If you’re about to become a new parent, you may be confused by the various types of car seats available for children. There are several types of car seats based on weight and height, and it’s important that you choose the right one so you can keep your little one safe in the event of a car accident.
Your child will go through three car seats. You’ll start out with a rear-facing car seat. Your child should stay in this type of seat for as long as possible. When your baby’s head is within 1 inch from the top of the seat, it’s time for the next stage: a forward-facing seat. Your child will stay in this seat until he or she has reached the maximum capacity for height or weight, or has reached age 2. To transition to a booster seat, though, your child must be 40 pounds. Your child must stay in a booster seat until he or she is 8 years old. At that point, they can use an adult seat belt.
With hundreds of car seats on the market, which do you choose? Here are some favorites from parents just like you.
UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat
With a price tag of $350, the UPPAbaby MESA is the most expensive car seat on this list, but parents agree it is well worth the price. It’s easy to install; just clip in the latch connectors and push down on the base. You’ll see a green indicator when the seat is level. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it five stars for ease of use. A nice perk is that as your baby grows, you never have to rethread the harness.
While the car seat is considered heavy at almost 10 pounds, parents love that it is plush and it feels like their baby is protected. They also love the functionality and feel it is well worth the cost.
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat
Priced at just under $200, the Chicco KeyFit 30 is a more affordable car seat that is also safe and easy to use. One middle tightener pulls everything into place, while the built-in level lets you know the seat is positioned correctly. It’s lightweight and fits on most strollers for added convenience. One thing to note is that the canopy is small and does not provide much protection from the sun.
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 Infant Car Seat
The Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 is a good pick if you desire safety without breaking the bank. It’s lightweight and has a higher weight limit (35 pounds) than other infant car seats, so it will last longer. It’s easy to get in and out of the car. It’s also plush and offers a lot of cushioning to protect your little one. Another perk is that this car seat is compatible with Graco strollers.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
All car seats must meet safety regulations sets forth by the government, but not all are created equal. Some have additional safety features that can protect your child in the event of a crash. On the other hand, there are car seats that are defective and can cause serious injury.
If your child was injured by a defective car seat, contact the personal injury attorneys at DJC Law. We can help you understand your rights to compensation. To learn more, call our office today at (512) 220-1800.
