Parents should never take children’s safety lightly. Buying a booster seat for kids might need some careful planning. A specific car seat that suits a child well must also suit the car and be the right fit. To prevent unnecessary confusion, here are some things to consider before buying a car seat.
1. Choosing The Approved Specifics: There are various car seats available in the market that are made for children of all ages and sizes and follow Australian regulations. Finding the right one according to age and weight is crucial as plenty of laws oversee them. Failure to adhere to such laws may result in fines and even jail time. Most of the approved specifications are branded under the standard code for car seat installation. Only buy those models from authentic retailers that the local government has approved.
2. The Direction of The Car Seat: Infants are required to use rear-facing seats until they reach 15 months of age. Forward-facing seats can be introduced until they reach about four years. An adjustable booster seat can keep the child’s growth and size changing. Adjustable seats are wellworth the investment as they can be used for many years.
3. Understanding The Car Specifications: When buying a car seat for a toddler, the seat dimensions must fit the size of the car perfectly. If it doesn’t fit, it might be uncomfortable for the toddler and the parents. To make an appropriate decision, get the measuring tape out and measure the back seat width and use those numbers to determine the size of the car seat.
4. Expensive Seats: In Australia, most car seats come under the affordable price range, while those on the higher end tend to have more features. Whatever the case may be, getting a second-hand car seat is never recommended and if budget is an issue, try going for cheaper ones. But take extra care to make sure that they are durable and have all the right features to keep the child safe.
5. Buy A Car Seat For The Long Run: Convertible car seats will be a boon for the parents, especially those not fond of buying up. Having a car seat that can be adjusted according to the child’s growth factor can be a great investment.
6. Extra Features: Additional leg space is a good feature as it can be used for longer periods without being discarded. Protection from side impacts is also essential as it significantly reduces any risk of injury. Secure latches and belts for easy installation are also a plus.
7. Don’t Rush: Although age is something that parents need to consider, the weight factor is the most vital factor that influences car seat safety. Most booster seats are recommended for kids who hit the four-year-old mark, but if their weight hasn’t reached the specified limit, there’s no need to buy one. If the weight limit maxes out, go for a bigger car seat.
Above all, don’t stress out about these decisions and take the time to check off all the factors. Don’t dish out a lot of money on buying a car seat since price and safety are not always correlated.
