How to Decide Best Car Seat For You and Your Child?
The choice you make with regards to car seats for your child will depend on their age and also their size. For newborn children the requirement is for an infant seat or for a combination type of seat, whereas for older children they will need a booster type of car seat. Let us have an assessment of these car seats.
Rear-facing Infant Car Seat
The infant car seat is generally suitable for the youngest child up to the age of around 15 months or 30lbs. These seats are designed to be rear facing and as such face the rear of the car. In this way, if there is an accident then the impact is spread across the childs back, which is the strongest area.
What are the benefits of the rear seat? – uses a 3 or 5-point safety harness to increase safety – easily secured using the car seat belt – mobility is a premium with this type of seat so they are very light weight
What should you look for? – a reclining facility where your childs head and back can be supported fully – removable head pillow with plenty of cushioning – a 3-point or 5-point safety harness with front adjusting straps (makes it easier to gain access)
Forward-facing Car Seat
When children reach the age of around about a year and progress above 20lbs they tend to be that much stronger and as such a forward-facing seat is better.
The benefits of this type of seat include the following:
- a 5-point harness is used for extra security – the seat should be able to be adjusted for more comfortable use – the seat is secured by the car seat belt
Combination/convertible Car Seat
This type of seat can be converted or adapted from rear facing to front facing thus saving money as it does away with the need to buy another seat. They are generally suitable for children up to 4 years old or around 40lbs in weight.
So in brief, the benefits are:
- cost effective option – 5-point safety harness is used – this type of seat is secured by the cars seat belt
Booster Seat ” High Backed
Designed for children who weigh between 20 and 80lbs but can be adapted for older children. They can be placed either in the rear seat or the front as they are forward-facing and are secured with a lap and diagonal seat belt.
The benefits of this type of seat are:
- the car seat belt and/or 5 point safety harness is used to secure the seat and child – the height can be adjusted – the headrest can also be adjusted – invariably other features are included such as mesh pockets and drink holders