There is a general belief that a Baby Car Seat is a luxury item for foreigners. However, this is not necessarily the truth since these products are popular in the Indian market too. Make no mistake; these are vital investments every parent should have to enhance the overall safety of the baby while on the wheel.
Studies reveal that a baby car seat can save your baby’s life in case of an accident. It’s safer than when you’re holding the baby on your lap. Typically, it offers the best protection and ensures your baby is safe.
Despite the different types of seats, the Indian market has all manner of products. As such, it can be difficult to decide the best choice that will meet your needs. Due to the overwhelming choices, we’ve narrowed down the options to ease your selection process.
Our products are tested for quality and performance. Indeed, they are the best picks on the market. We also have a Comprehensive Buying Guide on the best baby car seat in India with the aim to widen your knowledge about the product. Let’s now kick off the discussion. Keep reading.
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Baby Car Seats Buying Guide
Your child safety is paramount when you’re driving, and a child safety seat is essential in saving his/her life. When not secured or strapped, there is a higher risk of life-threatening impact in case of an accident.
However, the Indian baby car seat market is overflowing with all manner of seats. The choices may be overwhelming, and it can be confusing to select the best car seat for your child. Luckily, we have rounded up factors that you need to consider as you pick a suitable option.
Different Types of Baby Car Seat
1. Infant Car Seat
Infant Car Seat An infant seat has a rear-facing configuration and is designed for newborn babies to shield them from an impact of airbags in case of a head-on collision. It also enhances their comfort and security.
This car seat is set up with a sturdy base, and you can also remove it as a carrier for your newborn.
If you’re looking for a seat for your newborn baby weighing 0- 13 Kg, an infant seat is an excellent choice.
2. Convertible Car Seat
A convertible car seat features two modes or orientation; these are rear-facing and forward-facing. As the name suggests, you can convert the seat from an infant or rear-facing to a forward-facing seat and quite often; you may use it as a booster seat.
This seat also has height adjustment straps and multiple recliner positions to suit your child’s demands. Therefore it makes economic sense since it accommodates the needs of your growing child. The rear-facing modes have more height and weight consideration, thereby allowing kids to use them longer.
3. Booster Seat
A booster seat is designed with a high back or sometimes with backless design. The high back seat is suitable for a bigger child from the age of 4 who has passed the infant stage and can longer use the rear-facing seat. Notably, such a kid can now use the forward-facing seat but still require ample protection.
For safety enhancement, a booster seat has wing protection and an adjustable headrest for comfort. It lifts the child up and can be used up to the point where the child can fit in regular seat belts.
Luckily some boosters integrate well with the belt mechanism. Before you spend your money, ensure there are seat belt adjusters to position the belts in rightful position.
4. 3-in-1 or Combination Seat
A 3-in-1 seat comes as a booster seat, forward-facing, backless booster or a high back booster. It is an excellent option for bigger kids.
Features to Consider Before Buying a Baby Car Seat
1. Age of your Baby
The age of your child also determines the type of child safety seat due to the differences in weight. If you need a seat for a growing child, choose a convertible seat that grows with the child.
As seen earlier, such a convertible comes with three different configurations. You can convert to a front-facing, rear-facing, or booster seat, depending on your growing child’s need.
2. Durability
When choosing a car seat for your baby, check the quality of materials. A steel frame enhances durability, and this will give you value for money. Also, the seat cover should have a plush padding material that’s premium grade and gentle on your baby.
3. Space in Your Vehicle
There are different types of cars, some are small, others are large family cars with ample space. When shopping, consider a compact-sized seat that can fit in a variety of vehicles. You may also need to consider the number of passengers in your vehicle as everybody’s comfort is paramount.
For a big kid, there should be enough space for the legs and for taller kids, ensure the head is not too close to the roof.
4. Versatility
The versatility of a child car seat means that it can serve your baby in a different way other than for safety inside the car.
Some seats are multi-purpose and can be used as a car seat stroller depending on underlying features. Rather than buying a stroller separately, you can buy a multifunctional seat for both, and you save in terms of budget and space.
Some car seats have a five function handle, which is good for carrying and is useful when sitting, mounting, or rocking.
5. Compatibility
Some cars feature an ISOFIX adapter, which is affixed to offer anchor support for your child’s car seat. However, not all vehicles have such support, and hence it’s crucial to confirm if the seat is compatible.
6. Lightweight and Portable
If you have multiple vehicles, you could save money by buying one seat, which you can easily move from one car to the other. Such a seat should be easy to fix and re-fix. It should be lightweight for convenience when shifting between vehicles.
When converting to a stroller, a collapsible seat is comfortable to carry and more so one with more robust handles.
7. Ease of Installation
The installation should be easy and straight forward. You’ll need to check if there’s an installation manual accompanying your package. An all in one car seat means it’s compatible and can attach to the car seat base effortlessly. Preferably, a click and go system helps in setting up and installation.
8. LATCH System
The LATCH mechanism is a special seat and an acronym for Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children. Although this seat is mostly available in western countries, you can also find it in the Indian Market.
Typically, there is a metal bar installed at the back of the seat, and it attaches to the baby’s seat using unique buckles. Some seats have the InRight LATCH system for securing your baby.
9. Adjustable Recline Positions
An adjustable recline position is desirable since it allows the baby to sleep in a comfortable position as you drive.
10. Safety Standards
Always buy a car baby seat that meets the recommended safety standards. For instance, in the United States, the American Academy of Pediatrics has guidelines regarding child car seats.
Since some of the products in the Indian market are imported, you might need to check whether the seats have complied with global safety standards.
A good quality seat should secure your baby at all times when the car is in motion. Evaluate the car seat quality to establish if the brand has all the safety measures such as safety label that determines the laid down safety standards.
Before you buy, confirm whether the seat has been crash-tested, and it meets the safety standards.
Final Words
A baby car seat is a necessity in India as many families opt to travel with their little ones. However, you can only enjoy the peace on the steering when you are sure your baby is safe.
Let’s face it! Kids are explorers, and that is their nature. It’s crucial to consider all factors wholesomely as each is equally important to ensure the overall safety of your child.
Most importantly, consider the quality of the seat so that you get real value. It’s better to spend more on a baby car seat that will grow with your child, than buying a new seat every year.
Hopefully, our review of the best car seat in India as well as buying guide will surely be helpful, and you can now shop with confidence.
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