How to choose the right car seat for kids

If you’re a new parent, the process of choosing the right car seat can be overwhelming with the many choices you have. A good car seat is one of the most important purchases you’ll make for your child, as it’s one that can save their life. The good news is, most car seats on the market today have gone through exhaustive testing, incredible improvements, and technological advancements. They must pass legal requirements and safety regulations before they can be sold.

The question is - with so many choices, which car seat is right for you? Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Get familiar with your vehicle’s specifications

First things first, take out your vehicle’s owner’s manual and read through the section about car seats carefully, which will tell you where to install the car seat. For example, the new Ford Escape recommends car seats be placed in the right rear position (behind the front passenger seat). Ford vehicles have LATCH lower anchors for car seat installation.

Some parents are in the market for a new car with the announcement of welcoming a little one into their family, a common situation for many. If you’re looking for a family-friendly vehicle to replace your old one, our Ford dealership in Redwood Falls can help. We can also recommend some Ford accessories that are useful for a growing family, like storage organization, seat covers (to protect your seats from sticky snacks!), and more.

Know the different types of car seats

There are three main types of car seats you’ll need to be familiar with: infant, convertible, and booster seats.

• Infant-only car seat - It’s important to know that you can’t leave the hospital without a car seat for the safety of your newborn. Once you’re ready to be released after birth, your healthcare personnel will verify that you have an appropriate car seat that’s not expired before you can take your baby home. Infant-only car seats can be used until the baby weighs up to 22 pounds or when their head reaches within 1 inch over the top of the seat.  Most infant-only car seats come with a base that remains strapped into the vehicle and the carrier snaps in and out of the base. When shopping for an infant carrier, we recommend one with a full stroller system that clicks onto the stroller base and easily transitions into the car base.
• Convertible car seat - A convertible car seat can be installed rear or forward-facing and has a higher rear-facing weight limit. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends children remain rear-facing for as long as possible, up to 50lbs (depending on the seat), as the safest option.  Although you can safely use convertible car seats for a newborn, they don’t offer the same fit as infant-only car seats for small babies or provide the convenience of a detachable carrier. Many parents choose to use an infant-only car seat for up to a year and switch to a convertible car seat once their child hits the weight or height limit.
• Booster seat - Once a child outgrows the weight or height limit of a convertible car seat, the next step is a booster seat that uses the car’s seat belt. There are two types of booster seats: high-back and backless. Backless seats are easy to install while high-back models provide side-impact protection and positions with the shoulder belt appropriately. In Minnesota, state laws require children to be in a booster seat until at least 8 years of age or until they reach the height of 4 feet 9 inches tall, whichever comes first. Be sure to check with your state’s regulations on booster laws.

Determine your budget

Last but certainly not least, make a budget and keep in mind that more expensive car seats don’t necessarily mean it’s safer or better for your child. Many times, they cost more because they have trimmings and designs that don’t have an impact on their safety ratings but are easier to install, convert, or transition from the car seat base to a stroller. You also want to avoid paying less only to find out later on that the car seat is challenging to use or, most importantly, has poor safety ratings.

To narrow down your options, we recommend reading online reviews and making a list of at least five that you’d like to see and test out at the store.