Choosing a Child Car Seat
Choosing the best car seat depends on a lot of factors. They include: Your child’s height, weight and size. As with every safety equipment there is no perfect car seat. Take all the factors into consideration before buying anything. Expensive car seats are not usually better. A higher price tag more often that not just means added features that are designed to make handling better, but the basic safety principles are the same. What you have to look at when choosing a car seat is if it passes the United Nations Standard Regulation 44.03 or 44.04. To do this, try looking for the ‘E’ mark or you can inquire from a store personnel.
The car seat should fit your child and you car properly. It is important not to rush into buying a car seat. Make sure that it fits all the specifications of your car and that your child is snug and comfortable in it. Inquire from the manufacturers for car seat models that would fit your car. Some car seat brands like Britax has a fit finder that gives you a list as to which car seat fits into your car. But, despite what the company may say it is still important to make sure that it fits your car the minute you buy it.
The weight of the car seat is important if you have to take the seat in and out of your car. This way you would choose a lighter model. If not, then go ahead and pick a heavier model. This will help aid in anchoring the seat to the car.
Babies should be placed in backward facing car seats. It is only when your child reaches Nine kilograms or if he can sit up unaided that he can face forward. It is however advisable to keep your baby in a backward facing car seat for as long as possible.
Buying second hand car seats is unadvisable because you have no idea of the car seat’s history. It may have no outward signs of strain but may already be compromised in some way. That second hand car seat can also be an older model and does not have the latest advances in car seat technology. If you do decide on a second hand car seat, it is best if you get it from a relative or a close friend where you can be sure of the seat’s history.
When buying a car seat online it is advised that you find a reliable online dealer that allows you to compare products. You can visit Mothercare and KiddiCare for a complete listing of modern child car seats, these online dealers are reliable for such safety equipment.