How do you choose a car seat?
Choose a car seat
When choosing a car seat, it's important to ask yourself a couple of questions. That way, you're sure you'll choose a car seat that suits you, your child, and your car.
- Which age does your child have?
- Do you want a car seat that lasts for years?
- Which attachment method is suitable for your car?
- How much space is there between the backseat and front seat?
- Which extra functions do you want?
How old is your child?
Baby car seat
A baby car seat is a small carry cot that you can easily take in and out of the car. An advantage of these car seats is that you can also attach them to your stroller with the right adapters. Useful, if you quickly want to do some groceries. A disadvantage is that you can only use the car seat until your child is about 1 year old. You'll have to replace it with a different car seat after.
Toddler car seat
The next step after a baby car seat is a toddler car seat. You can use a toddler car seat until your child is about 4 years old. You can use some toddler car seats from birth, while others can be used from the moment your child is about 1 year old.
Booster seat
Is your child 4 years or older? A booster seat is enough. A booster seat is a car seat without 5-point seat belt harness, which means you'll have to secure your child with the regular seat belt. Booster seats are available with or without backrest. A booster seat with backrest offers better support for your child than one without a backrest.
Do you want a car seat that lasts for years?
A multi-age car seat can be adjusted to the height of your child. Thanks to this, you can use these car seats for about 7 to 12 years. Useful, because you'll only need one car seat for your child. Depending on the model, you can use the car seat from birth, or from the moment your child is around 1 year old.
Which attachment method is suitable for your car?
Another important part of choosing a car seat is to determine whether you need Isofix or seat belt attachment. Not all cars that were built before 2014 have Isofix attachment points. In the manual of your car, you can find which attachment method you'll need. Check this before you make your decision, so you don't end up surprised while installing it.
How much space is there between the backseat and front seat?
A car seat that you place backwards takes up a lot more room than a car seat that you place forward. In the backwards position, a car seat is about 80cm deep. That's why it's important to measure the distance between the backseat and front seat beforehand. Thanks to this, you'll be sure a passenger still fits in the passenger seat.
Which extra functions do you want?
Pivotable car seat
If you want to easily place your little one in the car, we recommend you to choose a rotatable car seat. With a quarter turn, you can easily place your child in the car without getting into uncomfortable positions. Do you have a small car with little space between the backseat and front seat? Check the dimensions of the car seat to determine if there's enough room for the legs of your child to make the turn.
Sleep mode
If you child often sleeps in the car, it's important the car seat has a sleeping position. The sleeping position option allows you to tilt the car seat, so your child can lean backwards. This will allow your child to sleep more comfortably, and the car seat supports the head in the right way. With car seats with a sleeping position, it's important that you keep room for the legs in mind. The legs stick out slightly more when you put the car seat in the sleeping position.
