3 Car Seats That You and Your Baby Will Love


by Mathilda Devone


Many people view the car as an indispensable part of family life, and indeed many families own at least one car. The problem lies in the fact that default car seats and seat belts were designed for adults, or at the very least older children. What about infants and toddlers? Well the only way to secure your young babies is to get an infant or child car seat.

Our first top pick (not necessarily the best of all) is the Graco Snug Ride Infant Car Seat, which is a rear-facing model designed for infants. That means that only infants of up to 22 pounds and 29 inches at a maximum are allowed to use this. The separable base is left in the car, while the detachable seat portion works as a baby carrier.

Speaking of hand-carrying, this model is exemplary for its class. It is very light at just 7.5 pounds (without the base, of course), and the ergonomic handle is comfortable and balances very well in the hand. The adjustable canopy makes keeping your baby safe from the elements easy. Some customer reviews state that the fabric used is not breathable. You will likely need to upgrade to larger models within a few months.

A model that you can use for a longer period of time is the Britax Marathon 70 Convertible Car Seat 480. The "Convertible" part denotes its ability to be used as either a rear-facing unit or a forward-facing seat. Recommended weight range is 5 to 40 pounds for the rear-facing configuration and 20 to 70 pounds for the forward-facing configuration.

This seat is designed for children of up to 49 inches in height. To add even more utility, this model is compatible with many aircraft seats, so you can bring it and install it when you are flying with your family (as long as the airline allows it). A patented technology called Safe Cell works like the crumple zones in a car, absorbing energy by crumpling, and thus improving protection against sudden impacts.

For larger children, the RECARO ProSPORT Combination Harness To Booster Car Seat is a better choice. It has the highest rating for its class at 120 pounds as recommended maximum. The height of the child should be 27 to 59 inches. RECARO is better known for their business in designing racing car and luxury car seats, but they are quickly making a name for themselves in this field.

Like many race car seats, this unit has a 5-point harness for maximum force distribution. Some have thought the straps to be on the short side, but they will fit any child within the rated weight and height ranges. Do note that you should not strap a child in while he or she is wearing a winter coat. Thick coats can compress under pressure, and that little bit of freedom of movement can reduce the effectiveness of any harness.

Whichever infant or child seat you choose, it is important to read the manuals carefully. These seats are strong and sturdy, but they cannot provide full protection if they are not installed properly in your vehicle. Additionally, you should regularly check the attachment points, as they may loosen over time. Most of all, remember to drive safely and defensively!




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