CHOOSING THE BEST CAR SEAT FOR YOUR BABY OR TODDLER
It goes without saying that our children are precious to us. We want to do everything we can to keep them safe. One of the most important things we can do for our babies and toddlers is put them in the absolute best, safest, highest-rated car seat--one that fits them and that is installed correctly.
Obviously, the most important thing to worry about is how to find the safest car seat for your baby or toddler. It’s difficult to think of a more stressful or critical decision when you’re a new parent. Luckily, you can breathe at least a small sigh of relief, because all car seats on the market have been tested to make sure they meet the current safety standards of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). (Make sure to look for the JPMA stamp on the box to be certain it meets the standards for safety.) But keep in mind that safety technologies are constantly being improved, so never accept a used or hand-me-down car seat under any circumstances: give yourself peace of mind and your child the gift of a new car seat.
So how do you begin choosing the right car seat for your baby or toddler? Do your research. There are a number of trustworthy websites that constantly research and publish details about and recommendations for the best baby and toddler car seats. Consumer Reports, The Bump, Parents Magazine, and even Business Insider have all recently published in-depth articles on finding the best car seat, recommendations for the best makes and models depending on your needs, common car seat mistakes, and other things to consider.
These websites and other articles discuss the different types of car seats and their safety features. They discuss whether it makes sense to buy an infant car seat for your newborn or a convertible car seat that can be used as your infant grows to toddler-size. They explain the importance of choosing a car seat with easily adjustable straps. They recommend online tutorials and YouTube videos that show how to safely install and remove car seats from your vehicle and discuss the importance of having your installation verified by an expert. (Visit www.seatcheck.org to find an inspector near you.)
Do your research to find out how to buy the safest baby and toddler car seats for your budget. These sites break down all the issues and characteristics you will want to consider and even make recommendations for each type of situation, with links to where you can buy the products. It’s often helpful to ask your OB-GYN and/or pediatrician for recommendations, as well.
But the bottom line is this: the more research you do, the better. Search for answers to your specific concerns, like “What car seat is best for my newborn?” or “What is a convertible car seat?” Even searching general statements like “common questions about child car seats” returns a wealth of in-depth articles with answers to almost any question you can think of. Take advantage of the countless child-safety experts, parents, and other tireless reporters who have done the research to help you find the absolutely best car seat for your baby or toddler. Help is out there!
Now that you’re on your way to finding and installing the best car seat for your baby or toddler, it’s time to make sure that your car is also in tip-top shape by scheduling a service with The Auto Experts. We care dearly for each and every customer, so let us take care of your vehicles. Proudly serving downtown Sacramento, Midtown, and East Sacramento, you can find us at 505 30th Street Sacramento, CA 95816. See you soon!