Which Car Seat Is Safest For My Child?

You must understand that there are a great many variables involved in determining this question. Below you will find some guidelines to assist you make a decision.

{Car seats for children come in three different styles. The forward-facing, rear-facing, and convertible all are equally safe products, simply different applications.} A good example of a convertable car seat is the Britax Boulevard.

{Rear-facing seats are safest but are usually used for infants under 20 pounds and not more then one year of age. Now, if your baby reaches 20 pounds before their birthday they should remain in a rear-facing seat until at least 1 year old. A good rule of thumb is to use the seat up to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Rear-facing seats are not to be used in the front seat of a car with air an air bag on the passenger side.}

{Once a child has out grown their rear-facing car seat it is time to transition or convert to the forward facing style. When shopping for forward-facing car seats for your child , the best choice is one that will accommodate your child as long as possible without having to buy another car seat.}

A great illustration of a very safe infant seat is the Britax Companion infant car seat.

Will it Fit in Your Vehicle

{Not all children’s car seat can be properly installed in all seating positions in every vehicles. Be sure to read both the child safety seat and vehicle instructions. Most of the time , a properly installed child safety seat will not move more than an inch side to side or forward}

Will you use it consistently and correctly?

{Different child safety seats vary in design and features. The important thing is that both you and your child are happy with, and that you can install properly and adjust correctly every time you drive.}

{The safest car seat for you is the one that fits in your vehicle, is the correct size for your young one and is used correctly each time. All safety seats manufactured in the U.S. are required to comply with the same strict safety standards. Be aware that the Britax Companion is rather bulky and may not fit in all vehicles.}

Be Careful Buying Used Car Seats

{A car seat that has been in a crash may have been damaged structurally that is not easily visible. Seats involved in a crash should be replaced. Auto insurance may cover the price of a new child safety seat for your child.}

{It is best to use a new car seat. That is the only way you can know for sure that you have a safe seat.}{However, if considering a second-hand seat, it is important to request a full history of the car seat from the previous owner(s). Other critical questions to ask are: Have any recalls been issued regarding this seat, are all the parts here, how old is the car seat and has it been involved in a car accident?}

Use these guidelines to ensure that you get the safest child seat for your precious one.