Having a baby is one of the most exciting moments in anyone’s life, and investing in a quality car seat is among the most crucial investments you need to make. However, this decision is often not as straightforward due to the changing recommendations and choices. As a result of this, it becomes a lot harder to decide which is the best car seat for your child throughout the different stages of their life.
If you have been experiencing this challenge when going through reviews at Mommyhood101, worry no more. This article is an in-depth guide on the six tips to consider when looking for the new and ideal car seat.
- Check If the Seat Suits Your Child’s Height, Weight, and Age
Your child’s age, height, and weight are essential factors you need to consider when looking for the ideal car seat. For newborns, you should opt for a rear-facing seat as this provides the baby’s neck and head with support. However, when the baby grows and reaches the seat’s top by almost an inch, they have outgrown this seat.
The other option is forward-facing seats, which are perfect for kids with a weight and height of more than 9 kilos. It is also a suitable choice for children aged two years and above. Another option you should consider if your children are aged 12 and above is the booster seats. This seat is an excellent choice as it perfectly maintains the child’s position, thereby allowing the car belt to fit suitably.
- Comfort
The comfort of your baby is integral in deciding which seat you should buy. While this might appear a bit too much, you must never overlook its significance. As you inspect the seat’s comfort, check whether the padding and material are comfortable and soft.
- Harness
When shopping for a car seat, go for one with a five-point harness. You also need to buy one with a buckle that can be easily fastened and unfastened and straps that are straightforward to adjust. For backward-facing seats, confirm the shoulder harness is below or at your baby’s shoulder level, and the opposite for the forward-facing seats.
- Your Vehicle’s Space
First, you need to make sure that the car seat you are planning to buy fits in your vehicle. Also, check the seat belts’ position, and the room left for other adults once the kid’s seat has been positioned in the car. By doing this, you will be able to decide which seat best serves the child’s needs without compromising your comfort and that of other passengers.
- The Seat’s Features
The features incorporated in a car seat vary depending on how much you paid for it. However, there are some essential features you need to confirm even for the cheapest seat, including side-impact protection, compatibility to the LATCH system, and a 5-point harness. If you are open to paying more, you’ll get additional features, including cushier fabric, larger canopy, pull cord located between your kid’s legs, and an anti-rebound bar. Also, you can find more car seats with a variety of features like Isofix car seats at Kidsco.
- Price of The Car Seat
Like when buying any other product, you must always factor in the price of the car seat when deciding which one to buy. Nonetheless, it would be best if you didn’t let this be the main thing to consider since the more expensive a car seat, the more likely it is to offer better features.