How To Purchase The Right Car Seat
One of the most important pieces of baby gear that new parents must buy is a car seat. Every state has passed legislation requiring their use in vehicles. At the minimum, babies must be seated in them during their first eighteen months of age. Some states require their use up to three years while others – for example, California – require their use up to a certain weight.
There are a few different types and each is designed for a slightly different purpose. Buying the right one depends upon your needs. Below, we’ll describe the available types and explain how to make the right choice.
An Assortment Of Models
There are 3 categories of car seats: those which are designed for infants, convertible units, and boosters. Models which are designed for infants should be used if your baby is under 12 months in age and weighs under 20 lbs. It should always be positioned within your car facing the rear.
Convertibles can accommodate babies and toddlers that weigh up to 35 lbs. While they’re designed to allow rear-facing or forward-facing positions, you should place the unit in your vehicle to face the rear whenever possible. However, as your baby grows older, it may become less feasible to do so.
Finally, boosters are created for toddlers who have outgrown infant and convertible car seats. The purpose of a booster is to position your child high enough so that your vehicle’s shoulder safety belt can be used effectively. When your toddler reaches nearly 5 feet in height, he will no longer need the booster.
Factors To Consider When Choosing
So, how do you choose the right model? As you may suspect, your choice will depend largely on your baby’s weight, height, and to a lesser extent, age. All of the models that are currently sold in stores have to meet strict safety regulations before being made available to the public. If you’re thinking about purchasing a secondhand unit, especially one that is a few years old, it may not meet current regulations. That is not to suggest that you can’t use it, but retail stores cannot sell it.
Some models come with useful options, such as carrying handles or LATCH installation components. When you purchase one, consider the advantage of having these conveniences. For example, if you own more than one vehicle with the LATCH system installed, you can easily secure your baby’s car seat in both vehicles. And of course, a carrying handle makes transporting your baby much easier than otherwise.
While there are many types of baby gear that are important, a reliable car seat is a necessity. The key is to purchase a model that is designed specifically to accommodate your infant’s weight and height. That way, you can rest assured that his safety is all but guaranteed while you’re on the road.
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