Car seats, also called car restraints, are one of the car essentials you need to invest in as a parent. It is not merely a seat that keeps them comfortably in one place. It is also a haven that keeps them safe during unexpected road accidents.

While it may sound pretty exciting to turn your car kid-friendly and car seat savvy, the truth is it can be downright stressful if you don’t know the nitty-gritty of choosing car seats. But we’ve got you covered! Hence, today, this article will cover the ins and outs of picking the suitable car restraint for your wee one.

Safety

Only buy a child seat restraint with an Australian Standard sticker. This label says “Product Certified” on the left and “Australian Standard AS/NZS 1754 Issued by SAI Global” in big letters. And ensure to buy products locally. It’s illegal to use car restraint models from abroad.

Size

A car restraint of the right size is crucial to keep your kid secured and safe. Opt for a child restraint that’s age-appropriate by law. Baby or infant capsule is the legal requirement for babies 0-6 months or slightly older, as long as there’s still plenty of legroom.

If your kid is 6-42 months old, buy a forward- or front-facing restraint. Your kid can use it for a bit longer but again, only if they still fit into the seat. Once they turn four until around eight to ten years old, use a child booster seat.

Comfort

Extra padding and material breathability should be on top of your list when it comes to your kid’s car seat. Kids will surely get pure delight for their bums if they’re resting on a squishy-but-firm, ergonomic seat.

Installation

Consider a car restraint’s ease of installation. It’s a must since you’ll be regularly taking it in and out of your vehicle. Opt for those car seats with installation bases that you can leave in your car, making installation and transportation more secure and convenient.

To ensure that the car restraint fits inside, measure your car first. Each seat has its own quirks too, so thoroughly read the manual. If you can’t do it alone, seek authorised fitters’ help. While it’ll cost you $30-$75 per new installation, it’ll surely be your best option.

Compatibility

If your child is still a baby, you’ll surely be using both your stroller and your capsule most of the time. It’ll be in your best interest if the two are compatible. Pick a car seat that can be quickly taken out of your car and clipped to your stroller.

Some car restraints are compatible as is with some strollers, while others will need adapters. Finding the best car restraint-stroller combo could be time-consuming, but definitely, it’s worth the time.

Portability

Some car restraints are significantly heavier than others. If you prefer carrying the seat by hand, check its weight and see whether you can manage it. Additionally, a car seat’s design isn’t necessarily a deciding factor in your selection, but it’s worth considering nevertheless.

Expiration Dates

In six to ten years, car seats will undergo material degradation. In other words, that old car seat’s parts will break or get lost, straps (harness and tether) will fray, and plastic shells and impact foams will melt. That’s why all car seats have expiration dates.

The recommended car seat expiration in Australia is ten years. But, of course, it’s not a government rule set in stone, just a recommendation for a good reason. Baby capsules, child restraints, or child booster seats are certainly built to last for a long time, but not indefinitely.

Secondhand vs. New

While used car seats might save you some money upfront, they could already be expired, worn and torn, or with incomplete parts, as mentioned. As a result, you’ll probably replace them sooner and spend more in the long run than you would if you opt for a new one.

Since car seats hold a vulnerable cargo, you want them to be as comfy and sturdy as possible. But if they’re secondhand, they’re likely less effective. So if you don’t want your kid to be uncomfortable and put at risk on your road trips, you’ll have to invest in another one again.

A new car seat ensures that it’s in its optimal condition. Plus, manufacturers are continually making car seat improvements for both kids and parents. Hence, in the long run, opting for a new car seat isn’t only cheaper but also makes parenting easier.

Final Thoughts

Take time to ensure that you’re opting for the right restraint and doing it to your kids the right way. Bear in mind that your kids are more vulnerable in cars, so leave nothing to chance and follow the government’s safest practice recommendations.