What To Look For When Shopping For A Baby Car Seat

What to Look for When Shopping For a Baby Car Seat
The first time you place your baby in a baby car seat to drive somewhere is a life changing moment. Your focus is not only on the safety of yourself while driving, but also on your most important passenger, your child. Infants are more vulnerable and at risk of injury and death in a car crash, so selecting the right baby car seat is crucial.

Australian national child restraint laws state that children under the age of six months must be secured in a rearward facing restraint, with an inbuilt harness. All child car seats sold in Australia must meet the Australian and New Zealand standard (AS/NZS) 1754, which is one of the most stringent safety standards in the world for child restraints.

It is worthwhile purchasing your infant car seat long before you actually have your baby. This will give you plenty of time to fit it correctly and also give you time to practice using the harness. At Britax, we have a wide selection of Safe-n-Sound and Steelcraft baby car seats and convertible child car seats that can be used from birth.

Infant Carriers/Capsules
Infant carriers are a convenient option when your baby is brand new. They are suitable from birth to at least six months, or even up to twelve months depending on the height of your child. They are specifically designed to cocoon your child in the capsule and secure them safely with a five point, easy to adjust harness with high side walls providing maximum protection.

Infant carriers are lighter than convertible car seats, come with a carry handle and snap in and out of the base, which is installed in your car. They may also come with a canopy to protect your baby from the sun. Perfectly designed for easy transportation, the Britax travel system range of infant carriers can be partnered with one of our pram travel systems, making any journey out and about with your precious bundle an easy and enjoyable experience.
    

Convertible Car Seats
Convertible car seats are designed to grow with your baby. The Safe-n-Sound range can be used in the rear facing mode from birth to approximately twelve months, and then converted to forward facing mode when your child is approximately twelve months to four years old.

Various Safe-n-Sound convertible child car seats also come with an added infant safety cushion, designed specifically to provide increased support and protection for your newborn. This can be removed once your child outgrows it. When it comes to babies and small children, mess and spills are never far away. A removable cover on any child car seat is essential so it can be washed regularly. Also look for headrests that can be adjusted and a harness that is easy to operate.

To learn more about the Britax Safe-n-Sound range of baby car seats and child car seats, visit our product pages