
Know the Types of Car Seats
Once you have identified your child’s
needs, it’s best then to consider the different types of car
seats. Note and understand each and every type and consider only
the one that particularly fit for the age and weight of your child.
Remember not to use car seats that are not designed for your child.
So if your child’s age is below one year, then the infant-only type
of car seat is no doubt the best option.
Tip #3:
Choose a Car Seat that Holds Your Baby Comfortably
In choosing the car seat that may
hold your baby in place comfortably, you can use again your baby’s
weight, age and height to pick up the best. Remember that the rear
facing seats are used through about 20 pounds, and the convertible
types can be used rear facing until the baby is at least one year
old and weight up to 22 pounds and can be converted to forward
facing if the weight limit exceeds from 22 pounds. Also note that
for the front facing seats, the ears of the baby should be below the
top of the car seat.
Tip#4:
Choose a Car Seat that Fits Into Your Vehicle
One thing to remember is that not all
car seats will fit in every vehicle. With this fact, it’s no doubt
then that it is very necessary for every parent to find a car set
that can be installed tightly into the vehicle. That means with
proper angle and should not wobble. So before you purchase the
seat, test it and make sure that it does fit to your vehicle. But,
if you happen to purchase the seat without first testing it for its
compatibility, then check the return policy to ensure that you can
return to product to its manufacturer. Simply look for the
product’s warranty.
Tip #5:
Consider the Seat Accessories and Features
Before deciding on a particular car
seat, make sure that every accessory needed for installation is
included in the package. Note that you can’t install the car seat
properly is the accessories are not complete. Aside from this,
consider the features of the car seat. Look for those added
features that may be of great use.
Tip #6:
Consider Safety
Safety is a very important factor to
consider when choosing the right car seat for your baby. So when
buying a car seat, make sure that it is capable of protecting your
child from whatever car crashes or mishaps that may occur. Choose
those that provide the maximum level of protection for your child.
Never mind the cost, but think about your precious gift – the baby.
Now, are you still with me? If so,
then at this point you are now ready to choose the right car seat to
give the best protection for your baby.
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