Top Safety Features to Look for When Buying a Car Seat
Buying a car seat for your child is one of the most important purchases you will make as a parent. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which car seat has the best safety features. This article will outline the top car seat safety features to look for to ensure you choose the safest option for your child.
5-Point Harness
A 5-point harness is the gold standard for safety in car seats. The 5 points refer to:
- Two shoulder straps
- Two hip straps
- One strap between the legs
This full harness system secures your child snugly in the seat to minimize injuries in the event of an accident. When testing car seats, look for a 5-point harness that is easy to adjust as your child grows.
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LATCH System
LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. The LATCH system makes car seat installation easier by connecting the seat to anchor points built into your vehicle, rather than using the vehicle's seat belt to secure the seat. For optimal safety, always use the LATCH system in addition to the seat belt.
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Energy-Absorbing Foam
Advanced energy-absorbing foam lines the seats and headrest area of high-quality car seats. This foam technology helps absorb crash forces and protect your child from injury in the event of an accident.
Side-Impact Protection
In side-impact collisions, your child's head, neck and spine are especially at risk. Look for car seats with side-impact protection features such as:
- Deep side walls and head wings to shelter your child
- Extra foam padding lining the sides
- Reinforced metal frames
Adjustable Headrests
As your child grows, being able to adjust the headrest is key to providing proper head, neck and spinal support. Multi-position adjustable headrests allow you to customize the fit of the seat as your child gets taller.
By keeping these top safety features in mind as you shop, you can find the car seat that offers your child the best protection on the road. Don't hesitate to ask manufacturers detailed questions about testing standards and materials used. Your child's safety is well worth the research.
Choosing Between Infant, Convertible, and Booster Car Seats
Selecting the right car seat for your child is crucial to providing safety on the road. There are three main types of car seats: infant, convertible, and booster seats. This guide will outline the key differences to help you choose the best option for your family.
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Infant Car Seats
Infant car seats are rear-facing seats designed for newborns weighing up to 22-35 lbs. Key features include:
- Bucket-style design with carrying handle for portability
- Harness system and head support specially sized for infants
- Canopy for shade from sun
- Detachable base that stays installed in your car
Pros of infant car seats:
- Lightweight for easy transport
- Keep newborns reclined at proper angle
- Easily click in and out of base
Cons of infant car seats:
- Must be replaced within 1-2 years
- Not cost-effective long-term
Convertible Car Seats
Convertible car seats can be used both rear-facing and front-facing, with higher height and weight limits. Key features include:
- Rear-facing from 5-40+ lbs
- Forward-facing from 20-65+ lbs
- Multiple harness positions
- No carrying handle or separate base
Pros of convertible car seats:
- Used longer as your child grows
- Cost effective - no need to replace
- Slimmer design may fit more tightly in cars
Cons of convertible car seats:
- Heavier than infant seats
- Not convenient for carrying baby in and out of car
Booster Car Seats
Booster seats are for older children who have outgrown harness systems. They lift the child up to properly position seat belts. Key features include:
- For children over 40 lbs up to 100+ lbs
- May have high back or backless design
- Uses vehicle lap and shoulder seat belt system
- No 5-point harness
Pros of booster car seats:
- Allow proper seat belt fit as kids grow
- Inexpensive option
- Easily portable and removable
Cons of booster car seats:
- No harness system
- Require child maturity to sit properly
While each seat type has pros and cons, follow your child's age, weight, and height recommendations to choose the optimal model for protecting them on the road.
Making Sure You Install Your Car Seat Correctly
Installing your car seat correctly is imperative to keeping your child safe on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 46% of car seats are misused in a way that could reduce their effectiveness. Follow these tips to ensure your car seat is properly installed.
Use the LATCH System
If your vehicle is equipped with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), use this system in conjunction with the seat belt to secure the car seat. The LATCH system provides an additional connection point to securely attach the seat to your vehicle.
- Locate the lower LATCH anchors in crease of vehicle seat.
- Attach car seat's lower anchors onto the vehicle anchors.
- Pull the LATCH straps tight.
- Thread vehicle seat belt through car seat loops and buckle.
- Lock the seat belt.
- Attach top tether and pull tight.
Use the Seat Belt
If your vehicle does not have LATCH, the seat belt must be used to install the car seat:
- Thread seat belt through car seat belt path.
- Buckle seat belt.
- Lock seat belt by pulling shoulder belt all the way out to engage lock mode.
- Push down firmly on seat while pulling shoulder belt tight.
Double Check for Tightness
Test your installation by pushing the car seat from side to side and tugging where it connects to the vehicle. The seat should not move more than 1 inch when you give it a forceful push. If it does, tighten the LATCH straps or seat belt further.
You should also check the car seat owner's manual for installation instructions specific to your model. When in doubt, consult a certified technician to inspect your car seat installation.
Picking the Right Car Seat Based on Your Child's Height and Weight
Choosing an appropriate car seat for your child involves more than just age recommendations. Proper fit is determined by both height and weight. Here's how to pick the right car seat for your growing child.
Height Matters
Many parents move their kids to the next seat type as soon as they hit the maximum weight limit. However, height is an equally important factor for safety and fit:
- In rear-facing seats, your child's head must be at least 1 inch below the top of the seat.
- In forward-facing seats, tops of the ears should not pass the top of the headrest.
- In booster seats, the seat belt crosses the collarbone and sits low on the hips, rather than riding up on the stomach or neck.
Pay Attention to Weight Limits
Car seats have minimum and maximum weight limits that ensure kids are properly secured:
- Infant seats max out around 22-35 lbs.
- Convertible seats in rear-facing mode accommodate up to 40-50 lbs before turning forward-facing.
- Forward-facing seats and boosters fit kids up to 65-120 lbs.
For example, Sarah's 3 year old weighs 37 lbs and is 37 inches tall. She has outgrown the weight range for her infant seat, but her height still provides proper support in a rear-facing convertible seat.
When In Doubt, Go to the Next Mode
Always defer to the manufacturers recommendations for sizing. Children are safest staying in each mode (rear vs. front facing) as long as possible before moving up. Check the fit often as your child grows.
Finding the Best Car Seat for Your Vehicle
When shopping for a new car seat, one important factor to consider is whether it will fit properly in your vehicle. The right car seat provides safety for your child as well as comfort and convenience for your family.
Measure the Space
Before shopping, measure the space where you plan to install the car seat. Make sure there is enough:
- Width between the doors for the car seat's widest point. Add a few inches to accommodate child in seat.
- Front-to-back space from back of front seat to car's seat back. Check with front seat adjusted to driver's position.
- Height from floor of rear seat up to roof of car.
Test for Fit
Once you've narrowed down potential options, test car seat models in your vehicle before buying. Look for these signs of good fit:
- Seat is centered in width of space, not hanging over edge of vehicle seat.
- Front passenger seat can still slide back and sit upright when car seat is installed behind it.
- Car seat sits fully on vehicle seat without gap between back of seat and vehicle seat back.
- Child's head clearance allows proper recline and harness height adjustments.
Consider Your Needs
Think about your family's needs to choose the right type of seat:
- Infant seats may fit better in smaller cars but are outgrown quickly.
- Convertibles are ideal for fitting multiple kids, but are heavier to move.
- Boosters allow use of seat belt so can work in any vehicle.
With planning and research, you can find a safe, comfortable car seat tailored to your car and family.
Saving Money on Car Seats - Buying Tips and Recommendations
Car seats are a major investment for families, but there are ways to get quality seats while sticking to your budget. Follow these tips to save money on your car seat purchases.
Check for Sales
Look for seasonal sales events around major holidays when stores tend to discount baby gear. Mark your calendar for end-of-model-year clearances as manufacturers roll out new versions.
Consider Buying Used
Gently used car seats can provide major savings, as long as you follow safety guidelines:
- Only use seats that are less than 6 years old and not expired.
- Inspect for recalls and proper functioning.
- Verify complete history and no crashes.
- Meet seller to inspect install and labels.
For example, buying a $200 seat that retails for $300 can cut costs by one-third.
Buy a Base Separately
If purchasing an infant seat, buy just the base for your first vehicle to save almost 50% upfront. Then you can add seats to match later as needed.
Choose Less Expensive Models
Watch for sales on higher-end Graco, Chicco and Britax models. Well-rated budget options include:
- Cosco Scenera NEXT - $40-80
- Evenflo SureRide DLX - $90-120
Prioritize key safety features like 5-point harness rather than luxury details.
Use Rewards Programs
Take advantage of rewards points, coupons and registry completion discounts from retailers. Sites like Target RedCard offer automatic savings on baby items.
With smart planning, you can keep your little one safe on a budget.
How to use your Amazon Prime to buy Car Seats
Amazon Prime provides a number of benefits when shopping for car seats and baby gear. Taking advantage of Prime perks can help you save money and conveniently get products delivered fast.
Compare Prices
Use the Amazon Prime price check feature to compare pricing against other retailers and Amazon listings. This ensures you get the best deal.
- Click "View Price on Amazon" button on any product page.
- The Amazon Prime price will show up alongside prices from other sellers.
- Choose the lowest price listing.
Clip Coupons
Check for available coupons to instantly save on eligible items. Coupons are listed on the product detail page.
- Click "Clip coupon" on applicable products.
- The discount will apply at checkout.
Shop Sales and Deals
The Prime Exclusive deals page lists special discounts exclusively for Prime members. Filter deals by product category.
Also browse the Amazon Gold Box page for daily deals and lightning sales on car seats, strollers, and other baby items.
Get Free Shipping
Prime Members get free 2-day shipping on most Amazon purchases. This allows fast delivery so you can quickly get your car seat.
Use Prime Try Before You Buy for extended trial periods when shipping bulky car seats. This ensures proper fit and gives you time to test out the product before committing.
Leveraging all the Prime perks makes it easy to conveniently and affordably shop for car seats you need.
How To Choose The Right Car Seat For Your Child?
Choosing the right car seat for your child is crucial for their safety while traveling. Here are some tips to help you choose the right car seat for your child:
- Know your child's age, height, and weight. This information will help you determine which type of car seat is appropriate for your child.
- Understand the four types of car seats: rear-facing, forward-facing, booster, and seat belt. Each type is designed for a specific age and weight range.
- Make sure the car seat fits your vehicle. Not all car seats fit in all vehicles, so test the car seat you plan to buy to make sure it fits well in your vehicle.
- Buy a car seat that can be installed and used correctly every time. Rear-facing car seats are the best seat for your young child to use. It has a harness and, in a crash, cradles and moves with your child to reduce the stress to the child's fragile neck and spinal cord.
- Check the seat's height and weight limits. Use this seat until your child's height or weight exceeds the car seat's limits, or their shoulders are above the car seat's top harness slots.
- Consider your budget. Spending a lot of money doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get the best car seat. Many mid-priced models work as well as or better than pricier ones.
- Get professional installation help. All parents can benefit from getting professional installation help to ensure that their child's seat is properly installed. Certified technicians are available across the country to help you install and use your child’s car seat correctly – often at no cost to you.
Forward-Facing Car Seat
A forward-facing car seat is designed for children who have outgrown their rear-facing car seat. Here are some important things to know about forward-facing car seats:
What Are The Weight And Height Limits For Forward-Facing Car Seats??
The weight and height limits for forward-facing car seats vary depending on the car seat manufacturer and the type of car seat. Here are some general guidelines:
