Whether it’s creche, playdates, a trip to the shops or visiting family and friends, having one of the safest cars on the road is only one part of transporting your little one (baby on board). Baby seats are an industry all their own (and with good reason!). That’s because keeping your child safe at all times — but especially while travelling in your vehicle — is one of the most important parts about being a parent.
The types of baby seats on the market are widely varied, and that means you have the opportunity to choose based on the specifics of your child’s growth-stage; their age, size, and developmental needs.
Before we get into the different types of car seats for babies, toddlers and children, let’s address two common questions among new parents.
Q: Why are baby car seats rear facing?
A: In the event of a head-on collision, a baby in a forward-facing car seat can be flung forwards and out of the baby seat. A rear-facing seat helps spread the force created by the impact across the whole back and helps protect your baby’s delicate head and neck.
Q: What is a convertible car seat?
A: A convertible car seat is one that is adaptable and can be used for children of various sizes, starting out as a rear-facing car seat, and being changeable to a forward-facing seat when appropriate, as your child gets older. The advantage to parents is that these last longer (from infancy through to small child stages).
How to choose a baby car seat?
We’ve put together a guideline on what the general rules are when buying baby seats for your car. We hope you find this information helpful.
Baby Car Seat Tips
Infants and Toddlers
Always choose a rear-facing seat until your child reaches the highest weight and/or height recommended by the seat’s manufacturer. Most convertible baby seats have limits that will allow children to ride rear-facing for 2 years or more (and can then be shifted to forward-facing thereafter).
Toddlers and Preschoolers
Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their convertible seat, you should switch to the forward-facing seat (with a harness, seatbelts and/or ISOFIX connectors) for as long as possible — up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. Many seats can accommodate children up to 25kg or more but be sure to confirm the specifics of the particular seat you have bought.
School-aged children
Once your child’s weight and/or height exceeds the forward-facing limit of the seat you’ve purchased, you should use a belt positioning or booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly. This is typically when they have reached 1.5m in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age. Remember, all children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat.
Older children
When your child is old and grown enough for your car’s seat belt to fit them correctly, remember to use lap and shoulder seat belts for the best protection. And again, remember that it’s best that all children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat.
ISOFIX
Another popular topic we’ve covered here in our online Subaru Magazine is ISOFIX. Be sure to check that out for the full specs on why this innovation has changed the game for safety for your little one, but to give you a quick summary, ISOFIX is the international standard for attachment points for child safety seats in passenger cars.
ISOFIX ensures:
- a permanent connection between your car seat and the car, where — in the case of a sudden brake incident — less force will impact on your little one
- quick installation and easy removal, which is particularly convenient for baby car seats, thanks to the ISOFIX base. Click & Go installation enables you to fit our baby car seat onto the base with a simple “click” and you are ready to “go”
- minimal risk of incorrect installation as indicators indicate a correct installation
Where to buy baby car seats?
While we can’t speak on behalf of your shopping experience with a third-party supplier, we do recommend you take the utmost care in making an informed decision when it comes to the buying of baby seats for your car. Check the specifics, guarantees and reputation of the brand you’re interested in (just like you would do when buying a car!).
We might recommend browsing from:
May your journeys with your baby be full of the experiences that memories are made of — but always starting with safety first!
If you would like to know more about any— and everything that a Subaru can do for you, call us on +27 11 608 0116 or email info@subaru.co.za and a skilled member of our team will be happy to assist you. Alternatively, use our store locator to find your nearest dealership, and of course if you’re looking to experience any of our six incredible models first-hand, get behind the steering wheel by booking your test drive today.
