However, it’s not always easy to know what to look for when you’ve never purchased a baby carrier. Here’s what to consider when purchasing a car seat.
Most parents start browsing the best baby carrier brands when they want to purchase a safe, high-quality, and reliable car seat for their child. Safety is paramount, and the more research you do, the more confidence you can have in your decision.
Age and Height
Age and height are undoubtedly the most important factors when purchasing a new car seat or baby carrier from leading brands like Diono. Pay attention to the type of car seat for sale to determine whether it has been designed for the age group of your child. Some of the best brands offer all-in-one convertible car seats that suit children from birth to booster, but not all do.
Most baby car seats are manufactured to suit newborn babies to 12 months old, but your baby’s height can determine whether they move up to a toddler car seat before or after 12 months. You will need to purchase a toddler car seat when your child reaches the milestone of holding their head steady, and it’s positioned at the uppermost part of the car seat’s highest point.
Car seats for toddlers are designed to be rear-facing for at least 15 months to four years or longer, with a child only moving to a high back booster seat when the uppermost part of their ears is at the car seat’s highest point on the maximum setting.
Regulations
While it’s always a nice feeling to get a bargain on baby products, it shouldn’t be at the sacrifice of quality or safety. Pay attention to the testing and approval process of the baby carrier you intend to buy. It should be tested and approved under ECE R44 and UNR 129 regulations. These regulations ensure the car seat has been tested in forward-facing, rear-facing, and side-impact collisions.
Growth Options
Babies seem to grow before your very eyes, and in a short space of time, they can outgrow their baby carriers. Consider purchasing a brand that has growth options. Look for features like adjustable reclining, leg space, and height adjustment.
Straightforward Installation
If you are purchasing a car seat for use in multiple vehicles, you’ll become a master of removing and installing it in no time. However, buying an easy-to-install car seat can undoubtedly make the process much easier.
Check your vehicle for ISOfix metal rings that connect to ISOfix car seats. These make it much harder to incorrectly install a car seat or its base. Alternatively, consider car seats with latch connectors that ensure your car seat is easy to install and stays in one secure position in your vehicle.
Every parent wants peace of mind while driving that their child is safely restrained in the back. The better the car seat quality, the safer your child can be in an accident. If the time has come to purchase a new baby carrier for your bundle of joy, make safety features your priority. These considerations above might ensure your child’s safety from newborn until they’re ready to sit in a booster seat.
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