Trying to select the perfect car seat for your baby? Then here are some pointers that can come in handy when you go shopping for one.
Follow the basic requisites
When choosing a car seat for your baby, you need to consider four things: comfort, compatibility, ease of use and standard. The car seat you choose for your baby should be comfortable enough for your child, should fit in your car properly, should be easy to install and use, and should have passed the basic safety test according to the requisites ECE R44/04 European Standard.
Other basic requisites to follow
It pays taking your child along with you when you go shopping for a car seat. This way, you can be assured of the right fit for your kid. You can also try installing the seat in your car before you buy it. This way, you won’t face any issues while installing or using the car seat afterwards.
Make it a point to choose a seat that makes your child feel snug and comfortable. Certain questions you need to ask here include whether the seat has a sleeping position, whether its harness is easily adjustable and whether your child can sit and get out of the seat easily.
Choose according to weight
It is considered wise and safe to opt for a car seat that can be changed as and when your child outgrows it (in terms of weight) rather than opting for one that covers an entire range of weight which would only be ill-fitting for your toddler.
When to opt for an infant only car seat
The infant only car seat is best suited for a weight range of 22-35 pounds and needs to be placed in such a way that it faces the rear window of the car. Your baby can (and should) sit in this seat until he outgrows it.
When to opt for a convertible car seat
Most suited for infants and toddlers within the weight ranges of 40-70 pounds, these convertible car seats can be adjusted to face the rear window (for infants and toddlers) or front window (for older children more than 2 years of age). You can also use a rear facing convertible car seat for your child until he outgrows it.
When to opt for Belt Positioning Booster Seats
These are mostly suited for kids who are more than 4 years old and weigh more than 40 pounds. The boosters help hoist the child to a position where he can be securely strapped to the seat with regular shoulder belts and a car lap. In certain cases, backless boosters can be used for seats that come with head support.
