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Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Car Seat

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• Comfort: If time allows, try the car seat out on your child before you make the purchase to make sure all straps are comfortably placed on your child (remember, though, that hospitals will not let parents take their babies home without a rear-facing car seat already installed). Also – it is very important to make sure the seat is compatible with your vehicle, as not all car seats are compatible with all vehicle makes and models.

• Harness Type: There are different types of harnesses offered on car seats at every stage. The 5-point harness has a total of five straps – two for the shoulders, two for the hips and one for the crotch. This harness is similar to what racecar drivers use in their vehicles. A T-shaped Shield is a padded shield in the shape of a T that is attached to shoulder straps. An Overhead Shield is a padded tray-like shield that swings down and around the child, resembling an amusement park ride restraint system. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends any of these harnesses, but does not recommend a Shield Booster harness system. Choose the type of harness that you think would be most comfortable for your child.

• Used Car Seats: If purchasing a pre-owned car seat, buy from someone you know and trust and check the seat out carefully. For instance, make sure the car seat has all of the instruction booklets and all necessary hardware included with it. Check to make sure the car seat has not been in a moderate to severe collision. Look for cracks, worn harnesses and/or stress marks on the seat. Never buy a car seat that is ten years old or more. Check to make sure the car seat has not been recalled.

• Stroller Compatibility: Most rear-facing infant seats are compatible with strollers and can lock into their frames. This may be convenient and important for you to consider when buying an infant seat since you can lock the baby in the stroller without having to unfasten and refasten a resting and sometimes floppy infant.

• Price: Don’t worry about prices for car seats. In car seats, higher prices can mean added features that aren’t necessary and may or may not foster ease of use.

• Vehicle Equipment: Some newer vehicles come equipped with built-in Forward Facing car seats or Booster Seats. Be sure and check the owner’s manual for your vehicle before purchasing your car seat.

Researching a car seat may seem exhausting or overwhelming, but definitely worth the effort when it comes to the care and comfort of your child over the next several years.

Sources:
1. “Safe and Secure : Choosing the Right Car Seat for Your Child”: www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/carseat/choose.htm
2. “Saint John’s Health Center – How to Chose “Best” Infant Car Seat”: www.stjohns.org/services/womens/labor/journey/preparing/car_seat.htm
3. “How to Choose a Car Seat That Meets The Needs Of Your Baby”: www.organizedregistry.com/event_articles.php?article=15
4. “Car Safety Seats 2005: A Guide for Families”: http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm
5. “Car Seat Types”: www.carseat-safety101.com/1-car-seat-types.htm

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