New parents face numerous challenges. For one, they have to be careful in choosing and deciding on healthcare, education and safety gears. Shopping for a car seat is one of the most important moves that new parents must do.
Keep in mind that this is intended to protect your little one as you travel from home to school, grocery, work and other destinations. You must do a thorough research of the different car seat types and models to ensure that it is the best one for your family.
Everyday Car Seats
Some parents are prudent enough to include a car seat in their baby registry, but there are several points to consider when choosing which fits your family’s lifestyle best. It should meet all your necessary safety requirements and be suited for the car you drive.
Shopping for a car seat should include considerations such as potential pair-up with strollers, frequent traveller car seats that can be brought on planes and rental cars, budget and durability. Some car seats can transition from infancy until toddler age, and this is best suited for families who want to save up on different car seat model costs.
Car Seats That Can Be Converted and Grow With the Baby
There are infant-only car seats, which babies outgrow around five to 10 months of age, and there are convertible car seats that appeal to most parents because of their adjustable features. This type has lots of advantages in terms of cost savings, but one major disadvantage of this is that it is not portable or detachable, which can be inconvenient for most parents.
In choosing convertible car seats, you must also ensure that it is suited for newborn babies or comes with an infant seat. Convertible car seats should be installed rear facing until the baby is at least two years old.
Car Seat Travel Systems
Aside from convertible car seats, a travel system is another great option for families who are always on the go. This travel system comes complete with detachable car seats, which can be attached to a carrier or stroller. This eliminates the need to strap and unstrap your little one from the car seat every time you stop to alight from the vehicle.
Travel systems work well with infant car seats that can be snapped safely into a stroller. By the time your child is old enough for a convertible, they will fit into the stroller portion of the travel system without any issues.
Is Your Kid Ready for a Booster Seat?
Booster seats are needed when kids have outgrown their five-point harness car seats. Some children are in a hurry to switch to booster seats, especially when they have passed the admission screening for an international school and will start attending classes soon. While it is advisable for parents to keep their little ones in the car seat stage as long as possible, booster seats will eventually be needed when your kid has reached the height and weight limits or has outgrown their car seat.
There are convertible car seats that easily adapt into booster seats but parents must also take note of the six-year expiration date and ensure that it has a belt-positioning system to keep your child as safe and comfortable as possible.
