A Safe Car Seat Buying Guide

You should already be aware of the fact that before the hospital releases your baby, you have to have your child’s car seat. There are many choices to fit every age, from infant car seats to child booster seats. Sometimes it is overwhelming to select the right one for your needs. You will also find an array of designs and colors, however, most importantly; you need to check the car seat’s safety features before you make a purchase.

One essential thing to keep in mind while comparison-shopping for an infant seat or child booster seat is to never buy pre-owned car seats! It is essential that the integrity of the car seat be intact. You also need to know if there is a recall, especially for any known safety issues. Shopping thrift stores and consignment shops are fine for everything else baby related, however, this is not true of car seats.

It is best to start shopping a couple of months in advance of the anticipated delivery date for your child’s car seat. Your car seat will probably be used every day, so you want one that is appealing to you visually. Just remember, the cute pink print isn’t what will protect your baby.

Infant seats are designed for infants. These seats will be rear-facing, and should be used in the rear-facing position as long as possible. Read the manufacturer’s specifics for your seat, but most are up to 20 pounds and/or one year old. If your baby is petite, you may want to keep the rear facing seat until the infant gets to one inch below the head of the car seat.

Generally, rear-facing car seats are convertible and when the child is bigger and older, you place the seat in a forward facing position. You want to ensure that your seat is suitable for the age and weight of your child. Convertible seats can hold up to 40 pounds. You will need to buy a suitable car seat for your child if you do not have a convertible seat. Keep in mind that many states have a requirement for elementary age children to ride in a child booster seat for safety.

To ensure the proper fit, you need to measure from the ceiling to the seat as well as the width of the area you will place the seat in the backseat. You do not want your child to touch the car ceiling. You will need room to reach around to calm your child at times, so make sure the child has enough space.

Make sure to do some basic research to read up on car seat safety for the specific model you want. You want to make sure there are no recalls or complaints.

You need to make sure that the car seat is properly installed. The seat should not move more than about an inch either way. If you are concerned that your child’s car seat is not properly installed, check with the hospital or police department to have someone show you how to properly install the seat.

You want a properly installed car seat that is suitable for you, your baby and your car. This will help lessen the stress of caring for your child in the years to come.