As a parent, purchasing a good, well-made, and safe infant car seat is both an absolutely essential decision that you must make and one of the most important decisions that you can make. By purchasing an unsafe infant car seat, one that is poorly made and designed, you put your child at great risk.
Perhaps, this goes without saying, but cars aren’t exactly the safest machines. Every year, many people die in car crashes and other related car accidents. Unfortunately, many of the people that die in these car accidents are children. Many of them would’ve been able to live, if their seatbelt was buckled in, and if they had some kind of car seat.
Unfortunately, there isn’t that much information about how to find a good, high-quality, safe car seat for your infant child. There are certainly a lot of different options available, and you can get lost online for hours, trying to find the right one. But, there really isn’t a lot of information that has to do with the individual factors that comprise a good, safe infant car seat.
That’s where this buying guide comes in. Today, we’re going to take a look at the things you need to look for and take note of when searching for a good infant car seat, so that you are able to find the safest and best infant car seat for your child.
Now, let’s dive right in!
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What Do You Need To Look For, When Searching For The Safest Infant Car Seat?
Every infant car seat is different, and there are many different features that comprise an infant car seat. Some of these features are, ultimately, superfluous and irrelevant. Many of them are not, however, and they will greatly affect the safety and quality of the infant car seat. Along with that, many of these features are also dependent on your child, as well, and what they need.
The Height And Weight Limit Of The Infant Car Seat:
Each infant car seat has its own weight limit. However, when you’re searching for a good infant car seat, you’re going to realize something. The weight limits tend to vary quite a bit, and many infant car seats support have very different weight limits. This can come across as a bit inconsistent and confusing.
Most infant car seats support, at the most, around thirty-pounds or so. This was definitely common back in the day, and it still is common. However, this is starting to change, and more and more manufacturers are designing infant car seats that can support 35 pounds and even 40 pounds.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on how much your child weighs, and how much weight you think they will gain, as they get older.
The same goes for height, but height is a bit more consistent when it comes to the infant car seats that are available.
Whether Or Not The Infant Car Seat Is Padded With Soft Fabric/Material
Many parents neglect this aspect of buying an infant car seat, which is really a shame since this is actually one of the most important factors that you need to take note of.
When a child is uncomfortable, they will cry. This is a general rule that most parents – well, most people, in general – are familiar with. For this reason, it is important that your child is sitting in an infant car seat that is soft and comfortable.
Make sure that the infant car seat you buy is padded with soft material that allows your child to sit down and to relax, without causing them to feel any sort of discomfort or pain. Along with that, some kind of soft head support is an absolute necessity.
However, it isn’t just the discomfort that leads to issues, it’s also the fact that infants are vulnerable, due to the fragility of their bones and muscles. If something were to happen, such as if you hit another car, and the infant car seat isn’t padded, this could lead to your baby being injured.
How Big The Infant Car Seat Is
You’re going to find a lot of variety with this factor. Some infant car seats are quite large, so if you own a smaller car, those infant car seats won’t be ideal for you. Other infant car seats are quite small – but big enough for your baby – so if you own a smaller car, you’re going to need something like that.
As a general rule, it’s best to get an infant car seat that is relatively large, but not too big. Something that gives your child enough space to sit and move around just a little bit, in order for him/her to be comfortable, but it shouldn’t be big enough for them to slide out of, and it shouldn’t be too small, or else your child will be uncomfortable.
Whether Or Not The Fabric Is Breathable
Now, let’s get this out of the way, if you live in a colder climate, this isn’t actually that important.
If you live in a cold climate, and the fabric that comprises the infant car seat isn’t breathable, this isn’t really an issue. But, if you live in a warmer climate, then it’s imperative that you purchase an infant car seat with breathable fabric. This allows air to flow a bit more freely, and to prevent your child from overheating. Infants are vulnerable when it comes to extreme temperatures, and having breathable fabric is great at reducing the risk of overheating.
Conclusion
In the end, purchasing a good, high-quality, safe infant car seat really isn’t that challenging. But, it’s very important that you remember the factors that we have outlined, because they directly affect the health and wellness of your infant child, while also ensuring that they are comfortable, which, in turn, makes your experience much more pleasant, as well.
Make sure to do your research when searching for the safest infant car seat for your child, and take the time to go to the store to check these items out yourself.
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