A Safe Car Seat Buying Guide

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at 12:01 am

by Tim L.

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.

safe car seat

The most important thing to remember when shopping for an infant seat or child booster seat is that this is one thing you don't want to buy pre-owned. Being in even a small motor vehicle incident can compromise the integrity of a car seat. You will also not know if the seat has been recalled for any known safety issues. If you are shopping consignment and thrift sales, many baby items are fine, but not 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.

The design of infant seats is especially for infants. They are rear-facing seats. You need to leave them in rear facing positions for as long as you can. You need to read and follow the manufacturers details for the seat. Most of them can safely hold 20 pounds or at least up to a one-year-old child. Petite children should stay in a rear facing position until the baby grows to become one inch below the head of the car seat.

Many rear-facing car seats are convertible; therefore, once your child grows bigger you can face the seat forward. You do need to have one that satisfies the correct positioning for the weight and age of the child. Generally, this design allows for up to 40 pounds. If your child's car seat is not convertible, you need to purchase a newer, more suitable car seat when your child outgrows it. Many states require an elementary school child to use a child booster seat.

You need to look for a car seat that will properly fit in your vehicle. Therefore, measure from the seat to the ceiling as well as the horizontal area in the backseat. This will be of assistance while selecting a car seat, since regardless of the safety features you do not want the child to touch the car ceiling. Make sure that your child is not isolated from the lack of space in the backseat. You will need to be able to reach around to soothe the child when needed.

You need to do some research into any model that interests you. Check the safety features as well as search for complaints or recalls for any model you may purchase.

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.

Having a car seat that fits you, your baby and your car, and making sure it's installed correctly, will give you one less thing to be worried about as you leave the hospital with your armful of wonderful new responsibilities.

About the Author:

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