Hand-me-downs can be a seemingly good idea, especially since top of the line seats can run into the hundreds. In addition to making sure it’s less than six years old and hasn’t been in a crash (impossible if you buy at a second-hand store), you should check to see if the model has been recalled by visiting NHTSA’s site. You may also miss out on the manufacturer’s instructions, a crucial element in proper installation
Buying a new seat can present a new conundrum: which kind? In general, kids will go through a four-step seat progression as they mature:
- Rear-facing seats for infants. They should be kept in these seats until at least one year of age or when they reach twenty pounds.
- Forward-facing seats for kids at least one year of age or twenty pounds. They will stay in these seats usually until age four or forty pounds.
- Booster seats for kids around ages four to eight. They should still be riding in the back seat and use a booster until they reach 4'9".
- Seat belts in the back seat for kids over 4'9".
Once you’ve made sure the safety seat is compatible with your child’s height and weight, you also have to ensure it’s compatible with your car. Since there are so many models on the market, you may want to check out Consumer Report’s recent child safety seat ratings or NHTSA’s Ease of Use Ratings.
No matter what brand you end up buying, proper and consistent use of a seat is the most important factor.
Mike Livingston, a representative from Safe Kids Worldwide notes, “It is vastly more important to make sure your car seat is installed and adjusted correctly than to worry about one model or another.”
PREVIOUS PAGE
