How to Choose a Car Seat for Your Baby? (continued)

< Previous

Forward Facing Car Seats

Forward facing car seats are specifically designed for children above one year of age. This can carry infants weighing above 22 pounds to 40 pounds, but there are others that can hold 60 pounders. This type can also be classified according to types:

• Convertible Seats – As mentioned earlier, the convertible seats can also be used rear facing. However, they can be used forward facing by young children who are at least one year of age, and even those who weigh more than 22 pounds. If it happens that you have used your convertible seat rear facing, then you should know how to transform it to make forward facing. How? Just follow the simple steps mentioned below:

• Move the shoulder straps to the top slots or as described in the manufacturer’s instructions. Note that for it to properly install, the shoulder straps should be located at or above your child’s shoulders. For additional information, check your manual regarding the placement of the shoulder straps.
• Move the car seat from the reclined into the upright position. Also check the manufacturer’s instruction for the allowed angles.
• Route the seatbelt. You can do this by following the belt path when forward facing.

• Built-In Car Seats – This type of forward facing car seat is highly available in some vans and cars. This too has its own weight and height limit, but generally the limits vary so I really can’t figure out the exact capacity. To determine it, simply read your vehicle’s owner or contact the manufacturer of the seat and ask about how the seats are used.
  
  
• Combination Forward Facing Seats – This is obviously the third type of forward facing car seat. Well, this is called “combination” as it features a combination of forward facing and booster seat. They come with harness straps that can be used for children who weigh up to 40 to 65 pounds, depending on the model. It is important to keep in mind though that when using the seat’s harness straps, secure the seat with a lap and shoulder belt, or perhaps a lap-only belt. And, if you prefer to use it as a booster seat, you can remove the harness and use a lap or shoulder seat belt.
  
  
• Travel Vests – This is the forward facing seat type that can be used greatly if your car has lap belts only. Nevertheless, travel vests can be used for a child who has outgrown his car seat with a harness, but is not yet ready to ride a booster car seat.

Combination Car Seats

The combination car seats are the no doubt the third commonly used type of car seat. Just like the first two types, the combination car seats are classified according to forms, but they all known as booster seats.

Booster seats typically hold children weighing 40 to 100 pounds, depending on the seat model. They are also known as toddler seats are usually forward facing. What basically sets this type unique is that it can be changed from a five point harness to a built positioning seat. They do not come with harness straps, but they can be utilized with the use of lap and should sear belts in your vehicle.

Aside from the child’s age, how can you identify if your child is ready to ride a booster car seat?

Well, there are some indications for that. The first one is if your child reaches the top weight or height allowed for the seat with a harness. You can find these measurements on the labels on the seat as well as on the instruction manual that is provided to you when you purchase the car seat. Another indication is when the shoulder of your child reaches above the slots of the harness, and last is when her ears have reached the top of the seat.

Here are the most common types of booster car seats:

• Shield Boosters – These seats are specifically designed to be used with lap belts. Perhaps the main downside of using this type is that they do not provide enough protection for the upper part of the body. Although the manufacturers may suggest the use of shield boosters at lower weight, those who are above 40 pounds may encounter the risk of ejection from the seat and this is highly possible in case of a rollover crash.
• Belt Positioning Boosters – These are commonly used with shoulder and lap belts. As what is commonly observed, this type raises your child for the seat belts to fit properly and comfortably to the child’s body, then protecting your child’s head and upper body from any possible injury.
• High Backed Boosters with 5-Point Harness – This is basically the type of booster car seats that are commonly attached to the vehicle with the use of an existing seat belt or latch. Its 5-point harness is what provides a full protection to your child’s body.

So you’ve know the types of boosters. Note then that although the booster car seats differ in type, there is one particular important thing to keep in mind regarding the booster car seats – they are designed largely to raise your child for the lap and shoulder seat belts to fit properly and comfortably. What does this mean? In booster seat, the lap belt should lie low across the thighs of your child, and the shoulder belt should cross the middle of his or her chest and shoulder. This is pretty the same way the adult rides.

Choosing the Right Car Seat

So you’ve known what the best car seat is and its different types. Now is the time for you to know the ways in choosing the right car seat for your baby.

As you may know, choosing the right car seat is a pretty difficult task provided that there are a lot of car seat types to choose from. Yes, it can be a time consuming and agonizing process especially for those who are just starting a family. Although difficult, this should not be a reason for you to surrender. Note that there are a lot of options out there and it is only up to you to decide on what to consider.

To help you decide on what to consider when it comes to car seats, I have mentioned below some of the helpful tips. Please read on.

Tip #1: Know Your Child’s Needs

Knowing your child’s needs when it comes to car seats is pretty practical. Just know the age of your child and of course his or her weight as car seats differ primarily according to their weight limits.

Tip #2: Know the Types of Car Seats

Once you have identified your child’s needs, it’s best then to consider the different types of car seats. Note and understand each and every type and consider only the one that particularly fit for the age and weight of your child. Remember not to use car seats that are not designed for your child. So if your child’s age is below one year, then the infant-only type of car seat is no doubt the best option.

Tip #3: Choose a Car Seat that Holds Your Baby Comfortably

In choosing the car seat that may hold your baby in place comfortably, you can use again your baby’s weight, age and height to pick up the best. Remember that the rear facing seats are used through about 20 pounds, and the convertible types can be used rear facing until the baby is at least one year old and weight up to 22 pounds and can be converted to forward facing if the weight limit exceeds from 22 pounds. Also note that for the front facing seats, the ears of the baby should be below the top of the car seat.

Tip#4: Choose a Car Seat that Fits Into Your Vehicle

One thing to remember is that not all car seats will fit in every vehicle. With this fact, it’s no doubt then that it is very necessary for every parent to find a car set that can be installed tightly into the vehicle. That means with proper angle and should not wobble. So before you purchase the seat, test it and make sure that it does fit to your vehicle. But, if you happen to purchase the seat without first testing it for its compatibility, then check the return policy to ensure that you can return to product to its manufacturer. Simply look for the product’s warranty.

Tip #5: Consider the Seat Accessories and Features

Before deciding on a particular car seat, make sure that every accessory needed for installation is included in the package. Note that you can’t install the car seat properly is the accessories are not complete. Aside from this, consider the features of the car seat. Look for those added features that may be of great use.

Tip #6: Consider Safety

Safety is a very important factor to consider when choosing the right car seat for your baby. So when buying a car seat, make sure that it is capable of protecting your child from whatever car crashes or mishaps that may occur. Choose those that provide the maximum level of protection for your child. Never mind the cost, but think about your precious gift – the baby.

Now, are you still with me? If so, then at this point you are now ready to choose the right car seat to give the best protection for your baby.

< Previous