subject: Buying A Portable Car Seat: Avoid Some Common Mistakes [print this page] For a new parent or grandparent, buying a portable car seat may seem a bit confusing at first. The proper model car seat is essential to keeping an infant safe while traveling. If you are in the market for a car seat, here are some tips on what to look for prior to making your purchase.
First, you will need a car seat for baby's first car ride, which will presumably be baby's trip home from the hospital, so be sure to plan ahead. For the best infant car seat, select a rear facing model. Rear facing seats provide the most protection in case of an impact, especially since your baby will be unable to support the weight of her own head yet.
Try to find a design that is sturdy, yet lightweight and easy to carry. Because infants sleep a lot, particularly when riding in the car, you should select a model which is easily detachable. This way your child can continue to sleep when being transferred from the car to the house, instead of you having to wake them up. Most conventional car seats have wing-like side protection, so you might also look for this feature in a portable car seat.
After your baby reaches twenty pounds or the top of their head is up to the top edge of the seat, it will be time to change to a forward facing car seat. A forward facing car seat is more upright and the better models adapt to allow toddlers a more horizontal position for a more comfortable sleeping position during those long drives. Look at models with sizes based on height and weight. Beware of any sizes based on age, as heights and weights of children can vary considerably
Remember that your toddler must be able to sit up by himself before he can use a forward facing car seat. The forward facing seats are designed and built for longer term use and your child should be able to fit into this style seat until he is four to six years old.
Is it OK to purchase a second hand car seat?
That depends. A portable car seat helps prevent serious injuries in an automobile accident, so you need to find out if the seat has ever been in an accident or otherwise damaged. If so, the frame may not be properly aligned, which compromises the strength of the car seat and the safety of your child. Avoid any child seat that is more than two years old. Safety features change and improve all the time. Buying a current model seat makes sure that your family is protected by the latest advancements.
If you do decide on a used seat, only settle for a used seat from family, friends, or someone you trust will give you a full accounting of any car accidents or possible damage. Also, carefully look over the belts, padding, and fasteners. Be sure they are all in sound condition. Car seats don't have many parts but those that they do have are important. If a used seat has any missing or broken parts this can pose a danger to your child and is something to be avoided. If the owner's manual is not available, look for a label on the car seat itself. This might provide details on the correct use of the seat.
If your vehicle has a passenger side airbag, the child seat should be placed in the back seat, not in the front seat. If there is an accident and the child seat is in the front seat, the inflating airbag could cause serious injuries to your baby. To ensure the approved installation of the seat, follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter.
