Children’s car seats are essential and mandatory to guarantee our children’s right to protection when traveling by car. However, to be truly safe, it must simultaneously be homologated, robust, and welcoming.
Here are the best car seats on the market today, how to choose them, and which factors to consider to make a quality purchase.
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How to choose the best car seat for children
The first criterion of choice is the weight factor. According to this criterion, the car seats are divided into five macro-categories.
- Group 0: the weight of fewer than 22 lbs. Here we find the so-called spacecraft, very similar to the cradles where the child lies. It is mandatory to mount this child seat opposite to travel until reaching the fifteenth month of life.
- Group 0+: up to 29 lbs. This group includes the eggs, allowing the child to stay halfway between sitting and lying down. You can use up to 40 inches in height; in this case, they should be mounted in the opposite direction of travel.
- Group 1: from 19 to 40 lbs. The seats in this category are positioned in the same direction of travel of the vehicle. In addition, they are equipped with appropriate safety measures, including internal belts, to keep them always connected.
- Group 2: from 33 to 55 lbs. Here we find the risers with backrests, according to the new legislation, are mandatory up to 50 inches.
- Group 3: from 48 to 80 lbs. In this group, we find the backless risers, also called raising children, whose use is limited to children aged 50 to 160 inches. Opting for a group 2 model for safety and economic reasons is advisable.
Many hybrid models on the market are easily transformed and accompany the child in growth. Of course, they carry higher initial costs, but buying a new car seat will not be necessary when they are older once the investment is made.
In addition to type, there are other important factors to take into account when buying:
- Homologation: always check the seat complies with the regulations in force. All products must have a special homologation label on which the wording corresponding to legislation followed during construction is found.
- Isofix system: this is a standardized mounting mode, which makes installing the seat in easy, fast, and safe way using a three-point anchorage system. Before buying, check the system is compatible with your car.
- Comfort: as well as being safe, a good seat must also be comfortable. The padding makes the journey comfortable and protects the child from blows and jolts. Also, many models allow you to adjust the armrests and backrests according to your needs.
Duration and Maintenance
The car seat is a product used with a very high frequency, often daily. Therefore, it must be easy to clean, especially considering that children get dirty and dirty anything.
Removable, washable liners simplify cleaning a car seat; otherwise, you would have to rub it with a damp cloth with fewer satisfactory results.
The best car seat for children is more comfortable and safe
After this overview, you will surely have the clearest ideas to choose. Evenflo and Chicco are the best brands today, with prices starting from just over $50 up to over $300 for the complete models.
The advice is not to save on this type of purchase. The safety of your children is priceless. Below you will find the list of the top 10 best car seats currently on the market for an even safer choice, chosen for safety, comfort, and overall quality/price ratio.
- Convertible Design: Transforms from rear-facing harness (5-40 pounds), to forward-facing...
- Slim Fit: Rotating cup holders and 10% slimmer design saves valuable backseat space
- Safety Assured: Graco ProtectPlus Engineered for rigorous crash tests; frontal, side,...
- An extra-comfortable ride that lasts for years: Rear-facing 5-40 pounds and Forward-facing...
- Fits 3 across in the back seat of most vehicles
- Side Impact Protection
- ONE HAND ADJUST: With our new single hand adjustable headrest, keeping up with your...
- BUILT TO GROW WITH YOUR FAMILY The Grow and Go Sprint All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is...
- SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION: The Grow and Go Sprint's side impact protection helps keep your...
- The Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat is a perfect fit for smaller cars and helps protect your...
- Rear-facing 5-40 pounds and 19" forward-facing 22-65 pounds and 34"-52"
- Compact design for small cars and fits 3 across in the back seat of most vehicles
- 3 Modes of Use: Rear Facing Infant mode (4-18lbs), Rear Facing Toddler mode (18-40lbs),...
- Immediate Right Installation Angle: Rear-facing recline flip foot allows for great...
- Now includes two integrated cupholders for convenience for your little one.
- GROW WITH ME CAR SEAT The Safety 1st Grow and Go Convertible Car Seat is a car seat for...
- GETTING A GOOD FIT IS QUICK AND EASY The Grow and Go Convertible Car Seat with QuickFit...
- SIMPLE TO CLEAN The washer-and-dryer-safe seat pad features snaps that make it easy to...
- Multipurpose 3-in-1 Design: Transforms from rear-facing harness (5-40 lb), to...
- Graco ProtectPlus Engineered: Undergoes rigorous crash tests to ensure your child’s...
- No-Rethread Harness System: Allows the headrest and harness to adjust together for added...
- MEET THE HIGHLY REVIEWED CAR SEAT WITH UNBEATABLE VALUE: This fan- favorite offers a...
- TRAVEL SLEEK AND LIGHT: Compact design offers an ideal fit for smaller vehicles, while...
- GROW WITH IT: With use from 5 to 40 lb (19 to 40 in. tall), offers rear-facing and...
- 4-In-1 Design: Seamlessly transforms from infant to toddler as your child grows
- Safeguard Plus: Engineered for optimal protection in frontal, side, rear, and rollover...
- Effortless Adjustment: Harness and headrest adjust in one smooth motion with 10 position...
- One-Hand Rotation: Converts from rear-facing to forward-facing with ease
- 3-In-1 Design: Transforms from rear-facing car seat (4-40 lbs) to forward-facing (22-65...
- Quick Installation: SnugLock Technology ensures a fast & secure installation in less than...
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