When you’re preparing to bring home baby, one of the most important decisions is which car seat to buy. There’s nothing more important than your child’s safety, so being an informed shopper is critical.
Car seats are necessary because wrecks happen every day. Unfortunately, even if you’re always a safe and alert driver, not everyone is so conscientious. It’s important to protect your baby in a safe seat in case you’re the unlucky person who meets an intoxicated, sleepy or distracted driver on the
Safety First
Every car seat on the market meets federal safety regulations for child restraints, but there are still some that are better than others. They may cost more, but look for these features that provide extra protection for your child:
- Tether straps: Tethers give the seat extra stability. You’ll find them on most every forward-facing seat, but only certain brands offer rear-facing infant seats with this option.
- Side-impact protection: Side-impact crashes expose the body to more damage than it might sustain in a front- or rear-impact crash. Some seats offer an extra layer of side cushioning.
- Easy installation: Car seats are only safe if they’re installed properly. Look for seats with guides or clips that make installation simple.
Even if a seat looks ideal on paper, it’s only the right choice for your family if it fits correctly in your car. Before committing to a seat, do a test installation to ensure that it works with your vehicle’s
Bonus Features
Safety is number one when it comes to choosing a seat, but that’s not all that the best ones have to offer. Look for easy-adjust harness straps, so you don’t have to disassemble the whole thing when your baby gains a few inches. Also, some seats take your child through more than one phase, such as those that can be rear-facing for infants, then turned forward for preschoolers.
Other worthwhile features are easy-clean seat pads, large canopies and compatibility with your stroller of choice. These may not be make-or-break features, but they sure are nice to have.
After a Wreck
If you do get in a crash with your child, call for help right away and, if possible, wait for authorities to arrive before removing your child from the seat. Afterward, you may need to replace your seat. All seats must be replaced after a major crash, and many must be replaced after a minor one, too. Insurance companies often cover the cost of a replacement.
Seek prompt medical care for anyone involved in the crash. Then, the next thing to do is to contact a lawyer. Find an attorney who specializes in motor vehicle accidents, like these LA Car Accident Lawyers, and will know the details of the law in order to make sure that you receive fair compensation for your troubles.
No one wants to be involved in a crash, but unfortunately, accidents do happen. Because there’s no way to predict when you’ll be involved in a collision, it’s important to make sure that your baby is protected each and every time you drive.
