If you have kids below 12 years old and travel with them in your car, then you should look into car seats. Although the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act or Republic Act No. 11229 has been deferred, it's best to start getting your kids used to riding their car seats. To help you do just that, we've prepared this list of the best affordable car seats in the Philippines.
Travel can be an interesting, informative sight journey for children of all ages. Trying to introduce them to new dishes, feelings, and places of interest, as well as giving them quality family time. Even so, trying to travel with children can be a difficult challenge. There are unpredictable schedules, lengthy packing lists, and cranky children are just a few of the problems you may encounter.
But we'll share how to make travelling with kids a breeze. Nevertheless, you and your children should take advantage of discovering the world and creating memories that will endure a lifetime. We will talk about many tips on how to travel safely while you enjoy your family's vacation here.
Tips for your family to make travel more fun and exciting
Here are our recommendations for the most useful and simple tips to guide when travelling with your children:
Make sure to arrive early and give yourself sufficient time for things to go wrong. You do not want to miss your plane because you took an extra 10 minutes to get through security. And you're stuck at the airport with unhappy kids, waiting to be rescheduled — not fun!
Choosing to leave extra time applies to every aspect of your journey.
Do not overpack. The act of journeys will disturb your daily routines, so trying to maintain them all will be futile. It will simply lead to anger and disappointment.
If you overlook something, you can always buy everything when you reach your destination. It may be more challenging in less-developed places, but most areas you would take your children to will certainly have the basic needs you involve in caring for them.
When your children are aware of what's on, they're less likely to have concerns while you're attempting to deal with travel plans. This involves teaching them what to anticipate at the airport, on the flight, and then once they arrive at your destination. You may also go over your expectations for their behavior and attitude even during the trip.
With this, they will indeed be happier, more convenient, and more excited about what is about to come.
You never know what can happen during travels. There may be a postponed flight, unforeseen traffic on the way, or a tour that requires longer than expected.
Furthermore, the meal at your destination might differ greatly from where your children are accustomed to eating. They could perhaps order lunch and only eat a little because it wasn't what they expected.
Picking out your child's car seat: How to choose?
Choosing the appropriate car seat for your child is among the most important choices you'll make as a parent. How tight seems to be too tight? How do you put it all together? Is this the right quality? Make sure to check out these pointers when choosing your kid's car seat.
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You should be choosing the best child car seat for your little one, Check these tips we can recommend for you. | Image grabbed from iStock[/caption]
Safety
The best seat is one that is the correct size for your child, is installed properly, appears to fit well enough in your vehicle, and is operated correctly every time you drive.
Ensure your car seat meets the safety guidelines of the Bureau of Philippine Standards of the Department of Trade and Industry. Just in case you didn't know, car seats also have expiration dates. Check that what you're buying is far from its expiration date so you can use it for a long time.
Functionality
What features does your car seat have? Can the baby grow into it? Aside from this, you also have to check that you are getting the appropriate car seat for your child's height and weight.
Ease of maintenance
Trust us, you have to choose one that is easy to use and also a breeze to clean. Imagine all the possible spit-ups, diaper leaks, and spilled food that will end up in your car seat.
Price
A higher cost does not necessarily indicate that the chair is perfectly safe or fairly easy to use. Choose a car seat with an affordable price but does not compromise the quality.
What do you need to know once you acquire your child's car seat?
Before your baby's first journey, start practicing buckling the seat into your car. Inspect that the harness straps actually fit all over your baby's body. For a newborn, use the lowest strap slots. Again, maintain the straps at or below your baby's shoulders for a rear-facing position.
It is crucial that the harness straps properly fit over the shoulders and in between the legs. Outfit your baby in clothes that enable their legs to just be free. And never place anything in or around the car seat that has been effectively accepted by the manufacturing company, as this may start interfering with the way the car seat works and bring your baby in danger. This includes coats and car seat strap padding.
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Travel with your kids and check out the best affordable car seats in the Philippines | Image grabbed from iStock[/caption]
As we said, car seats are very important for your child's safety. So here is the list of affordable car seats below Php 5,000, but all good quality. These are available online for your convenience, so you must add to the cart, make the purchase, and wait for your chosen car seat to arrive at your doorstep.
7 best affordable car seats in the Philippines
Best innovative stay-open harness belts
Why do we love it?
At Php 3,500`, this Enfant Car Seat makes our list of the best affordable car seats in the Philippines. Unlike other car seats, this has a rocking or fixed base with a multi-position reclining feature.
Features we love
- Safety
- Has innovative stay-open harness belts
- Suitable for newborns to babies up to 6 months
- Functionality
- Enhanced with comfortable lower back support to ensure stability
- Has an integral sun canopy to keep away harsh light
- Price
Most budget-friendly
Why do we love it?
This is the most affordable car seat on this list at only P1,725. You also have 6 colors to choose from.
Features we love
- Safety
- Suitable for 0-18 months
- Includes a removable support pillow with a head hugger for smaller babies
- Functionality
- Easy to install in the vehicle
- Has an integrated sun canopy to protect your little one
- Has an aluminium handle with a rubber cover
- Belt hooks keep the harness out of the way for easy ingress and egress
- Price:
Most lightweight
Why do we love it?
The fact that it's lightweight is also an advantage, especially for parents who have little ones they need to take from the house to the car. And because it's only P3,599, it makes our list of the best affordable car seats in the Philippines.
Features we love
- Safety
- It comes with a 5-point safety belt.
- Suitable for 0 to 12 months.
- Functionality
- Simply press the button to adjust.
- Comes with a sun canopy to protect the baby from the sun or harsh light.
- Snug fit that makes your child feel safe and secure.
- Ease of maintenance
- Its removable pads and cushions make cleaning simple.
- Price
Most comfortable
Why do we love it?
Star Baby Zander Car Seat fits the bill for parents who prefer something simple and not too flashy. It comes in grey and black hues, so you don't have to worry about it clashing with your car's interior.
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Make your travel safer for your kids with these affordable car seats for your kids. | Image grabbed from iStock[/caption]
Features we love
- Safety
- Comes with a 5-point safety harness
- Suitable for children 6 months to 18kg
- Functionality
- Has extra seat pads for maximum comfort.
- Easy to use with a one-pull harness so you don't have to fumble with straps
- Ease of maintenance
- The Star Baby Zander Car Seat comes with a removable seat and washable cover so it's easy to clean.
- Price
Best for three-reclining position
Why do we love it?
Moms and dads looking for a pop of color would be happy to know that this car seat comes in green, blue, and red.
Features we love
- Safety
- Also comes with a 5-point harness.
- Base support for the 0+ group is included.
- Has an additional top belt guide hook for safety.
- Suitable for babies less than 13kg.
- Functionality
- Has an extra seat pad for your little one's comfort.
- This rear-facing car seat has a three-position reclining seat.
- Price
Most ergonomic
Why do we love it?
The Joie car seat has a comfortable, cozy design for babies ages zero to four. Indeed, this car seat is born to grow.
Features we love
- Safety
- Gives optimal security for side impact protection
- Suitable rearward up to 13kg
- Functionality
- Removable and padded infant head support
- Multi-position
- Ergonomic carry handle with soft-grip overmold
- For extra fresh air, it has a retractable sun canopy
- Price
Best for padded armrests
Why do we love it?
This is a comfortable, and cozy design for babies ages zero to four years old. Indeed, this car seat is born to grow.
Features we love
- Safety
- Suitable for 40 lb to 100 lb
- Suitable from four to ten years old
- Functionality
- Height adjustable
- Padded armrests
- Has space-saving cup holder
- Price
Price Comparison Table
Common mistakes you should avoid when you purchase a baby car seat
Let us say that you already have your baby car seat finally. Most probably, you will be wondering what mistakes you should not make. We listed them all for you:
Purchasing a used car seat without first conducting research.
It is always important to equip yourself with knowledge about what you want to buy for your kids.
Incorrectly positioning the car seat
Place your child away from the active airbags which are in the back seat.
Improperly installing or buckling your child's car seat
Always read the manufacturing company's instructions or manual before installing a baby car seat.
Your child has been reclining at an incorrect angle
To keep their airways open, babies must ride semireclined.
Too soon going to transition to a forward-facing car seat
Refrain from putting your kid's car seat in the forward-facing position just so you can see him or her in the rearview mirror.
Failure to remove your child's heavy outerwear
Bulky outerwear and comforters can make it challenging for harness straps to snugly protect your child.
Too soon transitioning to a booster seat
Booster seats are needed for older children to help an adult seat belt fit properly. When your child exceeds the maximum weight or height the car seat manufacturing company allows, you can consider upgrading to a booster seat.
Using a booster seat incorrectly
Booster seats must always be used with a lap and shoulder belt, never just a lap belt.
Too soon, switching to a seat belt
Most children between can safely use an adult safety harness between the ages of 8 and 12.
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Editor's note: The product links provided here are aimed to help simplify product searches for our readers. Purchase the items at your own discretion. We do not take liability for any transaction issues and dispute. If you purchase an item from this post, theAsianparent may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
