, with plenty on offer for different sizes and needs it can be daunting. Here's a brief breakdown of the different types of certain car seats you'll come across and what's best for you.
Rear Facing Baby Seats
With new born children it's important to make sure they're safe and secure when driving with them in your vehicle. Baby seats are far smaller and must be fitted in such a way that they don't compromise a baby's safety.
Never put the baby seat in the front passenger area, as with most modern car if the passenger airbag was to go off it could severely hurt your child.
Always face a baby's seat facing rearwards and never forward facing. This helps protect their spine, neck and head in the event of a crash.
Progress onto the next seat up when your baby's head is higher than the top of the seat.
Forward Facing Child Seats
Once your child is big enough to progress onto this seat, you must make sure they fit securely in they and it is fitted correctly.
Child car seats are far heavier than the baby seat, their purpose is to be left in the car securely as they're not made for portable use. This is why it's paramount that they are fitted correctly.
Most modern cars have ISOFIX points where a child seat can attach to holding the seat firmly in place.
For cars without ISOFIX point the car's seatbelt is used to secure it instead.
Make sure all harnesses on the seat fit securely and comfortably to your child.
Booster Seats
Getting a booster seat or cushion is the next step up to eventually being able to use the standard car seats. These seats are usually needed for ages 6-11 where a seatbelt won't fit adequately without it.
Booster seats have backs to them and protective sides which can provide a better fit for the seatbelt to attach.
Booster cushions are for when your child is older and the seat belt can fit properly around them.
Some booster seats have detachable backs so they can transform into a cushion when needed.