10 Jan How to Choose the Right Car Seat
In Arizona, children must be in a car seat or booster seat while in your vehicle if they are under eight years old or shorter than four feet, nine inches tall. Children under one year old must be in a rear-facing car seat, children between one and five years old must be in a forward-facing car seat, and children between five and eight years old must be in a booster seat. The type of car seat you choose for your child will play a huge role in your child’s health, safety, and comfort. Here is a guide to choosing the right car seat for your child.
Understanding the Different Types of Car Seats
There are thousands of different car seats on the market, and some may not have ideal safety ratings or may be uncomfortable or hard to use. There are also many different types of car seats available, and it’s important to understand which type is right for your child based on their age, size, and any special needs they have. Your child may need to transition from one type of car seat to another as they grow.
Infant Car Seats
Infant car seats are rear-facing only. They have a removable carrier that connects to a base that is installed in your car. You will need to update your car seat when the top of your child’s head is an inch or less from the top of the car seat’s carrier shell.
Convertible Car Seats
Convertible car seats can be rear and forward-facing. They should be used on or before your child’s first birthday. They have a higher weight limit.
All-in-one Car Seats
All-in-one car seats can be rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster seats. They aren’t as convenient or comfortable for newborns or infants, however. They can typically accommodate children between four and 50 pounds when rear-facing and 20 to 65 pounds when forward-facing. They can be used as a booster seat for kids up to 120 pounds.
Booster Seats
Booster seats are forward-facing only and allow you to use the seat belt in your vehicle.
Harnessed Booster Seats
A harnessed booster seat is forward-facing only and uses a harness for children between 20 and 90 pounds. The seat then transitions to use with your vehicle’s seat belt when your child is between 30 and 120 pounds.
Read Reviews and Get Guidance From Experts
You should always read customer reviews of a car seat before purchasing it. See what other parents have to say about how easy the car seat is to install and use, how adjustable it is, whether their child found it comfortable, and whether there are any safety concerns. You should also get recommendations and guidance from your child’s pediatrician and a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) or use the car seat buying guide provided by Safe Kids Worldwide. Finally, make sure there have not been any complaints or recalls for the specific brand, make, and model of car seat you’re considering. You can also get your car seat checked for free at Safe Kids Arizona.
At National Auto Collision Centers, we can help you maintain the safety of your vehicle by providing fast, reliable collision repair and maintenance. Call us today or contact us online to schedule an appointment at one of our auto service centers in Tucson, AZ.