How to know which car seat is right for your child
As a parent, you take your baby’s safety seriously. As such, you know that car seats are one of the most important purchases you make for your child. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, car accidents are the top cause of death in children ages 1 to 13.
When installed and used correctly, car seats are instrumental in keeping your child safe in the event of an accident. Once you decide which type of car seat is appropriate for your child, you should have a car seat safety technician ensure that the car seat is properly installed.
Car seat stages
Infant carrier
An infant carrier is a car seat that is meant to be rear-facing. It can be used with a base affixed semi-permanently in your vehicle or with the car’s seat belt.
Convertible seat
A convertible car seat is a versatile option that can be installed rear-facing when the child is younger and then forward-facing as the child grows.
Booster seat
A booster seat comes in two styles: with a back and without a back. Booster seats use the car’s seat belt to secure the child in the vehicle.
Seat belt
A seat belt can be used when the child reaches the age and weight required and can use a seat belt properly. Every rider in the car needs either a seat belt or safety restraint.
Best car seats
Infant car seat carrier
Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat: available at Buy Buy Baby
An infant carrier typically has a handle and sunshade so you can easily remove it from the base to carry your baby with you. It can be used rear-facing until the child reaches 12 months of age.
Convertible car seat
Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat: available at Buy Buy Baby
A convertible car seat can be used for a child from the day they’re born. When the baby is less than two years of age, the car seat should be installed rear-facing. After that, the car seat can be turned so the child is forward-facing. However, the CDC recommends that car seats remain rear-facing until the child reaches age four. A rear-facing child is most protected in the event of an accident. A child can remain in a forward-facing convertible car seat until age 5.
Booster car seat
Britax Skyline 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat: available at Buy Buy Baby
A child should use a booster seat until they meet height and weight requirements to go without a booster seat, which is usually between the ages of 8 and 10. A child should meet both height and weight requirements to ditch the booster seat, not just one or the other.
When can my child ride in the front seat?
Although most states don’t have a legal age at which a child is old enough to ride in the front seat of a car, the CDC says a child younger than 13 should not ride in the front seat. A deployed airbag can harm a child who isn’t the proper weight or height for the front seat.
Stephanie Jarrett is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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