Safety is an important consideration when travelling by car and this is especially so for young children. Unfortunately accidents can happen and there is less risk of injury if a child is securely strapped in. Normal car seats however are too big for a younger child to be safely strapped in using a standard seat belt. A much better option is to use a portable car seat.
A portable car seat is a chair specifically designed to be strapped into a car for the use of a child. The come in a variety of sizes to suit the different ages of children from babies to toddlers and young children. There are a few different models of child car seats available. Typically for a baby, a rear facing seat is the best choice and these are designed for babies to use from birth to around a weight of 20 pounds. These allow the child to lie down rather than sitting up which supports their head and allows then to sleep while travelling. It can be a good idea to get a seat that is mobile and easily detached. This means that if the child is sleeping you can carry the chair from the vehicle and not have to disturb their sleep.
As a baby grows into a toddler it is typically best to change to a forward facing portable car seat that allows them to sit in an upright position. However the best types available are adjustable such that they can be moved to a more horizontal position when the child is sleeping and this can be a benefit on longer journeys. Allowing a toddler to sit upright however is beneficial as it affords them the chance to look around. Forward facing chairs come in different sizes depending on the height and weight of a child and it is best to make sure that the seat you choose is appropriate for your child to ensure that they are comfortable.
When purchasing a portable car seat there are a few things to take into consideration. It is generally best to opt for a new model which is less than 2 years old. As new technology is developed it tends to make child car seats safer and the most up-to-date seats will have the best features to keep your child safe. While second hand chairs can be more affordable, it is best to avoid these. If you do not know their history they may have been involved in an accident previously and this can compromise the strength of the seat making it less safe for your child.
If you are considering purchasing a portable car seat there are a number of manufacturers that produce these. Some of the best to consider that produce good quality seats include Britax, Safety 1st, Graco and Chicco. These tend to get decent reviews for the car seats they have available. In terms of cost basic child car seats are available for around $50, although for more sophisticated models the price can range up to $200 and greater.
The safety of your child is an important issue and never more so than when they are travelling in a car. To make sure they are safe, a portable car seat is an essential piece of equipment. These are widely available and with a little research you should be able to find a seat that is appropriate for your child’s height and weight and will keep them safe when travelling by car.