Picking out a car seat for your baby is not something you should take lightly. There are many different factors to consider when choosing a booster seat, and you’ll need one that is both comfortable and safe for your child. Here are some of the critical factors to consider when picking the best car seat for your child.
The Law
When you purchase your child’s first booster seat, ensure that it meets federal safety regulations by checking its label or using an online product checker like the one from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Height and Weight
When choosing a booster seat for your child, you’ll also need to consider their height and weight. Consult with your state or country’s car seat laws to determine which type of booster seat is required for your child’s age and weight. Alternatively, you can consult with car seat professionals like Diono to help with height and weight considerations.
Padding and Harness System
Booster seats come with different levels of padding and a harness system to keep your child in place. Some are more comfortable than others, but the booster seat must have enough padding to protect your child in the event of a crash. The harness system should also be adjustable and fit your child appropriately so that they’re not slipping out or becoming uncomfortable.
The Type of Seat
Baby car seats come in different designs and shapes. Depending on your child’s age, you could either opt for a rear-facing, combination, convertible, or booster seat. A rare-facing seat is ideal for infants 0 to 12 months old, while convertible seats should be used up to 12 years of age. Combination seats are forward-facing car seats with booster seats and are recommended for use by children who weigh 20 to 40 lbs. Booster seats should be used by kids who weigh 30 to 100 lbs and are younger than 12 years old.
Installation
You must install your booster seat correctly to keep your child safe while driving. Most booster seats come with an installation guide but check with the local car seat suppliers or the police department if you have any questions. Alternatively, you can take your car to a mechanic shop to easily install and fit your baby car seat.
Your Lifestyle
If you do a mix of activities using different cars in a day, you might consider buying different car seats for your child for the different car models you have. If you’re one who occasionally uses their car for family events, a combination seat might fit the bill as an ideal seat for your growing child.
Vehicle Dimensions
Some booster seats are designed to be used with specific vehicles, while others can be attached to the backseat using a seat belt or LATCH system. You can measure the internal dimensions of your car or check online for reviews of seats that work best with your car model before buying one.
A good booster seat provides extra protection for your child by improving their positioning and increasing head support while preventing them from sliding around too much on rough roads. Take the above tips into consideration when making your selection.