Top 10 Mistakes when Buying a Car Seat

There is no doubt that a good quality car seat is one of the most important purchases the parent of an infant or toddler can make. A properly installed car seat can be a real life saver in a crash. In addition, a car seat can keep the baby comfortable and happy on those long road trips.

Unfortunately, there are some common mistakes parents make when buying these important safety items. Listed below are some of the most frequently seen mistakes made when buying and installing a car seat.

1. Buying a car seat that is difficult to install - Proper installation is the most important part of buying a good car seat. Inspections of car seats reveal that the majority of car seats are installed improperly. Car seats that come with incomplete or poorly worded instructions, or those that are overly complicated to install, can be dangerous.

2. Buying a car seat that does not properly fit your vehicle. Most car seats are designed to fit most models of newer cars, but owners of older or more exotic cars may have problems fitting car seats properly. If you are unsure if the seat you chose will fit your car, be sure to check with the auto dealer.

3. Not looking for the seal of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. Parents should only buy car seats that meet or exceed this federal standard.

4. Buying a car seat that is too small for your baby - All car seats carry a maximum height and weight rating. Be sure to buy a car seat that provide room to grow.
Tip! Make sure you buy during a time when very few are likely to buy that product. Christmas is a good time for buying cars.

5. Choosing a car seat that is not compatible with your car's seat belt. Not all car seats are compatible with all styles of seat belts. If you are unsure what type of car seat you need, be sure to consult with the manufacturer.

6. Not ensuring that the car seat fits the baby properly. Particularly with larger car seats, a small baby could accidentally slip out of the seat. It is important that infants one year of age and younger ride only in a rear facing car seat. Only after the baby is older than one year and weighs between 20 or 40 pounds should he or she be switched to a front facing seat.
Tip! Visit RoadBusters for more information and help on buying cars, or just come along to chat.

7. Not checking for safety recalls. There are a number of safety recalls on car seats every year, and it is important to check for recalls on the model car seat you are considering.

8. Not choosing the fabric carefully - It is important to choose a fabric that is machine washable. In addition, a cloth upholstered seat is often more comfortable for the baby.
Tip! If you are new at buying cars, don't get intimidated.Have a firm goal.

9. Not buying a car seat as part of a travel system - It is possible to buy a car seat that is part of a three part travel system. That means that the car seat, infant carrier and stroller are all integrated into one handy unit. This combination is often a more convenient and cost effective solution than buying the items separately.

10. Buying a car seat that is poorly made - Poor construction may be the biggest problem with some car seats. Be sure to check the quality of the car seat, watching especially for any sharp edges or loose parts.

Linda, mother of two is an inspired author of the http://www.baby-strollers-guide.com and the http://www.baby-product-guides.com

Things To Consider When Buying A Car Seat

As a parent one of the most important things you have to buy for your child is a car seat. Important in this case meaning it has to be safe and fit the type of car you have. Most car seats today will fit almost all the newer model cars but if you are driving an older vehicle it may not be the case. Regardless if you are to drive with your child in a car, it is the law that the child is in a car seat.

Most of the things you purchase for your child can actually be bought used which is great when it comes to saving you money but unfortunately most people will tell you that the car seat should be the one thing to buy brand new. The reason for this is that you can never know if something has ever happened to that seat and the smallest crack in it can be very dangerous if you are in an accident as well as any damage to the belts.

Before actually buying a car seat there are things you should know to look for and be aware of, you do not just go out and buy one for looks. The purpose of a car seat is to keep your precious child safe in an accident which may otherwise be deadly. A car seat is not a fashion statement; it is about saving your child's life.

Here are some ideas on what to be aware of and look for as you go to find a safe car seat. Remember it is all about safety, not vanity. Proper installation is the most important part of buying a good car seat. Inspections of car seats reveal that the majority of car seats are installed improperly. Car seats which come with bad instructions and that are to complicated to install can be very dangerous.

Do not buy a car seat that does not properly fit your vehicle. Especially if you have an older model car and are uncertain if the car seat will fit your car, be sure to check with the auto dealer.

Make sure to look for the seal of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. Parents should only buy car seats that meet or exceed this federal standard.

Do not buy a car seat that is too small for your child, give him room to grow. All seats carry a rating for maximum height and weight.

Not all car seats are compatible with all styles of seat belts. If you are unsure what type of car seat you need, be sure to consult with the manufacturer.

There are a number of safety recalls on car seats every year, and it is important to check for recalls on the model car seat you are considering.

Watch the quality of the car seat, check for lose parts and sharp edges.

David Crowton is an established expert copywriter. He is known for doing in-depth research before writing his articles.

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