Choosing the best car seat for your baby requires a lot of research. With all the choices out there how do you know if you’re picking the right one? This isn’t a decision that you can just make with your gut – you’ve got to know the facts!
To make your research and decision easier here’s an overview of the different car seats on the market today:
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Infant Seat (Bed Platform)
Group: 0 – 6 months
Weight: birth-20lbs
Price: $125-325
This type of car seat is best for babies under 6 months old. A bed platform car seat easily mounts on the back of the car and is buckled down by two belts. It also allows your baby to sleep peacefully throughout any short or long car journey!
Basic Seat
Group: 1-6 months to 4 year olds
Weight: birth to 70lbs
Price: $125-325
The basic car seat is the standard seat most people use. The seat attaches to the front of the vehicle and is equipped with 5 fasteners: one between the legs, two at the waist and two at the shoulder level. The 5 fasteners strategically provide optimal car seat safety for your little one. For safety reasons consider disconnecting your passenger airbag, if baby seat is going to be placed in the front or consider placing it in the back.
Toddler Seat 1
Group: 1-4 year olds
Weight: 20-70lbs
Price: $100-325
The toddler seat must be buckled in the back seat, facing forward. Like the basic seat, the toddler seat uses the same 5 fastener options (shoulders, waist and legs). It also includes a metal harness. Tip: if your little one tends to sleep in the car look for a model that has a bit of tilt to it for their head to rest on.
Toddler Seat 2
Group: 2-3 year olds
Weight: 20-70lbs
Price: $50-75
The toddler seat 2 is like a booster seat. It attaches with a seat belt that goes around the hips and shoulders, but doesn’t have the same 5 fasteners like the basic seat and the toddler seat 1. The toddler seat 2 should also be placed in the backseat of the car, looking forwards. This helps to control the safety your toddler in the car.
Before venturing out to get a car seat jot down how much you’re willing to spend and how long you’d like to have the seat. If you can, get an all-in-one seat that you can use for your baby from birth to toddler. It’s also a good idea to ask for a car seat for a baby shower gift; this removes the hassle for you.
If you’re considering buying online make sure to check that the car seat meets Canada’s safety standards for car seats. Don’t forget to explain to your little one why a car seat is important and how much fun it can be! Happy Driving!
