Tips for Having the Right Car Seat for Your Child

Having the right car seat for your child is critical for ensuring optimal safety on the road. Unfortunately, with so many car seat choices on the market today, determining which design will keep your child safest can be difficult. But with these helpful tips, you can make sure you have the best, safest car seat possible.

The Importance of Installation

Before you even begin shopping for a car seat, be sure to carefully read your vehicle’s owner’s manual to understand where and how your car seat should be installed. Generally speaking, most cars require child seats to be installed using either a seatbelt or a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, or LATCH, system. Keep in mind that the middle, rear-seating position is the safest spot in your vehicle for a child and not all cars feature LATCH attachments in these critical areas.

Car Seats Should Correlate with Your Child’s Age and Size

The car seat you choose should be based on the age and size of your child. Remember, too, that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends keeping your child in a car seat for as long as possible, as long as they fit within the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements. Generally speaking, however, the following car seats and belting are suggested based on your child’s age and weight.

Infants to two-years-old: Rear-facing car seats
One-year-old to six-years-old: Forward-facing car seats
Four-years-old to 11-years-old: Booster seat
Eight-years-old and older: Seatbelt

Look for Additional Safety and Usability Features

In order to ensure you have the best car seat for your child, be sure to look for additional safety and usability features when shopping for options. For example, a seat with a two-piece retainer clip makes it nearly impossible for toddlers to unbuckle and climb out of, while accessible harness adjusters increase the safety of the seat in the event of a crash. Furthermore, by choosing a seat with smooth fabric, you’ll be able to quickly and easily clean up and spills or other messes without having to scrub textured fabric.

Collision Specialists

Unfortunately, even the safest drivers get into a collision. Just as the hospital helps ensure you and your family are safe after an accident, Cascade Collision is here to help your car come back from a collision. If you get into a car crash, come to the specialists at Cascade Collision, today.