Forward facing or rear-facing, isofix or base? You have to dig and research for the best car seat, most secure and what suit for your baby. First you may need to be aware that there is 3 different groups of car seat:
- Group 1 – Weight 0 – 29 pounds
- Group 2 – Weight 20 – 40 pounds
- Group 3 – Weight 33 – 79 pounds
Conscious Parents:
The majority of parents who are going to buy car seats are very conscious, and usally read up slightly before they purchase. As parents we’re concerned about test and security of car seats.
Starting point is usally to look at the “Best-In-Test”-products. We often find it can be a bit difficult to use these consumer tests, because it is taken into consideration more than just safety. That a car seat has a nice design or a good price does not say anything about the safety.
Questions To Consider:
- Do you want a car seat with a base? Do you have a car with isofix available? If your car don’t have isofix, you can already exclude a numbers of car seats.
- Do you plan to use the car seat on a stroller? Many strollers have adapters that allow you to mount the car seat to the stroller.
- Tests. Have you followed the consumer tests, and made up your mind about what you like?
- Weights? It’s does not matter, focus rather on the safety.
- If you have more car seats in your car. Will the new one have enough space to mount? Ask the seller to borrow you the car seat to try it in your car first.
NB: Isofix is a system for fastening the car seats in the vehicle without using the seat belts. The attachments points are located between the seat and seat backrest on most newer cars. Use of isofix reduces the risk of incorrect installation.
Rear-facing is most secure for the baby. This is because if the vehicle is involved in an event of a collision your baby have a higher chance to avoid major injuries. And the baby’s neck is protected much better than forward facing. Look at video below and you’ll see why:
Stay rear-facing as long as possible, and please share this information you could save someone’s life!
Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base, Sedona
Product: Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base, Sedona
Price: $199.99
Shipping: Free Shipping and Free Returns
Best Price To Buy: Amazon.com
Weight: 21 pounds
Weight Recommendation: 4 – 30 pounds
Style: Car Seat
Orientation: Forward Facing and Rear Facing
Target Gender: Unisex
Product Rating: 4.7/5
Pros:
- Lasts up to 30 lbs instead of 25 lbs like other seats.
- Washable seat cover.
- Easy to take in and out the car without unstrapping the baby.
- Easy installation of the base.
- #1 rated infant car seat in America.
- Full body inserts for newborns 4-11 pounds to protect smaller babies.
- Can mount on a caddy, Chicco Keyfit Caddy Stroller Frame, for easy transport.
Cons:
- Low air-flow fabric. The car seat may be hot in summer times or in warm countries.
- Sun shade is not multi-positional.
Easy car seat installation and rated as #1 in America. The keyFit 30’s thickly cushioned seat includes a five-point safety harness and is lined with energy-absorbing foam for increased safety and comfort.
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 Infant Car Seat, Gotham
Product: Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 Infant Car Seat, Gotham
Price: $129.99
Shipping: Free Shipping and Free Returns
Best Price To Buy: Amazon.com
Weight: 16.8 pounds
Weight Recommendation: 4 – 35 pounds
Style: Car Seat
Orientation: Forward Facing and Rear Facing
Target Gender: Unisex
Product Rating: 4.4/5
Pros:
- Light weighted car seat.
- Easy to adjust the straps.
- Easy installation.
- Newborn insert provides comfortable fit.
- Comfortable handle to grip and carry.
- Adjusting the incline on the base is as simple as turning the dial on the seat.
- Good safety ratings.
Cons:
- Only one level indicator, and not on both side.
- The shade doesn’t provide much relief from light, advise to use a blanket over the handle. NB: Do not cover the the car seat completely, the baby need air.
Rear-facing car seat helps protect infants from 4 – 35 pounds. Good safety ratings, crash tested to meet or exceed U.S. safety standards and reassure safety-conscious parents.
Always think of your baby’s safety when traveling. Rear-facing is no doubt the best option for your baby.
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Please don’t hestitate to leave a comment or question. I’ll answer you and that is a promise.
hi Nam!
You present 2 good options here in terms of car seats for younger infants (according to the weight). Will you be introducing or reviewing seats for older children too? I think safety of the child is and must be the priority. I was not familiar with the term Isofix but as you explained it I understood what you meant. it is awesome that newer cars do come with that system already in them.
Hi Emily,
Thank you for commenting. Yes, I’ll review car seat for older kids too later on.
Have a great day and I wish you all the best!
Nam
Hi Nam,
Thanks for sharing this amazing post with us. I like the quality of baby car seats you mentioned in this post, especially the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 Infant Car Seat, Gotham since I had something much similar to it for my son. Can you believe that I used the same seat when I had my second child? This car seats are simply the best.
Hi Peter,
So pleased that you have chosen a secure care seat for your child
It’s so important to secure our child properly during driving and I hope you install the care seat rear-faced.
Thank you for returning to my website and for commenting, I really appriciate it :=)
Nam
Hello there, I just wanted to chime in for minute because I have the Chicco Keyfit 30 infant car seat and base. I got it for my daughter and her siblings got her the Chicco caddy to go with it. She really loves both of them and she has had no complaints about them. I’ve had to switch the base into my car a few times and that wasn’t as bad as I was expecting, so all is well. This is a great car seat.
Hi Debra,
Thanks for commenting. Very please to hear that you have nearly no complaints about the Chicco Keyfit 30 and for confirming my recommendation.
Thank you for visiting my site.
Have a great evening/day
Nam