As a parent, there's nothing more important than keeping your little one safe. But with so many car seat options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Don't worry, we've got you and your mini-me covered!
Because safety, comfort and affordability are top priorities for parents, we've put together this useful guide to help you choose the perfect car seat for your child.
Know your options:
Before you start shopping, it's important to know the different types of car seats available. You can choose from:
- Rear-facing baby seats for babies under 10kg, or about a year old.
- Forward-facing toddler seats (9 – 18kg). For children of about 1 to 4 years old.
- Booster seats for children of 15 – 25kg, or 4 – 8 years.
- Backless booster seats for children of 22-36kg, or 6 to 11 years old.
Safety first:
In South Africa, car seats should be certified by the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) – look for a sticker on the bottom or side. Also, read some reviews and ensure the seat you choose meets the latest safety regulations and has a good safety rating. You can also check the seat's safety features, such as side impact protection and crash testing results.
Comfort is key:
A comfortable car seat is essential for long road trips and daily commutes. Look for seats with padded cushions, adjustable straps and easy-to-clean materials. Making sure the seat fits the baby correctly and is correctly adjusted can be the difference between a quiet, happy drive and one with a screaming baby!
Second-hand savings:
If you're on a budget, consider buying a second-hand car seat from Gumtree. Just ensure the seat is in good condition, has no recalls and comes with the original manual.
Test drive:
If possible, try fitting the car seat in your car before buying it to ensure compatibility. Some seats clip onto ISOFIX mountings at the back of the car’s seat, so if your car doesn’t have these mounts the seat isn’t suitable. Other car seats are fastened using the car’s seatbelts.