Car seats are second nature to me now with two children, but when I was first pregnant, I found them overwhelming. I wanted the safest, most practical, and cost-effective way to travel with my baby securely.
I remember looking at car seats and wondering:
- Why are they so expensive?
- Should we get one that fits a travel system?
- What happens to them when our child outgrows them, since they shouldn’t be bought or sold secondhand?
Now, with a three-year-old and an 18-month-old, we’ve already gone through six car seats. Living in a remote village means a lot of driving, and every time we install a new seat, I find myself asking the same question:
Is my car seat fitted correctly?
We always read the instructions multiple times before and after fitting, but is that enough? None of us expect an accident, but if one happens, the last thing you want is to find out the car seat wasn’t secured properly.
Top Tips for Choosing the Right Car Seat
Here are some essential things to consider when selecting a safe and suitable car seat for your child:
- Check weight and size compatibility. Ensure the car seat is appropriate for both your child’s weight and height. Forward-facing car seats should only be used for children over 9kg who can sit unaided and support their own head.
- Consider convenience. If you’ll be moving the seat frequently between cars, choose one that is easy to install and remove.
- Ensure a secure installation. The car seat should be stable with no excessive forward or sideways movement.
- Remove loose objects. Never install a car seat where there are loose items that could become hazards in a crash. Also, never fit a car seat to a seat with an active airbag.
- Look for side impact protection. Extra side padding can provide added safety in case of a side collision.
- Adjustability for growth. A car seat with an adjustable headrest and harness allows it to grow with your child, meaning fewer replacements.
Child Safety Week: Are You One of the 51%?
Did you know 51% of child car seats are fitted incorrectly? That’s a worrying statistic, which is why Halfords is stepping in to help during #ChildSafetyWeek.
For a limited time, Halfords is offering free child car seat safety checks at all of their stores.
- Who can get a free check? Parents, grandparents, and caregivers.
- Where? Any Halfords store—they’ll check any brand, model, or store of purchase.
- When? Until June 7, 2015.
To find your nearest Halfords store, visit www.halfords.com.
If you’re in need of a new car seat, use the following code for 5% off your order: B16CS01
Win a Doona 0+ Car Seat!
To celebrate Child Safety Week, I’m thrilled to be giving away a Doona 0+ Car Seat, thanks to Halfords.
This amazing car seat transforms into a stroller without needing an additional base. As someone who lives off-road, lugging car seats around was a struggle, and this would have been a game-changer.
How to Enter:
Enter via Rafflecopter below and answer in the comments:
Where can you get a free child car seat check this Child Safety Awareness Week?
Good luck!
Final Thoughts
Car seat safety isn’t just about buying the most expensive seat—it’s about making sure it’s properly installed. Whether you’re a first-time parent or on your sixth car seat like me, a quick check could save a life.
Let’s spread awareness and keep our little ones safe on the road.
Have you ever had your car seat checked? Share your experiences in the comments below!
