Congratulations! You’re expecting a new addition to your family. I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that a tiny little baby requires a lot of gear. One of the most important items you’ll be buying is a new car seat. Checking out the car seat aisle at your local store can seem like a daunting task. After you read this article, you’ll be up to speed with everything you need to know about choosing a good baby car seat.
The first thing you’ll need to know is that there are two main types of car seats: infant only and convertible. Infant car seats are the small bucket like seats that have a carrying handle. These seats have many features that are great for new parents. They often come with a separate base that installs in your vehicle. This allows you to remove the seat without disturbing your sleeping bundle of joy. You can also buy extra bases to install in your spouse or grandparent’s vehicle. Many infant seats can be used with a coordinating stroller. You simply snap the seat into the stroller and stroll away. Some stores offer the car seat and stroller together as a package deal.
These seats feature many accessories. Some have attached canopies for blocking out the sun. Many come with an insert that helps prevent your baby’s head from flopping around if he falls asleep.
The downside to infant car seats is that since they are small, they have a low manufacturer’s weight limit. Once your baby weighs around 30-35 pounds you will need to purchase a larger seat.
Convertible car seats have many advantages. They can be used from the time your baby is a newborn through toddler age and sometimes even older. Some seats currently on the market have an upper weight limit of 60+ pounds. These seats are adjustable in many different ways so they can protect a small newborn as well as an older toddler. As your baby grows, you simply adjust the harness straps to accommodate height changes. You can also adjust the recline of the seat so your little one stays comfortable. Since these seats are larger, it can sometimes be tricky to fit them in smaller vehicles. Be sure to install it in your vehicle before the baby is born so if it doesn’t fit, you can exchange it for a different seat. Convertible seats come in many price ranges and with even more accessories than infant seats. These accessories include cup holders, removable padding, extra seat covers and more.
Once you purchase a seat, be sure to read all of the enclosed instructions. An improperly installed car seat cannot protect your child. If you are having trouble installing the seat, many police stations have car seat safety experts that will help you for free.
That’s it! Now you’re ready to buy your baby’s first car seat. Don’t forget to check the sale papers for discounts since car seats frequently go on sale. Good luck and enjoy your new baby!