Best Car Seat Buying Guide
As a parent or guardian, nothing takes more precedence than keeping your child safe, most especially in a moving car. Babies, just like adults, need safety restraints in the vehicle, and since they're too small and naïve for seat belts, a car seat is an ideal option.
Randomly selecting a car seat for your baby is a reckless move. You must consider certain factors before choosing a car seat, and it doesn't have anything to do about the price because an expensive car seat may not necessarily be the best for your newborn. Choosing the right car seat will play a key role in keeping your baby comfortable and safe in a moving car, specifically during the unfortunate event of an accident.
Car seat models and recommendations change all the time, making it quite challenging to select the best car seat for your child. But don’t worry, our car seat buying guide will put you on the right track to choosing the best car seats available. We recommend that you test the car seat before proceeding to pay for it.
What are the factors to consider when buying a car seat?
Vehicle compatibility
Car seats can be attached to a vehicle with a seat belt or LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), but not all cars are compatible with LATCH systems. If you own a vehicle manufactured before September 1, 2002, it will most likely be incompatible with LATCH systems. So, check for your vehicle's manufacturing date and confirm that it will be compatible with the car seat.
Testing and approval
There are two regulatory bodies that approve the use and safety of car seats for children: ECE R44 and UNR 129. For your child's safety, ensure that you only select a car seat that has been tested and approved by either one of them. An ECE R44-approved car seat has been tested for forward-facing and rear-facing collisions, while car seats approved by the UNR 129 have undergone and passed side-impact testing. We recommend that you lean towards UNR 129-approved seats because they are compliant with the latest safety requirements.
Vehicle space
Car seats come in various sizes, and some are bigger than others. If your car is big and spacious on the inside, then size shouldn't be a problem, but if your vehicle is relatively small, the wise thing is to get a small but comfortable car seat for your child.
Your child's height, age, and weight
Your child's age, height, and weight are some of the essential factors in selecting a comfortable and safe car seat. You can easily do this by reading the height, age, and weight limits on the car seat label and confirm if it will be suitable for your child. For online purchases, check the specifications for this information.
Also, remember this before making a choice:
- Rear-facing seats are the best for infants.
- Forward-facing seats are recommended for toddlers aged two and above.
- Older kids are safe traveling in booster seats until they outgrow them.
Stroller compatibility
If you move a lot, and not just with your vehicle, you should consider buying a travel system - a combination of a stroller and a car seat. In this case, the car seat can be detached from the stroller or attached to it at your convenience. Plus, it will help you cut costs since you will get it at a discount price.
Retainer Clips
Kids are naturally curious and touchy, so they might end up innocently unclipping their car seats. To avoid this, consider getting a car safety seat with two-piece retainer clips. Safety seats with these clips offer better security and restraint because they are difficult for babies and older kids to unclip or unfasten, without sacrificing comfort, of course.
Car Seat FAQs
Is it okay to use used car seats?
It is only okay to install used car seats if you know their history and origin. Regardless of this, the best option is to buy and install a new car seat. New car seats are often safer and durable, plus they come with upgrades, labels, and facilities better than the old models.
How will I find out if my car seat is recalled for safety problems?
Your best option is to register the car seat officially. You can do this by sending the registration card that comes with the car seat to the manufacturer via email or register it online with the information on the car seat label. Another option is to enroll with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to register your car seat. In all cases, you will receive alerts concerning recalls, with instructions on how to get them fixed. Fixing a car seat recall often requires changing a label or changing and upgrading a component.
How can I confirm that my car seat is installed tightly enough?
After installing the car seat with LATCH or a seat belt, place your hand on the car seat and push it down till it pushes all the air out of the vehicle seat. Afterward, proceed to re-lock the seat belt or LATCH as tight as you possibly can. Completing this procedure confirms that your car seat is installed tightly enough.
Do car seats expire?
Yes. The lifespan of a car seat is between 6 and 10 years, after which it expires and becomes dysfunctional. You can check the car seat label to check for your car seat's expiry date.
Is it okay to buy the car seat before the baby is born?
Yes. In fact, it is a great move. We recommend that parents buy and test car seats before the baby is born (around the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy) to get acquainted with the car seat dynamics.
What are the available varieties of car seats?
Rear-facing/infant car seats:
For newly born babies (0-15 months) weighing between 4 to 40 lbs.
Forward-facing car seats:
For toddlers aged two and above.
Booster car seats:
For toddlers that have outgrown forward-facing car seats weighing as much as 90lbs.
Convertible car seats:
Can be installed as a rear-facing and a forward-facing car seat.