Rear-facing seats, forward-facing seats, booster seats – the safety guidelines all start to blend together after a while. Here’s a simple lesson to help you navigate the age requirements, weight limits and various styles of children’s car seats.
All manufacturers are required to meet the same safety regulations, so regardless of how much you spend, you can rest assured that each seat was tested against the same standards. More expensive models, however, may include additional convenience features, easier installation and longer expiration dates.
It is important to know that you should never use a car seat that is more than six years old, has been involved in an accident, is missing parts or is not labeled with a manufacture date and model number. If you are given a secondhand car seat, be sure to also have the instruction manual so you know how to set it up properly, as well as find out if there have been any recalls.
Sources:
- https://thecarseatlady.com/
- https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/child-safety-seats
- http://www.ctsafekids.org/files/2714/3206/0814/CPS_trifold_2015_proof_4.pdf
- https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/car-seat-safety-kids
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/cars/yes-car-seats-expire-and-heres-why/2017/02/23/608ce07c-fa05-11e6-aa1e-5f735ee31334_story.html
