Infant car seats are very important to have for our little ones. Our cars’ safety belts are only suited for us adults, which infants and smaller kids are not yet ready to use them. What we need is an appropriate seating tool that is especially designed for our babies. There are infant car seats for them to use. Because there are so many types of infant car seats these days, we need to know the proper steps in selecting the right one for our baby.
Do know that the infant car seats are only intended for new born babies and those who are not yet ready to sit up. These are different than the usual kids’ car seat.
5 Steps in Choosing Your Baby’s Car Seat
Infant Car Seat
- Step 1 – Begin shopping for your baby’s car seat about 6 months into your pregnancy. All the states in the US require our cars to have infant car seats when there are babies on board. This is for their own protection while in the car and to secure their safety while riding. The infant car seats provide them a secured harness position. As you begin choosing for your baby’s car seat, also compare the prices as you go.
- Step 2 – Choose a rear-facing car seat. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AMP) highly recommends the rear-facing car seat for children less than 20 pounds. This position protects the delicate head and neck of your baby. With the baby facing rear, there will be less chances of having an accident and it is the safest position to secure their upper body.
- Step 3 – Choose for an infant car seat that is easy to install. This will prevent incorrect installation of the car seat with the baby. Make sure you choose for the easier one so there wouldn’t be any confusion once you will be using it already.
- Step 4 – A 5-point harness belt is better to use for infants. This will restrain their shoulders, thighs and in between their legs. The 5-point harness car seat prevents injuries better than the plastic chest restraints on belts.
- Step 5 – Think of a style you want to get for your baby’s car seat. These vary from rear-facing infant seats to convertible seats for both infants and toddlers. You decide if you want a car seat that your infant can use until he reaches toddler stage. Some may choose the only infant car seats, and others want the convertibles so they can save money. Yet still, both need to have the same protective factors that our babies need.
The prices for infant car seats ranges from $80 to $500 depending on what brand you are to choose. Still, no matter what type you want to select, always keep in mind these 5 important specs that every infant car seat should have.
