A car seat is the most important purchase you will make for your new baby, it is also the product that will pull on your nerves the most as you place your precious new born into the car and drive away as though you have all the treasure in the world on the back seat. The truth is if you have a car the hospital won’t let you leave without the baby being attached to the car seat. All babies start off in a rearward-facing infant carrier. Here’s our top tips.

1. Don’t buy second hand

Of all the things you might consider buying second hand, this is definitely not one of them. It’s a bit like not buying a cycle helmet second hand – you just don’t do it.

2. Buy the car seat according to your child’s weight

Infant carrier car seats – from birth up to 13kg
Combination car seats – from birth up to 18kg
Forward-facing car seats – from 9kg/20lbs to 18kg
Highback booster seats with harnesses – from 9kg/20lbs to 36kg
Highback boosters (without harnesses) and booster seats – from 15kg to 36kg

Babies can move up to a forward-facing Group 1 seat when they reach 9kg. But it’s safer to leave them rear-facing until they are 13kg or 15 months old.

3. Check that the fitting along with the harness is firm

Watch out for the space between the car head rest and car seat, you might need to remove the head rest to ensure it’s a snug fit. You should be able to get only two fingers between the straps and your child’s chest. They will undoubtly protest over the tightness as they grow older but it’ll be your job to distract them whilst this is done!

4. Let them ride it out

You don’t need to change your car seat as soon as you think plus it risks more severe neck and brain injuries in a crash. Car seats that let you keep your child rear-facing until the age of four are becoming more common.

5. Get the most out of the retailer

Please speak to your retailer who will be able to equip you on all things you need to know about car seats. Take a pen and paper and make notes and consider all your options. In most cases, they should be able to fit the car seat into the car for you too.

Missed anything?
For those of you wisened parents who want to share some insight, let us know your top tips below

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