There are many variables that will affect the outcome to this answer but here are some guidelines you can use.
Child safety seats are available in three different configurations. The three configurations are rear-facing, forward-facing and convertible all are safe products, simply different applications. A good illustration of a convertable car seat is the Britax Boulevard.
The rear-facing seat is best for infants under 20 pounds and 1 year old. Now, if your baby reaches 20 pounds before his/her birthday it is still best for them to remain in the rear-facing seat until at least 1 year old. Just be sure to read the manufacturer’s recommendations. Rear-facing seats are not to be used in the front seat of a car with passenger side air bags.
Once a child has out grown their rear-facing car seat it is time to transition or convert to the forward facing style. When shopping for forward-facing car seats for your child , the best choice is to have several harness points allowing the child to grow without having to replace the seat.
A wonderful example of a safe yet comfortable seat for you child is the Britax Companion car seat.
Is There Room In Your Vehicle?
Not all children’s car seat can be correctly installed in all seating positions of all vehicles. It is important that you read all the instructions about your new car seat. In general, a correctly installed child safety seat must not move more than 1 inch to either side or forward.
Will You Install the Seat Correctly? What About Proper Instilation?
Different child safety seats vary in design and features. The important thing is that both you and your child are comfortable with, and that you will correctly install and adjust for every ride.
The safest car seat for you is the one that fits in your automobile , is the correct size for your young one and is used properly every time. All safety seats manufactured in the United States have to meet with the same strict safety standards. Not all car seats are the same size, the Britax Companion infant seat is quite bulky and may not fit in all vehicles.
Be Careful Buying Used Car Seats
A child safety seat that has been involved in an accident may have been damaged structurally that is not easy to see. Seats involved in a crash should be replaced. Auto insurance may cover the expense of a new child car seat.
It is best to use a new safety seat for your child. That is the only way you can know for sure that you have a safe seat.Should you know someone that is willing to sell you a used car seat , it is vital that you to get a full history of the seat from the previous owner(s). Other critical questions to ask are: Has the seat been involved in a crash? Has a recall been issued for the seat? Is the seat too old (more than 6 years)? Does the seat have all the necessary parts?
Use these guidelines to ensure that you get the best possible child seat for your precious one.
SAFETY BABY