If you're in the market for a new car seat, check out these tips for buying a car seat. Here are 5 things you really need to consider before making a purchase.
A few months ago, I shared some important car seat safety tips with you. I got a lot of great feedback on that post, but I also got a lot of emails and messages about different types and brands of seats. Let's face it, buying a car seat is a big decision; not to be taken lightly. If you've ever been in a car accident with your child, you know how extremely scary it can be, and what an important role the car seat plays in keeping your most precious cargo safe. So, today I wanted to explore tips for buying a car seat and 5 things you should consider when purchasing your child's car seat.
Tips for buying a car seat
1.) Consider your vehicle - I think this is one of the biggest things people overlook when shopping for car seats. Of course you want the safest seat possible, so you look at safety ratings and shop around for the best price on your favorite car seat. BUT, you have to consider how that amazingly safe seat is going to fit in your car, truck, or SUV. If you drive a Smart Car, the Graco Smart Seat is probably not the seat the for you since it's so large (although I thought was a great seat in our SUV). Figure out where you're going to position the seat (middle of the back seat, on the passenger side?). Take measurements. You don't want to purchase a seat so large that it bumps up against the front seats or have your front seat passenger riding so close to the dashboard that they're in danger if the airbags deploy in an accident. Here's another tip - ask the retailer if you can take the seat outside and install it in your car to see how it fits. A lot of times they'll accompany you and you can really get a feel for the functionality of the seat for your vehicle and your lifestyle.
2.) Consider your child - This is a hard one since you can't predict how tall your child will be, how long or short their torso will be, or how much they'll weigh at 1 year, 2 years, and beyond. You need to take a close look at the seat you're considering and assess it's height and weight limit, and if you think your child will be able to fit in the seat long term. Are you planning on extended rear-facing? (I hope you are) - different brands have different restrictions on when you'll need to transition your child to forward facing. You'll want to find a seat that accommodates children in the rear-facing position as long as possible. For example, some convertible car seats come with adjustable head rests and others do not. If you end up having a child with a very long torso, they may need to transition to forward facing before you'd like, or they may outgrow the seat altogether. Some manufactures will state that the child's head needs to be 1 inch below the shell of the seat, and other will say it needs to be 1 inch below the headrest in order to remain rear-facing. Same for forward facing - they may say the top of the child’s ears need to be below the top of the child seat shell, or the top of the child's ears need to be below the top of the car seat's headrest in the highest adjustment position. Just be sure to do your due diligence and read the manuals; many are available online so you can read them before you purchase to make an informed decision.
3.) Consider your budget - There are MANY car seats out there. While it's true that all child restraints sold in the US must pass the same Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, there are differences in the level of quality and protection offered in each seat. This point was driven home when I attended an event and heard Britax's Child Passenger Safety Advocate Sarah Tilton talk about car seat safety. As she was going over the safety features of the Britax line-up of seats, it became apparent that all seats are not created equal. Personally, I'd choose the safest seat that I could afford. Car seats are not items that you want to skimp on. Take a good look at your budget and check out the car seats in that price point. If you're planning on getting an infant "bucket" seat and then upgrading to a convertible later, maybe you'd be better off purchasing a convertible that you can use from infancy that offers a higher height and weight limit later on. Instead of spending $100 on an infant seat, then $200 on a convertible later, consider spending $300 on a good, quality all-in-one seat that can be used from infancy throughout childhood like a Diono Radian RXT (often can be found for around $300), Diono Rainier, or the Graco 4ever. Of course, at the end of the day, the BEST seat is the one that fits your child and is properly installed in your car, so don't fret too much if you can't afford the car seat of your dreams - just make sure the one you've got is properly installed.
Top picks for All in One Car Seats:
Diono Radian RXT All in One Car Seat
Graco 4ever All-in-One Convertible Car SeatDiono Rainier All-In-One Convertible Car SeatEvenflo Symphony DLX All-In-One Car Seat
4.) Consider the reviews - Many retailers have sections devoted to customer reviews. Read them! I can't tell you how many times I've gone to purchase a product only to read a review on the retailers website that has led to me make a different choice. For car seats, you're going to find reviews from other parents and caregivers that give you the low down. They're doing the heavy lifting (literally, some of these seats are HEAVY!) for you in a lot of cases. Read about installation, how easy the seat is to use on a daily basis, how the seat fits their child over time, watch the videos on YouTube... Google it! The more you know, the better when making an important purchase like this.
5.) Consider the future - Maybe you're just starting your family, or maybe you've just had your 4th child - either way, when picking your car seat(s), it's important to consider what your future might look like. Are you going to have more than 2 kids? If so, you'll need to choose car seats that are narrower unless you're planning on buying a larger vehicle with a third row of seats. Installing three car seats across the back seat of a vehicle can be tough, but it's definitely doable if you plan accordingly. The Clek Foonf is a fantastic option (honestly, I can't say enough good things about this seat), or the Diono Radiant RXT Are you planning on only purchasing one car seat for your child and moving it between cars when necessary? Some seats are harder to install than others and ease of installation may be the biggest factor for you then.
Best car seats for 3 across in one row:
Diono Radian RXT All in One Car SeatClek Fllo 2017 Convertible Car SeatClek Foonf 2017 Convertible Car SeatDiono Rainier All-In-One Convertible Car Seat
Do you have any tips for buying a car seat?
What's your favorite brand or type of seat?
Disclosure: Amazon links are affiliate links. Main image credit: Kadmy/Dollar Photo Club.
Check out our other posts about car seats:
8 common car seat mistakes you might be making.
5 car seat safety tips every parent should read.
What an ARB and why do I need one?
Big Kid Car Safety - When to transition to a booster or seat belt.
Using the Top Tether - Are you doing it right?
Car seat use after an accident - what you need to know.
Car seats and coats - the do's and don'ts
Britney CPST says
I'm usually in agreement with your car seat posts, but this one has some misinformation...
The Graco SmartSeat is a giant bulky seat that is outgrown early in all modes. It is rarely recommended as there are plenty of other seats (even Graco seats) that will be easier to use and will last years longer.
Also, it is true that some seats have more technology and safety features, but there is nowhere to comprehensively compare safety based on crash test results. There is no comparative proof that a steel frame is more protective than a seat without. It's not fair to assume that a seat that costs more will be more protective. Consumer Reports has begun to do comparitive testing and their results have already proven that more expensive/more features doesn't always mean better. Using a $40 seat properly is safer than misusing a $300 seat, so it's more important to find a seat that can be used correctly every time.
Ruth V. says
Hi Britney! Thanks for your comment! I'm not a CPST by any means, so I appreciate your feedback.
I genuinely like my Graco Smart Seat, which is why I recommend it. I agree it's giant and bulky, but I can achieve a great installation in my SUV thanks to the base of the seat (and with other seats, I've had a really hard time). I agree it's not perfect for every family or every vehicle, but I feel like it's a good, solid seat for us. Maybe that will change in the future as I only have a two year old and haven't transitioned him to forward facing and haven't used this seat with a child in booster mode. This is great to know and I'll do more research on this seat.
I also agree that using a $40 seat properly is better than using a $300 seat incorrectly. I didn't mean to imply that seats that cost less aren't a safe option. I did say that "the BEST seat is the one that fits your child and is properly installed in your car, so don't fret too much if you can't afford the car seat of your dreams - just make sure the one you've got is properly installed." -this is based on comments I've gotten from moms that really want to buy a more expensive seats with more safety features, but can't really afford it.
Thanks again for your comment!
Ruth V. says
Thanks so much for reading and sharing! Good luck with finding a great car seat for your family!
Sandra Goodrich says
Great tips. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Mandy says
After much searching, reading reviews, and talking to a bunch of moms, I decided on the brand new Britax Marathon Click Tight. Yes, a little pricier... But like you said, I decided to forgo the bucket so I wouldn't have to spend another $200 or so just a little bit later. With a bad back, there was NO WAY I could carry a bucket anyway. I also liked that it has a pretty much idiot proof installation... This will be my first child and I don't want to stay up at night worrying if I got it in my car correctly. I also love that there is no rethreading when the straps need to be adjusted, that it's low emitting on toxins, easy to clean, and (bonus!) has a leveler built into the side of the seat.
Ruth V. says
Sounds like you made a great choice! I can't wait to give the Click Tight seats a try. Good luck!
Katy says
I agree with most of what you wrote. I also think that it's important to mention that while bucket seats are convenient most of them say that they should NOT be used to hold a child unless they are on the base(in the car) as it is not properly positioned and can cause the child to not be able to breath properly. 🙁 They also sound really good "holds a child up to 35 pounds" BUT check to see how LONG baby can be in it safely. Our son was only able to use his bucked a few months because while he was very light he was very long. Just make sure you do all the research. 🙂
ALPA says
thanks for such amazig tips on buying the car seat. its always important to follow certian rules before buying a car seat as they come expensive and its important for a childs safety.
Stephanie F says
Great articles. Friends have been asking and this will be good for sharing!