From day one, when you bring home your little bundle of joy, one of the most important decisions that you make is what car seat you decide to buy. But it doesn’t end there. That continues throughout their development and growth through to the age of 12 years old (unless they reach the age of 135 cm before that time.)
With so many styles and sizes to choose from, it can seem like a minefield. How do you know which is the right car seat to buy? You can find more information on the website onlinecarparts.co.uk.
Get the facts
Luckily, there are lots of reliable sources of information online. Car seats are available in five different groups from 0 to 3 depending on the weight of your child. The guidance is clear with the description of different types of seat, the correct group of seat and guidance on fitting a child seat.
Do your research
With so many brands and types of car seats available, it can seem confusing. Take your time to really find the seat that is perfect not only for your child but also your car. This was something we weren’t aware of when we changed cars, but you do need to check the guidance on the make and model of your car as to where the car seat should be placed and which types of car seat are most suitable. Also check if you car has isofix connecters built in as the isofix system is a really great way to make the job of putting the car seat in and taking it out much easier.
Make a shortlist of car seats you like and compare the safety and general features. Read reviews online to give you an idea what other parents thought of the seats and the pros and cons of each one. Finally, if you can, go and have a look at the car seats in store and see how they look and feel.
Always make sure that your car seat has the ‘E’ mark which shows that it is EU approved.
Ultimately, this research could save the life of your child if you were to have an accident, so it is worth taking your time and making the right decision. The car seat you choose may also depend on the car that you have, so what may be suited to new Vauxhall cars may not be suited to older Ford models, for example.
Avoid second hand car seats
I must admit that as lovely as it is to accept or buy second hand things for your baby to cut the ever increasing costs, this is one of the exceptions. Unless it is given to you by a close friend or family member and is quite new, you don’t know if the car seat has been damaged during an accident or being dropped. To ensure that your car seat meets the necessary safety standards, it is always best to buy a brand new car seat.
Testing, testing
Particularly with a car seat for newborn babies or very young babies that you carry in and out of the car, it is essential that you try the seat in your car. This is something that you will probably have to do on a daily basis and you want to make sure that not only you are able to do it without too much difficulty, but also that the car seat is safely fitted.
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
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