How to Choose the Perfect Car Seat
As a new parent, I quickly realized that there were MANY baby gadgets to consider when shopping for my son. I decided to ask for advice from family and friends concerning items worth spending more money on verses items that were okay to buy second hand. My husband and I were amazed at how many responses reflected the importance of buying a high quality car seat. Boy oh boy am I glad that I listened to my family and friends. Investing in a high-quality car seat has been worth every penny. To help you choose the perfect car seat for your kiddo, I’ve compiled a list of important facts to consider.
I received Diono’s Rainier Convertible + Booster Seat in exchange for this post. Regardless, all opinions are my own.
Safety – This is one of the most important features when choosing a car seat. Is it worth saving a few extra dollars for a less-safe car seat? You sure don’t want those few extra dollars to be a matter of life or death. Look for things such as a steal frame and body and side impact protection when shopping for a car seat. Be sure to check the car seat’s safety ratings.
Size – Choose a car seat that is the perfect fit for your car. If you know you’re going to have 3 car seats in the back seat, you may want to consider choosing a car seat that is tall and thin verses a car seat that is wide.
Comfort – You want to make sure that your car seat will provide your child with absolute comfort. Comfort can make a difference in how your child behaves while riding in the car.
Installation – There will be a number of occasions when you have to remove and re-install your car seat. You want to make sure that installation isn’t a pain every time you put your car seat in the car.
Durability – Make sure you are getting a car seat that is going to last. If you know you are going to have more than one child, choose a car seat that has a long life. Buying one “more expensive” car seat that can last through various children is less expensive than buying multiple car seats.
Clean-ability – Messes in the car are inevitable. Make sure to choose a car seat that has material that is easy to clean and wash.
Adaptability – Choose a car seat that you are able to use for various stages of your child’s life; a convertible car seat that also converts to a booster is my top choice.
Expiration date – It’s okay to buy a car seat that is second hand. HOWEVER, make sure to check the expiration date on the car seat to make sure it hasn’t expired. Also, when inquiring about a second hand car seat, check to see if it has been in any accidents.
Impressively, Diono’s Rainier Convertible Car Seat/Booster meets every single one of the criteria listed above. I’m not joking when I say that it is the best, most durable car seat we have ever owned! Although it’s a bit more pricey than other car seats ($359), it’s SOOO worth the investment. The steel frame and impact protection makes this car seat’s safety life 12 years! I love how it can grow with my son; we can use it rear facing, forward facing, and as a booster. Because of it’s build, I can easily fit 2-3 car seats in my back seat, if needed. Not to mention, the seated area provides absolute comfort through memory foam…I wish I had a seat this comfortable! My son loves riding in his Diono’s Rainier Convertible Car Seat – he’s all smiles every time we drive anywhere in the car!
Drive in style and absolute comfort by choosing Diono’s Radian Convertible Car Seat/Booster ($359) for your next car seat. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
These are awesome tips, picking a new car seat is always such a daunting task!
I just recently saw someone recommend the Diono and had never heard of it before. I loved reading the review and learning more about it!
Great tips.I actually have this car seat, Diono’s Rainier Convertible Car Seat and I love it. My main thing I look for in car seat is that it will grow with my child and get a good few years of use. The seat is pricey but well worth the money many safety features plus you can use it for years.
Great tips! Since I’m the only one of my closest friends without a child, I’m starting to pick up on a lot of info that’s really useful for when I finally have some children of my own.