5 things to consider when buying a car seat for your child

• How to choose a car seat for your child
• Things to consider before purchasing

Buying an appropriate baby car seat for your child is imperative for their safety. And with the new rules on infant car safety in the Philippines, a baby car seat is increasingly becoming a must-buy for parents who own a four-wheeled vehicle.

However, with the huge range of car seats in the market it can be daunting for new parents to choose a baby car seat. How to choose a car seat that’s best for your family?

We’ve made it easier for you by creating a checklist to help you choose a baby car seat.

How to choose a car seat: 5 things to consider before purchasing one

1. Who are you buying it for?

Only parents know the age and size of their child, so get the measurements of your child before going to the shops or adding something to your online cart.

It would be best if the child tries out the seat first. But since children are not advised to go out, much more go to shops, you can borrow from friends who have the same car seat model as the car seat you want to purchase. This way, you can let your child try it out before you decide on purchasing it.

This ensures that the baby car seat not only fits your baby, but is also comfortable for them.

2. What vehicle are you driving?

Once you find a car seat that fits your child, you need to check if it fits your car. Some cars will be smaller than others. Since car seats are not one-size-fits-all, you need to measure the dimensions of your vehicle to ensure that the car seat can both fit through the car door as well as sit comfortably on the seats.

You also have to take in consideration where the seatbelts are. Some vehicles like vans only have lap belts, which are not compatible with most car seats that need a three-point belt to safely secure the car seat.

3. What’s your budget?

Since a baby car seat is meant to keep your child safe, we suggest that you don’t skimp on cost. However it is good to have a budget in mind so that you can find a car seat that suits your needs, meet safety requirements and still won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

There are a lot of car seats to choose from—infant carrier, convertible, and booster seats. While infant carriers are the most affordable, a baby can easily outgrow it once he reaches the maximum weight or he grows taller.

Most would recommend the convertible ones that can be used from birth to up to 12 years old! But if your family does not go out much, then this pricier option might not be the best for you.

There are compact booster seats that are available in the market, but these can only be used by bigger kids.

While the government has yet to recommend types of car seats in compliance with the new law, you can start browsing the different We’ve short-listed the best car seats available. You can check it out here.

4. What are your needs?

Do you need a car seat that can be fitted to a stroller because you are always on the move and need your baby to travel with you most times? Or do you just need a standard no-frills car seat to just bring baby back and forth for their doctor’s appointments?

Once you have figured this out, you will be in a better position to decide which car seat suits your family’s lifestyle.

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5. Know the market

Once you have checked off those preferences, it is time to choose a baby car seat.

These are the three main types and kinds of car seats in the market right now which fit all budgets and lifestyles. The Land Transportation Office has yet to make announcements on their approved type of seat. But these are the common types of car seats that comply with international safety standards:

• Children under six months require a rearward-facing child seat or infant capsule. Infant capsules come in travel system compatible versions, so you can easily disconnect them from your car and transfer them to the corresponding stroller. This is especially useful for easy transference of sleeping babies.
• Children aged between six months and four years need a rearward-facing child seat or forward-facing safety seat with an inbuilt harness. The rearward-facing seat has been known to better protect the head, neck and spine of infants and toddlers in an accident while a forward-facing seat allows you to keep a close eye on your child and let them see the road as well.
• You can also consider getting a convertible car seat which is suitable for infants up to around the age of four (depending on the weight of the child). This is our favorite pick because of their adaptability and long term usage.
• For bigger kids, around 8-12 years old, there are booster seat options to choose from.

We hope these tips will help you when you choose a baby car seat for your child.

The video below has further information on how to choose a baby car seat that is right for your child:

Source: theAsianparent Singapore