Choosing a baby Car Seat

Selecting a car seat for your baby can be quite a challenge as we found out. There are so many brands and models in the market. The price itself also varies greatly. You can find some at a really attractive price that starts from slightly over a RM100 to those prices closed to RM2000.

A car seat is definitely an important accessory that one must invest for our baby once they arrived. Although most mothers would prefer to carry their infant in their arms while travelling, this is certainly unwise for safety reasons. Without any proper restraints, a collision even at 50km/hour could prove fatal to the baby, who could be crushed by the weight of the mother, strangled by the front seat belt or thrown against the dashboard or through the windscreen.

Ryan started with an infant car seat from Peg Prego and when he outgrew it, we finally invested in a Chicco Proxima car seat that could accommodate Ryan till 4 years old (or 18kg).

Since we rely heavily on the car seat to protect our baby in the event of an accident, it is paramount that the car seat manufactured has to pass certain certification to verify that the specifications of which the car seat was designed and built were able to provide the safety level required. It is pointless to buy a very affordable car seat that has not been tested extensively or certified fit to do the job. Hence, it is critical that an appropriate car seat (regardless of brands or price) MUST conform to the United Nations standard, ECE Regulation 4403.

Weight of the child is the most important factor in deciding the type of car seat to use. Manufacturers have also categorized the different types and model based on the weight of the child.

Rearward facing Baby Seats
Group 0 for babies up to 10kgs (22lbs), roughly from birth to 6-9 months
Group 0+ for babies up to 13kg (29lbs), roughly from birth to 12-15 months

Forward facing Child Seats
Group 1 for children weighing 9-18kgs (20-40lbs), roughly from 9 months to 4 years

Booster Seat
Group 2 for children weighing 15-25kgs (33-55lbs), roughly from age 4 to 6 years

Booster Cushion
Group 3 for children weighing 22-36kgs (48-79lbs), roughly from age 6 to 11 years

It is always safer to put Group 0 and Group 0+ car seat in the rear and placed it rearwards facing to provide higher protection for the baby’s head, neck and spine. NEVER place a car seat in the front passenger seat if there is a passenger airbag.

It is also common now to find some child restraints or car seats that are capable of being converted as the child grows and hence, fit into more than one group. The Chicco Proxima for example, can cater babies from newborn (Group 0) to 18kg (Group 1).

So, if you are shopping or thinking of upgrading your child’s car seat, I hope that this basic information will be of help. Remember, SAFETY FIRST!

New Chicco Car Seat

As I have mentioned in my earlier post, we had wanted to get a new car seat for Ryan since he has outgrown his current one. So, on Saturday, we went to the Robisons at the Gardens Midvalley to attend the launch of Chicco Proxima 2009 car seat. I would say that the launch were relatively well attended although from the size of the space allocated, I don't think that they were expecting a large crowd.

We were a little early. So after registration with an hour to spare, we went to Flying Chillies for a drink. The talk about importance of car seat in general and Chicco range of products were interesting. In fact, Ryan was sitting on the very first row and was all ears for the first 5 full minutes because he was attracted to the sound, the music and the slideshow. I think he was the youngest baby there!

The Proxima range caters for newborn to children of 2 to 3 years of age (18kg) depending on their weigh. Overall, the design was cool. They come in five colours and the sets have apparently just arrived the night before. Anyway, since we were serious in buying and considering that Chicco is a well-known brand, the cool design (I love the design in red) and the 20% discount that we are getting, we ended taking one (the red one of course). The original retail was supposed to be RM1,249. With the discount, we ended paying RM999 for it.

Once home, we unwrapped it, and put Ryan in it to grab some cool pictures. He seemed happy in it. Now we are keeping all our fingers crossed that he will like sitting in the car seat when he is travelling so that this investment will not go to waste. Anyway, it is the safe thing to do rather than allowing his mommy to carry him everytime he is in the car (with the excuse that the current car seat is too small).

He is outgrowing his car seat....

Ryan has been using a hand-me-down Peg Perego infant car seat. We are working hard to train him to sit still in the car seat while travelling for obvious safety reasons. Lately, I have noticed that it is getting more and more difficult to get him out from the car seat. He is outgrowing it. The paed said during the last checkup that his length is above average which is probably why it has become increasingly uncomfortable for him.

Like any first time parents I presumed, we have no idea what is a good, safe, reliable and value for money car seat. There are apparently so many brands, types and models in the market that it can be rather confusing.

All I know is that I am looking for a car seat that is safe, comfortable, not too hot (Ryan is one hot baby. His sweats easily), and value for money where he could use it for as long as he possibly can. I understand that there are some models that caters for newborns right up to the age of 4 years (depending on the weight of the baby). Of course, it has to look `cool' in my car!

Just read in the STAR today that CHICCO is launching a new car seat at the Robinsons, The Gardens Mid Valley City this coming Saturday (8th November 2008) at 2pm. Apparently, there is a 20% discount for all CHICCO car seats and free gift to all attendants. It looks like to The Gardens, we will go this Saturday. We have been going out almost every weekend for the last couple of weeks. I believe Ryan's mommy is happier that Ryan. Hahaha....

Any comments or advice from any experienced parent out there to help out this clueless daddy as to how to source for a good car seat for Ryan?

And to those who are also looking to change or buy a new car seat for your baby, it might be good to check out this deal. See you there......