What Is The Best Type of Car Seat To Buy?

Wondering what type of baby car seat you should buy? Well, there are several types being sold out there, and it may be a little overwhelming for you to decide on what exactly to go for. There are a few things which you will actually need to look out for before such a purchase: the age of your baby and how long you plan on using it.

So, if you are busy searching for a baby seat without knowing what type to go for, we are here to help! In this article, you shall come across a little guide to how to choose the right type of baby seat for your tiny creature.

Car seats for prem and tiny babies (under 1.8kg)

For such a small baby just discharged from the hospital, you’ll need a baby seat that provides them with some extra care and to ensure they are well-protected. Your doctor may recommend that you purchase a special car bed that has been designed for such a small baby due to their size and condition.

Car seats for newborns to 2-year-olds (1.8 – 18kg)

Up until your baby is two years old, she should be in a rear-facing seat because it is going to minimalize the impact on your little one’s head and neck, just in case you happen to get in an accident. There are three different types of rear-facing baby car seats that you can use:

• Rear-facing-only car seats – they are super portable and can generally be used with a pram or a stroller if used with the right attachments.
• Convertible car seats – option for parents looking to have a car seat that would last through the years of their children. It starts off by being a rear-facing car seat until such time that your child is old enough, then it can turn and be used as a forward-facing car seat.
• 3-in-1 car seats – these types of seats are even more convenient and sometimes more economical as they, in addition to being turned into a rear-facing seat and a forward facing seat, turn into a booster seat too.

Car seats for 2 to 5-year-olds (9.5 – 30kg)

Once they are over the age of two-as long as their shoulders are past the height marker-they no longer have to be kept in a rear-facing seat as your child gets bigger. Between two to five years, they become a fully-fledged front-facing child. For children in this category, there are four different types of seats that you can consider:

• Forward-facing-only car seats – this seat is used when in a forward-facing position and will need to be replaced when your child is ready for a booster seat.
• Convertible car seats – with convertible seats, your child can start in a rear-facing position and when the time comes, they can convert to face the front of the car.
• Combination seats – these seats are great for children that will be using a forward-facing seat and then plan on using it when they are slightly older for when they need a booster seat.
• 3-in-1 car seats -once again, these seats are super handy as opposed to a combination seat which is just forward-facing and a booster seat, a 3-in-1 is suitable for parents looking for a seat which is able to take their child from rearward facing to forward-facing and onto being used as a booster seat when the time arises.

Car seats for 6 to 8-year-olds (18 – 54kg)

By the time your little one hits six years old, he’s no longer your little baby, but he’ll be one step closer to using the “big person seat” where it’s just them, the harness and the seat belt. The transition between that and the baby car seat is the booster seat. The booster seat boosts your child for the seat belt to fit more comfortably. Note that even if your child is above the age of eight years and below the height requirement of 145cm, they are obliged to use a booster seat.

Following are two different kinds of booster seats:

• Backless booster seats – these seats are really convenient for anyone who wants to maximize the amount of space on the back seat, perfect for anyone that has multiple kids or carpools. The only catch to using a backless booster seat is that the vehicle’s seat needs to be high enough to support the back of your child’s head. Bonus! Due to how small they are, backless booster seats are also very affordable.
• High back booster seats – these seats are most suitable when you want the kids to be supported behind their heads, especially when they snooze in the car, and they prove to be excellent fits in those vehicles that come with a low seatback with no headrest.

Related reading: Driving with Kids: 14 of the Best Car Safety Tips

Final Thoughts

By following this quick guide, you’ll soon be able to decide what kind of car seat your child needs. Remember to always check that they are compliant with the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1754. There are various good-quality brands of car seats to choose from, but always do your research to compare different car seats to ensure you’re getting the best fit for you and your kids.