New Parent? Tips for Buying Your First Car Seat
Cars seats are one of the many things that new parents will need to acquaint themselves with when they have a child. Like many other items, a car seat is one of those things that people see all the time, but don’t really know that much about it until you actually have kids.
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This means most new parents will need to spend some time reading up about what type of car seat they should purchase and how to properly use and install it.
To help you out, we have put together a list of tips and advice to help new parents buy a car seat:
Do some reading: One of the first things that you should do before going car seat shopping is to do some reading. Read up about the latest car seats and things that you should be looking for. Also, don’t hesitate to talk with family and friends about the car seats that they used for their kids.
Consider an infant car seat: Many parents choose this car seat over others because of their ability to move it in and out of the car easily. Even if you can only use it for a year, the ability to move the seat and have your infant remain sleeping is something that is well worth the investment.
Buy a new car seat: If there is one thing that you should not take as a hand-me-down, it is a car seat. While everyone on the market today is approved for safety, there are always new and safer models becoming available. Safety first!
Consider buying a combo stroller / car seat: There are now many great combination travel systems available as a car seat and stroller option. These can also save you money when you buy them as a package deal.
Buy the right seat: Not all car seats are created equally. A common mistake that is made by new parents is that they buy a car seat that is not ideal for their child’s age/size. If you are not sure, ask and save yourself the trouble of having to exchange it.
Now that you know what to look for when buying a car seat, the fun part is about to begin – installing it in your vehicle. When you’re done, make sure that you have it check by a professional.
For more information
To learn more about what to look for when purchasing a car seat for your child, check out SAFE & SECURE: Choosing The Right Car Seat For Your Child on the MTO website.