There’s nothing better than a baby car seat when you’re looking after your infant’s safety in a car. Babies can relax and sit cozily in these seats, and they are so safe that many countries have made them mandatory. Baby car seats are extremely useful and the safest for your baby, especially when you have to travel long distances with your baby and prefer to travel by your own vehicle rather than by train, bus or flight. So, how to choose the right baby car seat for your baby?
The market offers a wide range of baby car seats – infant-only seats, convertible seats, forward-facing seats and so forth. You can buy the seat, which is best in terms of safety, comfort, fitting, etc. One major perk of baby car seats is that your little one can sit way before becoming a 6-month-old. Read to know the key factors to consider when buying a car seat for your baby and the various types you can choose from.
In This Article
- What is a Baby Car Seat?
- Can You Use a Baby Car Seat For Your Baby?
- When Can You Start Using a Baby Car Seat?
- Types of Baby Car Seats For Your Baby
- How to Choose a Baby Car Seat For Your Baby?
- Benefits of Baby Car Seats
- Few Top Brands in India For Buying Baby Car Seats
- FAQ’s
What is a Baby Car Seat?
A baby car seat goes the extra mile in terms of protecting your baby on all your car trips. And this is a must-have item if you’re bringing your infant home for the first time after delivery in some countries such as the USA where there are strict laws concerning the type and purchase of baby car seats as well as set standards for such car seat manufacturing.
There’s a day and night difference between holding your newborn on your lap while driving and putting them in a car seat, as far as safety is concerned. Moreover, if your baby is seated on a car seat, the chances of them having an injury get trimmed down by 71%. Aside from all this, a baby car seat makes the ride comfortable and joyful for your little one.
Can You Use a Baby Car Seat For Your Baby?
Yes, car seats are extremely safe for babies. In fact they reduce the risk of injuries during sudden jerks or even accidents. Several researchers have cleared all the dust from the parent’s eyes and confirmed that these little seats are super effective for safety against crashes. Do you know that counties like the UK and the US have laws that state it is compulsory to carry an infant in a baby car seat? Therefore, it’s best to buy a suitable car seat for your newborn at the earliest convenience to you.
Look for car seats considering your baby’s weight and age. Its installation process should also be done perfectly within a car. Don’t buy any fancy car seat if it cannot be installed properly or does not fit well in your car. You must see which seat will suit your car’s model and shape inside. It’s a good sign if the car seat does little to no sideways movement after being attached to the car’s seatbelt.
When Can You Start Using a Baby Car Seat?
Start to prefer car seats as soon as your baby is born. Gradually, you will move further to different and larger car seats as they grow up and when you decide to buy a new car. It all depends on your baby’s weight and size, and how quickly they overgrow their current car seat. After 9-24 months, you may have to buy another car seat which suits your little one’s weight and height.
Types of Baby Car Seats For Your Baby
Your infant will start their journey in a car from a rear-facing car seat. They will level up to a forward-facing one soon after they hit the maximum weight and height the seat can bear, in line with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
1. Car Seats Designed Specifically For Infants
These car seats will be the safety buddy for your infant until they kiss 9-10 kgs of weight or there’s only a 1-inch gap between their head and the uppermost area of the seat. Such seats are crafted to be lighter and portable for their usage. Infant-only car seats have made their place in many parents’ hearts because they can easily be detached from the car – that means they possibly won’t disturb your sleeping baby. Moreover, if you want a two-in-one solution, look for a car seat which fits your baby stroller (always buy a baby car seat offline). This is because infant-only car seats usually click and fit onto a stroller’s base.
2. Convertible or Combination Car Seats
You may purchase and seat your baby on these car seats from their birth, but, keep in mind, that infant-only car seats are a better option if your baby is small. Buy a certified seat which is passed to face rear. As the name suggests, you can make the seat face forward or rear, depending on your baby’s age. Thus, these seats are a long-term purchase. But remember, convertible car seats are not portable, which means you cannot remove them whenever you wish after the installation.
3. Forward-Facing Car Seats
Your baby is ready to embark on their adventures in these car seats once they exceed the highest height and weight capacity of previous seats. Children weighing below 29 or 30 kgs can be seated in forward-facing car seats. However, note the limitations of the baby car seat’s height and weight before you make your purchase – because the specifications can vary for every baby car seat.
How to Choose a Baby Car Seat For Your Baby?
Keeping a few points in mind will ensure a good and satisfying purchase of a baby car seat.
1. Comfort
Make sure that the baby seat has adjustable straps and cushions in it to give a comfy ride to your infant. Next up, see if the seat can be cleaned up with ease because you or your partner will need to do some cleaning from time to time. Further, seat your baby in that seat and see if their head tilts a little to sideways or remains straight – both are fine. But their head should not fall forward, as if their chin is touching their chest. This is very unsafe.
2. Easy Installation
Prefer car seats which have good installation instruction manuals. Pick one which can easily fit your car’s model. Keep a close eye on the angle at which the seat is installed. Place your baby and check if their head falls forward or not. If it does, adjust it again.
3. Fabric
Buy a seat whose fabric has a smooth surface, and which is water resistant. Absorbent or textured fabric is not preferable for ease of cleaning. A washable cover is also good for cleaning, but whichever fabric you choose, just follow the cleaning guidelines of your baby’s car seat.
4. Safety Features
Your baby should feel comfortable under the harness (seatbelt for a baby seat). If your baby is a bit bigger, check the harness before buying, a baby must not be able to open it on their own.
5. Proper Fit
If your car model is small, compare the size of the baby car seat’s base with your car’s back seat. First, check to install the seat just for testing, and only purchase if it fits perfectly with little or no sideways movements.
Benefits of Baby Car Seats
Baby car seats are incredibly helpful in many aspects
1. Safety
Baby car seats raise the safety bar of the car ride to the next level which is one of the main reasons most parents prefer buying car seats for their little ones. whether it is for short trips or long journeys, baby car seats keep your baby safe from burps and jerks.
2. Comfort
The reclined angle of baby car seats gives the joy of sitting to babies who haven’t yet touched the 6-month milestone or who can’t sit without your help.
3. Seemless Travelling Experience
Many (Infant-only) car seats can be attached to a stroller without any effort. So, the baby won’t wake up in the middle when you’re taking out the car seat.
Top 10 Popular Car Seats For Babies in India
1. Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 Car Seat
This car seat stays with your little one until they become older. It provides a Rear-facing seat for infants and a front-facing for toddlers and older kids. This car seat has a 4-position extension panel that allows you to extend the leg space up to five inches. It also has six reclining positions to ensure that your little one is comfortably seated. With ten different positions for the headrest, this car seat ensures that your little one is safe and comfortable during long travel.
Pros
- 3 modes of harness
- 4-position extension panel
- 10-position headrest
- No Rethread adjustable harness
- 6-position recline
- Enright Latch system
- Abundance Harness Storage
- Has a cup holder
Cons
- It is quite a job to remove and place back the seat cushion.
2. LuvLap Baby Convertible Sports Car seat Black
This baby car seat is certified by the European Standards as an excellent car seat for safety performance and side and head protection. It comes with a 5-point Harness having 3 backrest reclining positions. These reclining positions give a comfortable ride while your little one is sleeping. It has shoulder padding and a thicker headrest. The padding is made of comfortable fabrics that are breathable and safe for the little one. The safety belts can be adjusted with a single pull.
Pros
- 5 Point Safety Harness
- 3 Positions Seat Recline
- Adjustable Height and Harness
- Suitable from 0-4 years
- Can carry babies up to 25 Kgs
- Extra Soft Cushioned Seat
Cons
- Locks are Sturdy and Difficult to Handle
3. R for Rabbit Convertible Baby Car Seat
The Baby Car Seat has been tested and certified to exceed the expectations of the European Standards on Safety. The Car Seat is suitable for three groups – Group 0,1 & 2 – Jack and Jill Grand. Group 0 covers children between 0 to 2 years and can carry up to 10 kg. The group 1 covers children between 2 to 5 years and can carry up to 18 kgs. Group 2 covers children between 4 to 7 years. It can carry up to 25 kg. This product also has three reclining positions that can be adjusted to the comfort of your little one.
Pros
- 5 Point Safety harness
- 3 Position Recline
- Side Impact Protection
- Luxurious Design
- Washable Seat Cushion
- Suitable for babies and toddlers up to 7 years.
Cons
- Installation could be tricky.
4. Mee Mee Baby Car Seat Cum Carry Cot
This Baby car seat has a thick cushioned seat with a Y-shaped belt. The Shoulder and Lap belts make your little one comfortable and securely seated. It has a comfortable backrest and support system. The product also has a net that keeps the insects away from your little one. It can be used as a car seat and a carrycot by adjusting the position from sitting to sleeping.
Pros
- Can be used as Rocker, Carry Cot, and Car Seat
- Full Canopy
- Sturdy and Comfortable Handle
- Double Cushioned and Washable Seat Cover
Ergonomic Design - 3-Point Safety Belt
- Suitable for long travel
Cons
- The Seat Cushions might not be sufficient, and many induce heat.
5. TRUMOM (USA) Baby Convertible Sports Car Seat
The Baby Car Seat has three recline positions with a single-handed adjustable handle – Front Adjust, Side Position, and Seat Adjust. It has a five-point harness, and the front harness helps you safely put the baby in and out of the seat. The Car Seat is compatible with any kind of car. The Headrest can be adjusted according to the position and comforts of the baby. It is suitable for babies from 0 to 7 years old and can carry up to 25 kg.
Pros
- 3 Recline Position
- 5-Point safety Harness
- Adjustable Headrest
- Double Way Sitting
- Compatible with all cars
- Easy Maintenance
Cons
- No Canopy
6. Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat – Neptune
The Baby Car Seat meets and exceeds the requirements and expectations of the Federal Safety Standards of the United States of America. It also meets Evenflo`s Side Impact Test Standard for Structural Integrity. It has a 5-point safety harness with four shoulder strap positions. This ensures that the car seat is long-lasting and can be used as children grow older. It is light and can be carried in small cars and air travel.
Pros
- Upfront Harness Adjustment
- Rear-facing Recline
- 4-Harness Position
- 2-Crotch Buckle Positions
- Machine-washable pad
- Head pillow
Cons
- No Recline Positions
- Might not be suitable for all cars
7. Chicco Cosmos Baby Car Seat with Universal Attachment System
The Baby Car Seat is designed and manufactured according to the European Standards of Safety. It is durable, long-lasting, and can be used by your little one until age 4. It has a three-point car belt and can easily fit any car. The Car Seat is designed in an ergonomic shape with a soft reducer cushion. It ensures safety and comfort even on rugged roads. It has a four position recline system that comforts your little one on long journeys.
Pros
- Universal attachment system
- Suitable for kids up to 4 year
- Soft mini reducer cushion
- Rear-facing and Forward-facing Installation
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- The Lock quality needs improvement.
8. Fisher-Price – Infant Car Seat
The Car Seat is versatile and can be used as four products – Car Seat, Carry Cot, Rocker, and Feeding Chair. You need to adjust them to four different positions. It is certified by the European Standards for safety. Made with virgin plastic, which is 100% safe for your little one, it is lightweight and has side Impact protection with soft pads. This ensures that your little one is safe and comfortable.
Pros
- 5-Point Harness
- Has an Integrated Canopy
- Vibrant designs and patterns
- The cushion can be easily removed and is suitable for hand wash
- Safe Plastic
Cons
- Might not be suitable for toddlers who weigh more than 13 kg.
9. Little Pumpkin – Kiddie Kingdom – Infant Car Seat Cum Carrycot
The Baby Car seat serves four different purposes when used in four positions: Car Seat, Carry Cot, Baby Rocker, and Feeding Chair. The Ultralightweight design enables you to easily carry your little one in your arms without any pain or tiredness. It has an integrated canopy that protects your little one from unstable weather. It also has a 3-point safety belt that you can easily to your little one`s comfort and height.
Pros
- Easy to carry
- Multiple Positions as per the child`s comfort
- Protects from unstable weather
- Seat cover can be easily removed and washed regularly
- Safe and Secure Belt with 3-point position
- 4-Position Handle Adjustment
Cons
- Not Suitable for kids who are more than 15 months old
10. Joie GEMM Group 0+ Infant Car Seat
The Baby Car Seat is a multi-functional system that can be used as a Car Seat, Carry Cot, Rocker, and Baby seater. It has a Side Impact protection that gives your little one optimal security. This car seat also has a cozy newborn pillow that comfortably fits the baby. It has a 5-Point Harness and Front Tension Adjustment panel. This product is the best companion for your air travel.
Pros
- Safe and Secure
- Airline Certified
- Multi-functional Usage
- Ensures maximum safety with Rear-facing Car Seat
- The Carry cot is easily removable and washable.
Cons
- Not Suitable for kids who are older than 15 months.
It can be a bit troublesome to decide on the right baby car seat for your baby. No matter which one you choose, always keep safety above all else. Buy certified car seats from well-known brands and make sure it is the right for your car. Be careful when you install the seat. And when you begin to clean it, ensure that you check the cleaning guidelines so that you can keep the car seat clean and durable.
FAQ’s
1. How Long Can a Baby Use an Infant Car Seat?
It varies for every baby. But generally, after 9 months to 2 years, parents buy a new one so that their baby can properly fit in it.
2. Is it OK to Put Newborn in a Car Seat?
Yes, it’s safe. However, you should try to seat them on it only while you’re travelling in a car. Otherwise, keep them close to you.
3. Should The Car Seat be Behind The Driver or Passenger?
The safest seat is always the middle seat or the passenger seat. Never install the baby car seat on the front seat – it’s not safe in case you press the brakes hard or get in an accident.
