Of all the items you may purchase for your child, their car seat will be the hardest and the most important. Using a car seat can help lower the risk of death for an infant under the age of one by 71 percent and for toddlers ages one to four years by 54 percent. All 50 states require car seats to be used for infants and children, and 48 states require children who have outgrown car seats to use booster seats.
Why Choosing the Right Car Seat Matters
The right car seat can ensure your child is as safe as possible in case of a crash. A good car seat will make sure they are secure in the car during a crash. They are designed to absorb impact and distribute collision forces across your child’s body in the safest way possible to prevent severe injuries.
You must update your child’s car seat often as a car seat that is too big or too small will not provide enough protection in an accident. When selecting a car seat for your child, you should check that they are positioned correctly in the seat and that the straps are as snug as possible as it may cause injury if they are loose. It’s also recommended that infants under 2 years old sit in a rear-facing car seat as studies have shown that these offer the best protection for a small child. Depending on a child’s height and weight, they should transition to a forward-facing and then booster seat.
Types of Car Seats and Their Uses
There are many different kinds of car seats available, so it can be difficult to know the right one to choose. Here’s a look at the different types:
- Infant car seats: These are rear-facing and designed to protect and cradle very small children and newborns. They usually have a base that stays buckled in the car while the seat snaps in and out to use as a carrier. The child’s head should fit under the top rim of the seat, with at least an inch to spare.
- Convertible car seats: After outgrowing an infant car seat, a child should be placed in a convertible car seat. These can be used for both the rear-facing and then the forward-facing position as your child grows. They should switch to forward-facing once they reach the maximum height or weight limit stated in the manual. You should use this seat until your child’s shoulders are above the top slots of the seat or their ears hit the top.
- Booster seats: Once a child has grown out of a convertible car seat, they should move onto a booster seat. These car seats are important because most children do not fit properly into an adult seat belt until they are 4 feet and 9 inches tall. If the seatbelt isn't snug during a crash, they are at increased risk of harm. Most booster seats are designed for children weighing between 40 and 90 pounds.
- All-in-one car seats: All-in-one car seats can be used in three different modes: rear-facing, forward-facing and as a booster seat, meaning the car seat can grow with your child and you may not need to continuously keep buying new seats as they get older.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Car Seat
Safety ratings and crash test results
The main reason for using a car seat is to ensure optimal safety. It’s important to check safety ratings so that you are assured that your child will be as protected as possible in case of a crash. It’s advisable to select a car seat that has been well-tested to minimize the risk of injury.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published guidelines and standards that the car seat you choose should meet. The car seat must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213, as this ensures that the car seat meets basic safety requirements and has passed certain crash tests.
In addition to checking manufacturer tests, it’s also advised to consult safety ratings and crash test results from independent organizations like Consumer Reports too for unbiased results.
Ease of installation and adjustability
Even if you have the safest car seat on the market, it still may not protect your child if it isn’t installed correctly. Most car seats come with the LATCH of Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children system as a standardized feature to make installation easier. It allows you to secure the seat directly to your car’s frame without using a seatbelt.
In addition, you may also want to consider car seats with harness adjustability and recline adjustments so that the seat is comfortable for your child as they grow.
Comfort and durability features
You want your child to be as comfortable as possible, while also knowing that the car seat will last for many years. It’s recommended to choose a car seat with padded cushions to support your child’s neck, head and body, especially in infant seats for newborns who require extra support.
You’ll also want to look for a car seat made from breathable fabrics so that your child won’t be uncomfortable during long drives, especially when it’s hot. You may also want to consider choosing a car seat with removable and washable covers as children can be messy. In addition, it’s important to check that the car seat has been fabricated with durable materials to prolong its lifespan. Lookout for robust harnesses, strong plastics and reinforced steel frames.
How to Ensure Car Seat Compatibility with Your Vehicle
Checking manufacturer recommendations
Most car seat manufacturers advise which cars their seats are compatible with. This information is often available on their website. In fact you should check your car owner manual too as it will likely provide guidance about how to properly install the car seat in your vehicle. Most cars after 2002 have LATCH compatibility, so check that both your car and the car seat have this.
Testing fit before purchase
You don’t want to buy a car seat and then see that it doesn’t fit with your car. Many stores allow you to test the car seat before purchasing, so it’s a good idea to bring your car to the store before purchasing.
When testing the car seat, check that it fits snugly and doesn’t move more than 1 inch. You should also check that the harness fits your child correctly. In addition, you should also ensure that the car seat does not affect your visibility while driving.
Common compatibility issues
While most car seats are designed with universal compatibility in mind, there may be some issues:
- Seatbelts: If your seatbelts are short it may be difficult to secure the car seat.
- Seats: If your car seats are sloped, it can make it difficult to install an infant car seat from the correct angle as it may cause it to tilt forward. This is dangerous as your child’s head may drop forward and it could obstruct their airway.
- Small cars: Cars with smaller back seats may not have enough space for rear-facing car seats as they take up a lot of space.
- LATCH: If your car’s LATCH anchors are located in difficult-to-reach spots it may be difficult to install a car seat.
Car Seat Maintenance and Replacement Tips
How to clean and maintain a car seat
Your child might spend considerable time in their car seat, so it’s important that it is kept clean and well looked after.
You should vacuum the car seat regularly to keep it clean and also spot clean using mild soap for stains and spills. If it needs a deeper clean, you may use an upholstery or steam cleaner but ensure that the car seat is fully dry to avoid mold growth.
You should also regularly check the car seats for rips or loose stitching. Catching and repairing these quickly will prevent them from worsening.
Signs it's time for a replacement
You should replace the car seat if it has been involved in a crash, no matter the severity as it may have compromised the seat’s safety.
Moreover, if you notice any elements of the car seat are not working properly, it’s advisable to replace the seat as soon as possible.
Similarly, if your child has outgrown their car seat or the harness adjustments are not working properly, it’s time to switch to a new seat.
Understanding car seat expiration dates
Car seats have expiration dates because materials break down over time and safety standards and regulations change. Most car seats will have an expiration date on the instruction manual or label and these typically expire between six and ten years from the date of manufacture. It’s important to stop using the car seat after this date has passed as it is no longer considered safe.
It’s important that you buy the best car seat for your child, considering their comfort, as well as how it fits with your car. It’s important to test the car seat before purchasing and it is advisable to always prioritize safety over cost.