Car Seats: What You Need to Know When Choosing a Baby Car Seat
One of the most important baby products is a car seat. It’s just as important as a crib and unfortunately, can be almost as expensive. However, this is this one area where you do not want to sacrifice on quality or durability.
You will want to get the safest car seat for your baby and it’s not often an easy decision to make. There are many different kinds of car seats and you may wonder which one is best for your baby.
What Are the Different Types of Baby Car Seats?
When you understand the different types of baby and child care seats that are available, you’ll have an easier time deciding which one is right for your infant or child.
An infant car seat should be used only with your child facing the rear of the vehicle. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your child should face the back of the vehicle until they are at least twenty pounds and a year old.
However, if the rear facing infant car seat allows for an even higher weight or height, then you should use this seat until the baby outgrows it. Some infant car seats are even designed for babies up to 35 pounds. If your child outgrows their infant car seat before they are one, then get a convertible car seat that can face either to the front or the rear of the vehicle.
This type of car seat is convenient as well, because you can use most of them as an infant carrier. Some will attach to baby travel systems, such as a stroller. This is a lot easier than transferring the baby each time you exit the vehicle.
Convertible car seats can be used until your baby is between 30-35 pounds. It allows you to switch it to a forward facing car seat. Some even have the option of becoming a booster seat when your child is old enough and weighs enough. These are a great option for many parents, as you won’t have to purchase two different car seats within the first two years.
Forward Facing Toddler Car Seats
These car seats can only be used when the baby is over a year old. However, these car seats can be used until the child is between 35 and 80 pounds. They are used with a harness system of straps that secure the child.
Booster Car Seats
These are used with the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt. They may or may not have a back and can be used until the child is 57 inches tall and weight about 80 to 100 pounds. This car seat is used until your child is ready for a regular seatbelt.
It is of vital importance that the car seat is installed correctly. When you make your purchase, be sure to register the car seat with the manufacturer. This will allow the manufacturer to notify if you if there is a recall.
Every car seat will come with specific instructions for installation. Follow these car seat installation instructions exactly. This will ensure that your baby is safe. Some of the more common problems with car seat installation are using the harness system incorrectly, not securing the car seat tightly enough, not using the LATCH system, and putting the chest clip in the wrong place. Make sure you follow the car seat guidelines from the manufacturer. You should never use a car seat in the front seat unless it’s unavoidable and don’t ever let your child ride in a vehicle without one.
Carseat Laws
Each state has their own laws when it comes to car seats. However, most require the following:
A rear facing infant seat is used until the child is one year old and 20 pounds.
A forward facing car seat is used until the child is four years old and 40 pounds.
A booster seat is used until the child is eight years old and 80 pounds.
Check with your local law enforcement to see what the laws are in your state. Most police and fire departments will also inspect the car seat to make sure it is not too old and whether or not it is installed correctly.
A Few Final Thoughts
Your child should be always be securely fastened into the appropriate car seat when you go anywhere in a vehicle, no matter how short the distance. An incorrectly installed car seat could cost your baby their life if you were in an accident.
