Choosing the Right Child Seat

Before you head out to buy a car seat for your child, it's worth taking some time to think about how you will use the seat and what type you require. Following these tips can help you to choose the right seat that is suitable for your needs and your car.

What Size Do You Need?

Firstly, you will need to find out what size seat you need. Weigh your child and use the seat size table to work out which seat category you'll need to buy. Remember that you should use your child's weight as the deciding factor; the ages given are just a guide.

Babies should always be in a rearward-facing baby seat, as this will protect their head, neck and spine more effectively than a forward facing seat. You should not consider moving your baby to a forward facing seat until they can sit up unaided and they weigh at least 9 kg. Only move them to a forward facing seat when they have exceeded the weight limitations or the top of their head is above the top of the seat.

How Will You Use It?

Once you have decided which car seat style you need, you then need to think about how you will use the seat. Will you be constantly taking it in and out of the car? If so, you may want to choose a lightweight model. Will you be travelling for long distances? If so, you may find that your child will be more comfortable in a seat that reclines and that helps them to sleep

Will it Fit the Car?

Make a list of the different cars in which you might use the child seat; perhaps a friend's or grandparent's car or perhaps your own second car. Although many child seats are described as 'universal', most will still work better in some cars than others, due to the differences in the layout of passenger seats and seatbelts. Check with the car seat manufacturer to make sure that it is suitable for your car make and model.

You will also need to be careful if you need to buy a car seat that fits using a lap belt, as not all seats are designed for this. It is much better to use a standard three-point seat belt or Isofix system if at all possible.

Testing it Out

When buying your car seat, take both your child and the car to the shop so that you can try out the seat in your car before you buy. A good retailer will always ensure that the car seat is suitable for the cars you'll be using it in, and will also show you how to install the seat properly.

Before you buy, make sure that:

• the seat belt in your car is long enough to secure the seat
• you can feed the seat belt through the slits in the seat without any obstructions
• the shape of the child seat fits neatly with the shape of the car seat
• your child fits into the seat and that the harness can be adjusted and secured easily
• the seat leaves enough room for your child to stretch their legs

Second Hand Seats

In general, it is not advisable to use a second hand car seat. It is usually impossible to be absolutely sure of the history of a used child seat; it may have been involved in an ac...

Click here to read more from InterCars.co.uk