“Life is a journey, not a destination”- Ralph Waldo Emerson. One of the most important journeys you embark on as new parents are the journey from the hospital to your home. We have got you covered to help you choose the safest baby car seat.
If you don’t know what is a base, latch, rear-facing or forward-facing. We will send you in the right direction so you don’t get lost in car seat jargon. Though installing a car seat is not exactly rocket science it can be an overwhelming world to navigate.
SAFETY COME FIRST:
Your child’s safety is not just paramount to you but it is to the government too. Hence there are laws in place that enable you to have the safest baby car seat. It helps you know exactly what you are required to have in order to bring baby home safely.
It sometimes comes as a surprise to first -time parents that car seats are regulated by law. Each state has its own law regarding car seats. The general consensus is any child under the age of 12 months must be in a rear-facing car seat.
Car seats are usually Federally approved before they enter the mass market. It’s always best to check the state laws before buying a car seat.
Essentially there are 2 types of positions for a car seat. This indicates what direction your child will be facing. How does this affect your child’s safety? The direction of the car seat can influence the impact that the child suffers in the case of a crash. This can be a determining factor in your child’s survival.
Rear-facing: A rear-facing car seat, as the name suggests faces the rear of the car. Your child’s head will face the rear of the car. This is the safest position for newborns and infants up to 3-4 years of age. A baby mirror would be a good accessory to invest in with this position. It allows you and your baby to see each other.
Front-facing: A front-facing car seat is most suitable for children above 4 years of age. These seats come with and without a harness. Some rear-facing ‘convertible’ seats can double up as front-facing seats too. Different states have different laws so it’s best to check your local state law to see when your child qualifies to sit front-facing.
It is important to note that it is not advised for children below 12 to sit in the front seat. Airbags pose a threat to children as it is not designed for their neck to take the impact.
Baby car seat by height and weight guidelines:
Car seats are divided into 4 broad categories to provide optimum safety to each stage of development. Age cannot solely be used as a factor as each child does not necessarily weigh the same. Hence to give more clarity each group is based loosely around age, weight, and height. If your child is in-between groups it is best to go with the group that is prior than later.
Newborns and Infants:
These are the safest baby car seats for newborns and infants up to 22 – 35 pounds or up to 30 inches. They have to be rear-facing. Some car seats come with newborn inserts that help to keep the baby’s head propped up. When placing your baby in a car seat ensure that the baby is not slouching and that there is a significant gap between his chest and chin.
Toddler and Preschool:
This car seat is suitable for children from 4 years of age. However, they can be used from the minimum age of 2 years. Ideally, the child weighs between 20 – 65 pounds or 30 – 40 inches tall. Its best advised delaying the use of forward-facing car seats as much as possible.School Age :
Children who have either exceeded the height or weight ( whichever happens first). Children over 65 pounds or 52 inches tall are allowed to sit in a booster seat with a seatbelt. This is until the seat belt fits comfortably. Typically when they are 4 feet 9inches tall around 8 – 12 years of age.
Pre-teens:
When the child is grown enough, they do not need any booster or car seat and can sit in the back of the car with a lap and shoulder seat belt. This is typically around the age of 13 +
How to install a car seat:
Nearly 45% of car seats are installed incorrectly! It’s not rocket science, but it can be quite easy to fall into that 45%. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA) provides a service by which you can get your car seat inspected by certified technicians
See More: https://baby-help.com/infant-car-seat-installation/
Types of Car Seats:
The world of car seats can be overwhelming even to a seasoned parent. Latch, Base, Convertibles, Travel systems,.etc can make you spinning in circles. How to pick the right car seat?
Let’s break down car seats into 4 simple categories to help you find one that fits your car and family perfectly.
Car seat Base:
A car seat base is used with infant car seats. It sometimes comes with the car seat or is sold separately as a car seat base. It enables a quick click and goes facility whilst traveling. A car seat base also provides peace of mind. The base absorbs impact in case of a crash providing better safety for your infant
Our recommendation:
Britax Infant Car Seat Base with SafeCenter LATCH Installation
$118.99*
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 | Read Reviews
*Price is subject to change
Newborn Car seats:
‘From Birth’ car seats are specially designed for babies and infants. They can accommodate infants up to 30 pounds (varies according to model).
Best infant car seat Checklist
- A car seat base for a smooth transition in and out of the car.
- Breathable material, suitable for all weathers.
- Lightweight
Our recommendations:
Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 XT Infant Car Seat
$109.99*
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 | Read Reviews
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat
$199.99*
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 | Read Reviews
2018 UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat
$299.99*
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 | Read Reviews
*Prices are subject to change
Travel System:
As the name suggests, a travel system consists of a car seat that can click on to to a stroller. Travel systems are compact. They can be used from the infant stage. Travel systems are also budget-friendly. They streamline the transfer of baby from car seat to stroller. The baby does not have to be taken out of the car seat and can simply be clicked on to the stroller frame.
Our recommendations:
Safety 1st onBoard 35 LT Infant Car Seat
$99.99*
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 | Read Reviews
$159.99*
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 | Read Reviews
*Prices are subject to change
Convertible Car seats:
Convertible car seats are the latest trend in infant car seats. They can convert from a car seat to a stroller without a frame needed. There is only one car seat on the market that can convert from a car seat directly to a stroller. This is great for parents on the go who do not want the hassle of transferring a baby from the car seat to the stroller. They are a fully integrated travel system.
Our recommendation:
Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base
$499*
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 | Read Reviews
*Price is subject to change
4life Car Seats:
For-life is a car seat that grows with your baby. The car seat is designed to adapt to your child’s needs and development. These seats can either be rear-facing or forward-facing. This enables you to keep your child in a rear-facing position for as long as possible. These seats are a one-time investment that can last for up to 10 years.
Our recommendations:
Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
$183.96*
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 | Read Reviews
Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Car Seat
$269.99*
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 | Read Reviews
Evenflo EveryStage DLX All-in-One Car Seat
$206.49*
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 | Read Reviews
*Prices are subject to change
DO’S AND DONT’S:
Can you buy a second-hand car seat?
Car seats should not be bought second hand or from any other source other than the original manufacturers. The durability of a car seat can be affected due to the wear and tear of the car seat. Car seats should always be bought first hand as much as possible.
Does a car seat have to be replaced after a car crash?
Yes, a car seat must be replaced after a car crash. Even if the car seat appears to be in good condition it may have compromised the ability of the car seat to provide optimum safety. The only instance in which it may not need to be replaced is if there was no damage done to the car.
Can I use a car seat from a different country?
Car seats in the US have to be approved by the federal government. If a car seat is from a different country, it may not be clear as to whether it qualifies all the safety regulations. It’s always best to buy a car seat locally. Car seats are designed to fit the car hence a car seat from a different country may not securely attach.
Once I purchase a car seat I am guaranteed safety?
Yes and no, although each car seat is meticulously checked for quality and safety standards. There are rare instances when a car seat has to be recalled. In such a case it is best to be registered with the brand to be informed of a product recall. You can also check the NHTSA website for product recall information.
What is your top tip to keeping your baby safe in your car?
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