Whether you are an expecting parent or have officially become one, finding the right car seat for your child should be in your priority list.
Baby car seats are designed to prevent injuries and keep your child secure whenever you drive or travel.
In a US-based statistic, in 2017, it was discovered that around 37% of children who died in car accidents were not restrained or appropriately secured in a car seat.
Children aged 12 and below usually comprise the age group of younger fatalities in most vehicular crashes.
By “not restrained or secured properly,” it could either mean that the buckles on the car seats were not latched correctly, or the seat used for the child was not suitable for their age and size.
It can also be an indication that the car seat was not installed fittingly in the car.
New parents should know that there are different sizes and variations of car seats available and that it is crucial to choose one for their child.
Otherwise, it defeats the purpose of purchasing and mounting one in the first place.
What are the key factors that help choose the most suitable car seat for a child?
Aside from the child’s age, taking into account their weight and height are also necessary when finding the right type of car seat.
Car seats vary in design and functionality, depending on whether it is intended for a newborn baby, a toddler, or a grade-schooler.
Below is a list of four crucial factors that will help you purchase a car seat to keep your precious angel safe and comfortable throughout your journeys on the road:
- AGE
Choose an infant car seat or a rear-facing seat if your child is aged 0-2.
A rear-facing car seat is designed to provide sufficient and stable support on your baby’s neck and reduce the pressure on the spinal cord.
It helps strengthen their spinal column and keep it well-protected from a strong impact from the outside.
Some seats are created for newborns, while some seats can be converted from rear-facing to facing forward.
When placing your baby or toddler in the seat, refrain from dressing them in bulky clothing.
The excess clothes may prevent the buckles or straps from holding your child securely.
If your child is aged 2-4, a forward-facing car seat is more appropriate. Booster seats work best for kids aged 4-8.
Once your child reaches the age of nine or is at least 9 inches in height, that’s when it is relatively okay to switch their booster seats with a seatbelt.
- QUALITY
New car seats are highly recommended than second-hand ones because of their quality and durability.
Car seats with five-point harnesses are also more preferred than those with three-point harnesses because it provides additional security for your little angel.
In terms of the fabric, leather car seats are quite expensive, albeit it provides a high level of comfort.
Nylon-type seats are also comfortable and are said to exhibit the most durability against wear and tear.
- SAFETY LABEL
A car seat is considered safe for use if it meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
A seal or mark indicating this is typically affixed on the car seat’s packaging.
Another credible reference for the safety of car seats is the rating system established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The rating system uses four categories in assessing the quality of a car seat:
- Evaluation of instructions
- Evaluation of labels
- Vehicle installation features
- Securing the child
An overall rating of at least 4 or 5 stars is ideal.
- WEIGHT AND HEIGHT
At some point, your child will graduate from using car seats and seat belts.
Finding the right car seat entails taking note of the changes in your little one’s weight and height.
Their growth signals the transition towards a different seat to secure them inside the vehicle.
If your child is too small or too big for a car seat, it inevitably causes discomfort and makes them more predisposed to serious injuries in the event of an accident.
When it comes to protecting your child and keeping them away from harm’s way, prevention is truly better than cure.
After all, a single mistake could potentially increase the chances of risking your angel’s life.
So, work out on these four factors beforehand to avoid panicking later on. It’s your kid’s safety. NO compromises! Agree?
Happy road trips!