When it comes to your child’s safety in your car, you don’t want to cut corners or skimp on the really important stuff, so it is crucial to make sure you have the correct car seat for your child. When choosing a car seat, the most important thing is your child’s height and weight. While most people think that the choice of car seats is based on age, this is not the case. It is also important to check local regulations to make sure the seat you choose meets all safety standards and regulations.

The general rule of thumb is that children under the age of 12 years or shorter than 135 cm (4 feet 5 inches) must have a car seat. For children under 15 months of age, a rear-facing car seat is recommended. This type of seat provides additional protection in the event of a strong impact to the vehicle.

What car seat to choose?

First of all, you need to look for a car seat that will fit both your vehicle and your child. You can find the best car seat on the market, but it may still not be suitable for your car. After checking that the seat fits your car, make sure it also meets the height and weight standards for your child. Have the seat installed by a licensed technician or, if you decide to do it yourself, be sure to strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You don't have to choose the most expensive product, just make sure it meets your needs and has passed all regulatory safety tests.

Is a second-hand car seat okay?

It is not recommended to buy a second-hand car seat as it may be damaged, may not meet the current guidelines (especially if it is an older seat) or even some of the parts may be missing. The seat may have been involved in an accident or contaminated with harmful substances. It may also have not been stored properly and exposed to dirt, mould and other harmful or allergenic factors. When you buy a new product, you are guaranteed the safety and effectiveness of the seat.

How to check if the seat fits your child?

The easiest way is to put your child in the car seat. There should be a harness clip and harness straps. The height of the harness should be adjustable, which will allow you to use the seat for a longer time as the child grows. The harness should fit comfortably around your child’s shoulders and securely fasten at the front. The harness should fit snugly against your body and should not be too tight at the shoulder.

Types of car seats

The four main types of car seats that are available include infant-only rear-facing seats, combination seats, convertible seats and booster seats. There are also seats for children with special needs. Infant-only seats are rear-facing and are recommended for children under two years of age. They should not be placed in front of the airbag. Do not exceed the recommended weight for these seats.

Convertible seats are able to be used as rear-facing seats but can be turned to face front. This means convertible seats can be used for babies and toddlers up to two years of age, and when they weigh around 20 pounds (9 kg) or more, the seats can be turned forward.

Combination seats are designed for children weighing 20 to 40 pounds (9 to 18 kg), who are at least one year old. These seats can be used until the child weighs 40 pounds (18 kg) or more and is four years or older. They can then be converted into booster seats. They are always facing forward.

Booster seats are intended for children 4 to 9 years old. Typically, you can switch to these when your child grows out of their car seat or exceeds their car seat’s recommended weight. They should be used until the child is at least 4 feet 9 inches (145 cm) tall and at least 8 or 9 years old. From then on, your child should wear the seat belts in your car.