Baby Car Seats - 3 Great Choices to Choose From


by Mathilda Devone


If you are a mother or father, then you realize how convenient it is to have your own family car. However, think about this - car seats and seat belts are designed to be used by adults. Older children might be able to use them comfortably and safely, but what about toddlers? Moreover, what about infants? To provide secure seating for your very young offspring, infant or child car seats are necessary.

To begin with, the Graco Snug Ride Infant Car Seat is a rear-facing model perfect for babies in their first few months outside the womb. This seat-slash-baby carrier is rated for babies of 5 to 22 pounds and up to 29 inches in height. The base stays in the car, while the seat portion can be hand-carried.

At a mere 7.5 pounds without the base, this is easy to carry, and is certainly lighter than others in its class. An ergonomically-designed handle reduces the strain of carrying it even further. An adjustable canopy keeps your little one safe from sun, wind, and rain. One note though - the fabric is not very breathable. You will probably need to switch to larger models as the months pass and your baby grows.

A model that you can use for a longer period of time is the Britax Marathon 70 Convertible Car Seat 480. The "Convertible" part denotes its ability to be used as either a rear-facing unit or a forward-facing seat. Recommended weight range is 5 to 40 pounds for the rear-facing configuration and 20 to 70 pounds for the forward-facing configuration.

The maximum height of the child for this seat is 49 inches. This is also aircraft travel-certified, meaning you can take it on board and install it easily and be confident in its safety. This features Britax's proprietary Safe Cell Technology, which absorbs impact by allowing certain portions to crumple rather than transmit force.

For larger children, the RECARO ProSPORT Combination Harness To Booster Car Seat is a better choice. It has the highest rating for its class at 120 pounds as recommended maximum. The height of the child should be 27 to 59 inches. RECARO is better known for their business in designing racing car and luxury car seats, but they are quickly making a name for themselves in this field.

Like many race car seats, this unit has a 5-point harness for maximum force distribution. Some have thought the straps to be on the short side, but they will fit any child within the rated weight and height ranges. Do note that you should not strap a child in while he or she is wearing a winter coat. Thick coats can compress under pressure, and that little bit of freedom of movement can reduce the effectiveness of any harness.

Whichever infant or child seat you choose, it is important to read the manuals carefully. These seats are strong and sturdy, but they cannot provide full protection if they are not installed properly in your vehicle. Additionally, you should regularly check the attachment points, as they may loosen over time. Most of all, remember to drive safely and defensively!




About the Author: