A car seat is the most important thing you buy in preparation for your baby’s arrival. And unlike other items, this isn’t something that can wait—you can’t take your baby home from the hospital without one.
New parents likely feel overwhelmed by the task of choosing a car seat when they find out how many types there are and everything they have to consider.
This guide will help you make more sense of your car seat options, and hopefully, feel more confident when you make your choice.
Why Finding the Right Car Seat Is Important
First, take comfort in the knowledge that all car seats are safe. Before they’re sold, a car seat must meet the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213. This standard regulates any restraint system for children under 80 pounds. It requires restraint systems to pass things like a 30-mph frontal sled test, a maximum rotation crash test and head injury criteria, and dozens of others.
However, car seats are only safe when they’re installed and used correctly. So, you want to pick one you and your child’s caregivers are comfortable using. The National Highway and Transportation Board has an Ease-of-Use Ratings tool, where you can compare how easy different models are to use. You can also search for seats based on your child’s age, weight, and height.
Ease of use is especially important if others (caregivers, grandparents, etc.) will use the car seat. You might have a firm grasp on how a seat works, but you want to make sure it isn’t too complicated for those who are less familiar with it.
If you have a compact or two-door car, you want to pick a car seat that’s suitable for smaller spaces. They should all technically fit, but some will be easier to use than others. Manufacturers sell “slim-fit” convertible models that are more appropriate for smaller vehicles. Infant car seats tend to vary less in width, but even an inch or so can make a difference.
Pre-Owned Car Seats
Second-hand items are ideal for most baby gear, but not when it comes to car seats. Here’s why:
- Car seats expire: A car seat’s expiration date is usually stamped on its side or base, and it’s typically six years from the date of manufacture. This is not a government regulation, but manufacturers have agreed to common guidelines to address several issues. Technology and safety requirements are constantly evolving. Materials weaken over time and can’t be expected to hold up in crashes.
- It could be damaged: Even if you find a seat that hasn’t expired, you don’t know if it’s been damaged (in an accident, from exposure to the elements, etc.) in a way that impacted its safety features. If a car seat was involved in a crash of any kind, it’s no longer safe to use. If you can’t verify the details (and odds are, you can’t), it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
For these reasons, we strongly recommend you avoid buying a used car seat.
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Source : How to Pick the Right Car Seat
