Your child will use multiple styles of car seats throughout the early years of their life. With numerous studies and statistics surrounding the safety these devices add, every parent is on the lookout for the best possible seats their budgets can afford. Here are the best car seats for babies in terms of the safety they provide.
Chicco KeyFit 30
Featuring exceptional safety scores and plenty of stroller compatibility, the Chicco KeyFit 30 is a winner in most parents’ book. It performs just as well as pricier models while remaining easier to use even with a LATCH hookup, according to consumers.
Recent tests place the KeyFit 30 as the top performer in head-impact scores while placing amongst the top seats in side-impact crash simulations. Better yet, its lightweight design makes it comfortable to cary and easy to remove for stroller use.
Britax B-Safe 35
With a height limit of 32 inches and a weight limit of 35 pounds, the B-Safe 35 offers a little extra growing room for infants. This seat offers similar scores in crash testing to the KeyFit 30 and also boasts easy installation.
The seat is narrow and deep, which means it isn’t a one-size-fits all. However, most babies will have plenty of room to fill this one out before you need to purchase another. Throw in Britax’s “seat belt lock-off” design and you can also rest assured that this seat isn’t moving in the event of a car accident.
How to Choose a Quality Seat
While the KeyFit 30 and B-Safe 35 are the best two car seats on the market, you might wonder how these seats were chosen or if you need something that runs upwards of $200 for your child to sit in (and probably make a mess of). Here’s why you need a quality seat and how to choose one.
The need for a quality seat is simple. In the event of a wreck, even a mild one, your baby is at more risk than anyone else in your car. These seats are designed to keep them alive in worst case scenarios. Plus, most states have strict laws on car seat use.
Louisiana passed a new law earlier this year, for instance, leading plenty of hesitant parents needing a New Orleans car accident attorney for their neglect following a crash. Besides, is it worth putting a child at risk?
Now, finding a quality seat at a quality price isn’t always easy. However, there are a few key features to look for. Here they are in order from most important to least:
- Safety ratings
- Ease of installation
- Convenience (strollers, handles, etc.)
- Height and weight limits
- Stroller compatibility
- Aesthetics
The better each seat scores in those features, the closer you are to finding the best seat possible. If you’re still unsure, ask around to see what others think. You can check online reviews, ask fellow parents you know, or even speak with you family law attorney to ensure you’re meeting all your state’s guidelines.
Finding the perfect seat is challenging, but finding one that can save your baby’s life in the event of an accident isn’t. All you need to do is a little research and some asking around to ensure you’re giving your child the right car seat.
