Choosing your baby car seat

Baby car seat categories

Experts have developed the following categories to help identify the right car seat for babies.

Group 0 are from birth up to 10 kg in weight or around 9 months old. Group 0+ can accommodate up to 13 kg of weight or around 12 to 15 month old babies. Group 1 accommodates children up to 18 kg or 4 years old. Models of combination Group 0+/Group 1 can be used from rear-facing babyhood to front-facing toddlerhood.

Nothing is more important than safety

Since baby car seats are used for the purpose of keeping your baby safe, you should only consider those models that have been tested and approved for the current standards of safety. Look for the “S” mark of safety and make the right purchase.

Choose between convertible and non-convertible baby car seats

If you want a long-term solution, opt for a convertible baby car seat. This baby car seat is convertible in the sense that it faces the rear of the car in the beginning and is then turned toward the front. The other option is the rear facing infant car seat that cannot be turned. When you buy a convertible baby car seat, you may initially spend more, but it will last you through the toddlerhood of your baby. An infant baby car seat will need replacement as your baby grows up. However, a convertible baby car seat cannot be taken out of the car. Consider both these options before making your purchase decision.

Look for at least five straps and additional features

Your baby car seat should have at least 5 harnesses or straps – two for the shoulders, two for the thighs and one for the space between the legs of your baby. You should never look for a baby car seat that has less than five harnesses. The bumps and jerks could cause injury to your baby. You should also consider additional features including side impact protection and one which is compatible with the LATCH system of your vehicle.

The straps should be easily adjustable

Continuing with the straps, consider baby car seats that have adjustable straps. Even if you buy a rear facing infant baby car seat, you don’t want to change it every other month. When the straps are adjustable, the space of the seat can be made larger to accommodate your growing baby. Some of the baby car seats have complicated strap adjustment features. Don’t make life difficult – choose a baby car seat that lets you handle the straps easily and quickly.

More features in premium baby car seats

If you are willing to spend more on baby car seats, there are some fantastic features that you will get. Included among these features are a boot around the feet of your baby, a more comfortable fabric and a bigger canopy. Anti-rebound bars installed in some of the premium baby car seats also ensure that the movement during an impact is completely minimized. Basically, your baby will have a more comfortable and safer ride with you.

Choose baby car seats that you can install and maintain easily

Ease of installation is another component to consider. Some of the baby car seats, usually some of the more expensive ones, are highly complicated. While all the baby car seats have installation manuals that you can handle without taking expert help, not all of them allow you to install that easily. The only way to make sure that you buy a baby car seat that you can install without fuss is to go through the product details. And most importantly, choose a baby car seat that can be easily cleaned. Maintenance will be easier and your baby car seat will last longer.

Which baby car seats for which use?

If your baby is 4 years old or more and weighs at least 40 pounds, you have to buy a booster baby car seat. The top models in this category are Chicco KeyFit 22 car seat, Diono Radian R100 and Maxi Cosi Mico AP infant car seat.

Convertible baby car seats are among the most popular and you should always look at the top models including Diono Radian RXT shadow convertible car seat, Evenflo Triumph LX convertible car seat and Britax Boulevard convertible car seat.

There are baby car seats that can double up as carriers. These are removable and you can use them to carry your baby when you are outside your car. The top models in this category are Chicco KeyFit infant car seat, J.L. Childress wheelie car seat with travel bag and Jeep deluxe car seat with undermat.

Rear facing baby car seats are perfect for infants and their parents. This is where you need to look at models like Diono Radian RXT Storm convertible car seat, Evenflo Triumph LX convertible car seat and Britax Marathon convertible car seat with anti-rebound bar.

Of course, you may want to opt for a front facing baby car seat too. Consider the top selling models in this category including Cosco Obsolete, Diono Ultramat Deluxe car seat with mat and Graco Baby ComfortSport convertible car seat.