It's not possible to determine the safest car seats based on these tests, because the manufacturers aren't required to make the test results available--and so they never will. Still, we can at least be confident that each car seat sold in the United States matches or even exceeds governmental requirements.
Each year, Consumer Reports does do independent crash test ratings of car seats. It should be noted, however, that these tests are often discounted by scientists for various reasons, including past mistakes, and what they consider poor reporting and poor parameters. However, it may be a good starting point.
Over the years, Consumer Reports has reported its top picks. Keep in mind, however, that the safest car seat is only as safe as its user. If it isn't installed properly and used properly every time the child is in the car, of course it is quite unsafe.
Recently Consumer Reports conducted a test involving rear-facing infant car seats. This was an effort to make up for the previous year's test, which had errors. All the seats they used (eleven in total) passed crash test standards as defined by the government when secured with a seatbelt and when using the LATCH.
(LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.) Again, we find the United States' pass/fail system fails to provide us a "best" and "worst" model.
Consumer Reports recognized this and tried to figure out which were the safest car seats by adding a rating system for Ease of Use and Fit to Vehicle. Both of these will be important factors in a car seat's safety.
If the car seat doesn't fit inside the car properly, you won't be able to install it safely. The harder it is to install the car seat, the more likely you will not fasten the car seat safely and properly.
With these guidelines in mind, Consumer Reports determined that Chicco Key Fit was the best, safest car seat. Britax Companion came in second place.
At the same time, Consumer Reports rated Baby Trend Flex-Loc and Graco SnugRide as the Best Buys. This accounts for the features you get for the price.
The Safest Car Seat
Infant car seats, toddler car seats, convertible car seats and child booster seats are manufactured by over twenty companies. The most popular of these companies are Britax, Peg Perego, Graco, Evenflo, BabyTrend, Safety 1st, Chicco, Compass and Cosco. Child car seat prices range from $50 to over $300 depending on the manufacturer and feature set. Keep in mind that expensive doesn't always mean better. Some of the cheaper seats perform just as well as the top models.
Let's take a look at a few of the standard features found in child car seats:
1) 5 Point Safety Harness - This is the most secure belt system a seat can have. If the car seat you are considering does not have a 5 point safety harness, I advise you to look elsewhere.
2) EPS Energy Absorbing Liner - Without question, the most important feature a child car seat can have. Almost all new car seats come with this type of liner. Upon impact, the foam linear absorbs and distributes the energy which decreases the likelihood of seat failure. Please make sure the seat you are considering has this type of liner.
3) LATCH System - LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. It's an easy and safe seat anchoring system that is built into all new automobiles.
4) Adjustable Seat Levels - This allows the parent to adjust the seat positioning. The seat can be set to a reclining or vertical position. Seat positioning usually depends on the size and age of your child.
5) Weight Restrictions - Recommended child weight is usually between 5lbs and 40lbs.
6) Rear Facing and Forward Facing - Infant car seats are always rear facing. Convertible seats are rear and forward facing. Booster seats are always forward facing.
7) Removable Padded Fabric - Great feature to have! You'll definitely throw the cover into the wash multiple times during the life of the car seat. Kids have a knack of making a mess!
Now that you understand the basic features you should be looking for in a child car seat, its time to start doing your research. Remember, CHILD SAFETY comes first, so DON'T choose a seat for the way it looks! Most car seats come in multiple patterns and colors. If you can't find one that suits your needs, you can always buy a child car seat cover to change the pattern. Booster Seat Covers have become very popular over the last few years. One more tip, do not base your decision solely on user reviews written at sites like http://Amazon.com. They should only be used as a aid in your decision making process. If you're looking for crash test ratings I suggest you use Google to search for the term "Car Seat Crash Test Ratings".
Good Luck and best wishes to you and your little one!
Both Jayna Ginny & K.j. Brown are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jayna Ginny has sinced written about articles on various topics from . Before you buy a car seat make sure to visit to find in-depth reviews on the. Jayna Ginny's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.
K.j. Brown has sinced written about articles on various topics from Depression Cure, Finances. K.J. Brown is an expert article writer based out of New York City. He has written over 100 informative articles ranging from finance to child safety. To find more articles related to Child Car Seats and Child Safety, please visit. K.j. Brown's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.
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