How to Select the Best Baby Car Seats?

Infant car seats are useful for your child up to a particular milestone, i.e., there are weight and height limits. However, if the baby has grown taller but is underweight, you will still have to remove the extra seat.

These limits vary in different models, and you can read the manual. Most car seats have a height limit of 30-35 inches height limit and a weight limit of 30-35 pounds. This article brings you the factors to consider before buying a suitable baby car seat.

Things to know before purchasing baby car seats

Below are the top six tips for selecting the best infant car seats.

Attaching system

Before you buy a car seat, read the owner’s manual. Then, either latch or seat belt could be used to attach the car seats. LATCH system stands for the Tethers and Lower Anchors for Children. All vehicles have them nowadays.

It is among the essential things to check before buying a car seat for babies. Also, before making a purchase, you can check how you want to install the seat through LATCH or belt. So, if you decide on LATCH, be sure of the attachments in your vehicle.

The safest spot for a baby in the car is the rear-seating or middle position. If there are no LATCH systems here, you should go for belt seats. Here’s another tip. You can measure your back seat. It can give an idea of the room in your car for an extra seat.

So, choosing a car seat with a more extensive base can be futile if your vehicle cannot accommodate it. You may then need to buy a seat with a narrower base. Also, consider the factor of who will sit in the back seat.

It includes the number of kids you have and how many require car seats. Finally, before shopping for a baby seat, ensure that you take the back seat measurements. Carry a measuring tape to the store and purchase accordingly.

Choose a convertible car seat

Even though your baby is too small right now, he will grow. So, here’s the tip to consider before purchasing baby seats. You can buy a convertible car seat that can continue for the first two years. After that, not requiring to invest in another seat is a blessing.

There can be two car seats for newborns: a convertible seat or a rear-facing seat for infants. The former faces the rear first and then turns towards the front. If you buy a convertible seat, it can save you money. So take kind of car seat will last throughout the toddlerhood of your child. Also, it is entirely safe.

Car seat strollers are affordable

A convertible seat will save you money as long as your kids are toddlers. Yet, some parents believe it’s priceless to be able to move a sleeping baby in the car. They are even willing to get the seat changed after a year. So even if expensive seats aren’t safer than others, strollers are a lot more comfortable for parents.

So, if you want to purchase a car seat for infants but wish to pay less, here’s an option. You can shop for a traveling system. A stroller and infant seat are sold together at a lower price. However, you can look for these in the stroller aisle. The car-seat aisle does not have such movable baby seats.

Spring for safety in the new seat

It is understandable that you wish to bring the safest car seat for your toddler. However, all car seats in the market have been approved and tested. They are according to the present safety standards.

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association or JMPA stamps on their boxes are proof. But, you must know that safety technology is changing so frequently. Therefore, it is the most quintessential thing to do before buying a new car seat for babies.

Consider your budget

Safety is the prime concern of every parent when it comes to a baby car seat. However, never mistake high rates for higher safety. The car seats available in the market are all of the checked safety standards. So, even if the seats look varied, they perform the same task of keeping your kid safe.

You may be paying for additional features with a higher seat price. These include an extra cup holder or leather seat pads. However, they do not add to the protection. The good part is you can get several options that include car seats lasting for six years at just 100 dollars!

Yet, take another word of caution. Never try to save money by purchasing a second-hand car seat (one that is used). So, unless the car seat is brand-new, it isn’t safe for your child. All its parts should be intact, and it shouldn’t be recalled or expired. Most of all, the seat should never have been in a car crash.

Use the car seat correctly

The last step is to ensure that your baby is well-adjusted in the car seat. Check that the straps come from the right slot. Further, it should be tight enough so much so that you can pinch a webbing after buckling.

Nowadays, many cars have a non-adjust harness. So, it fits as you make the harness strap tight. In a nutshell, as your baby finally arrives or you take it somewhere, use the seat correctly. Take a look at the Ultimate Car Seat Guide for more details. Moreover, ensure that you read the car seat’s manual before picking it.