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Babies are known to always have special needs. They need special attention, special care and of course, special products. Some years ago, I noticed my baby sister would not eat what we ate because she was still a baby. She would wear special kind of clothes and even drink special kind of water. At a point, I almost felt jealous. Just kidding!It is a known fact that that babies have these special privileges because of their fragile nature. For example, a baby would be unable to cope with the highway traffic when in transit if no special treatment is given to it. All cars are designed for adults. Hence, it is almost impossible for a baby to sit comfortably on a car seat. Imagine the horrible sight of your 6 months old baby seated beside you in the passenger side of your car while you drive. Yeah, do not forget to include in your imagination that the baby has the seatbelt on. After all, safety first. The sight is horrible not only because it’s inappropriate to put your baby on the front seat of your car but also because the seat of your car is inappropriate for the baby. The oversized seatbelt will do next to nothing when it comes to holding your baby in place. Step on your breaks suddenly and watch your baby fly out of the car through the windscreen. I’m sorry I had to paint a graphic picture. It is just in a bid to drive home the point.
Two things have been established so far and they are:
1) Babies should not be placed in the front seat of a car.
2) Car seats are inappropriate and unsuitable for babies.
The points then beg the question ‘If I have to leave home with my baby in my car, how is that going to be possible? Well, most problems these days already have suitable solutions. There are already car seats specifically designed for babies. Some car manufacturers, these days, already made provisions for these seats. For other cars, the owners will have to buy and fix. Babies are required to have the baby seats. There is another type called the Booster seat. Boosters are for much older children until they are big enough to use the car seat appropriately. In simple terms, baby car seats are safety seats that helps protect children from injuries during car collisions. This is obviously quite important for reasons that have been explained earlier in this article.
Baby car seats are required legally in most western countries and failure to adhere is punishable by law. In countries where it is not legally required, it is strongly advised. After all, it is all for the safety of your child.
Features of the Car Seat
If you are looking to buy a baby car seat soon, ensure that you check and tick the following features.
1. The baby car seat should have an easily adjustable harness. It should be adjustable because if too tight, it makes the baby comfortable and if too loose, it does next to nothing. Therefore, you should be able to adjust it as you want.
2. The baby car seat should have a design that works with your vehicle. When you get one that’s compatible with your vehicle, you have no problem with installation and the comfort of your baby is guaranteed.
3. The baby car seat should have a comfortable cushion feel. While most people place extra clothes and blankets on the seat, it is highly discouraged. Therefore, why not prevent it by making sure that the car seat you get is comfortable as it is.
4. The baby car seat should be easily installable. Unless your baby will be riding in just one vehicle or you buy a car seat for every car your baby will be riding in, you’d be moving it a lot. Therefore, you need to get one that’s easy and quick to install to save yourself some stress.
5. The baby car seat should have a high weight limit. It is advised that the car seat be used in the rear facing position for as long as possible. Definitely, one with a high weight limit should be the obvious choice.
6. The baby car seat should have a very comfortable head support. This will help to support the child’s head and neck when they are asleep.
As you can see, all the features listed above are aimed at ensuring your child’s safety and comfort. These are essential features that you should look out for when choosing a good baby car seat.
What is a Travel Car Seat?
Baby car seats are quite heavy and the stress of moving then about can be exhausting. Families often need to travel from one place to the other with their babies. Hence, there is need for car seats on the airplane. These kind of car seats are called travel car seat. Families that are often on the go are concerned about the best car seats to use on an airplane. This article is aimed at helping them make easy but smart choices by providing them with features of good travel car seats and also tell them about the best car seats they can get around.Generally, travel car seats are just lighter car seats (for ease of movement) that are modified to suit both the airplane and the car. This Implies that if you are travelling, you get to use them on the plane and also, they’d be useful when you get to your destination if you intend to get car rides there which is most likely.
The features to look out for when looking for good travel car seats are quite similar to the ones you look out for when seeking to get good baby car seats. The things to keep in mind when getting a travel car seat include:
1. The ease of installation: The travel car seat must be relatively easy to install. It is supposed to be mobile. Therefore, one should not have difficulties in detaching and installing it. So, if you are looking to get a good travel car seat, make it a priority to ensure that it is very easy to install.
2. The weight of the seat: It is highly essential to note that the travel car seats are supposed to be light weight because of their mobility. You would not want to carry a heavy car seat about in the airport. For ease of movement, get a relatively lightweight travel car seat.
3. How many comfort features your child needs: The comfort features on each seat differs from one another. You are required to understand and itemize the needs of your child before deciding on which car seat to get. However, it should be noted the higher the comfort features, the higher the price and vice versa.
4. Whether or not the seat is convertible: in order to be cost effective, it is advised that the car seat be convertible. This implies that it should be usable both on the airplane and in the car. Convertible travel car seats are usually quite more expensive than the others but I believe they worth it if they are to be used on daily basis.
5. The comfortability of the seat: Of course you don’t want discomfort for your baby. It is therefore advised that you get a travel car seat with comfortable seat. Like I explained earlier, it is not advisable to put blankets on the seat although it is a common practice.
6. Adequate head support: You should also ensure that the head support is comfortable to enable your child proper head and neck balance while he sleeps.
The above-listed are essentials. There are other features that might be included tied to individual needs. These include:
1. Price: The cost of the seats differs from one another. You are advised to cut your coat according to your size. There are the extremely expensive ones and also the relatively affordable ones. Hence, consider your needs and also your pocket without sacrificing the major bone of contentions
2. Style: Sense of style differs from person to person. If you are one that cares extremely much about aesthetics, there are car seats for you. If you are that do not really care also, there are seats for you. Basically, car seats are made just to suit your needs and wants.
3. Compactness: Do you want your seat big or compact? That’s left to you to decide. Whether big or compact, it has no direct relationship with safety or comfort. It’s basically a function of individual wants and area of use.
Do I Need a Travel Car Seat?
It is quite simple and easy to answer this question. Just answer the following questions:
1. Do you have a baby?
2. Do you travel a lot?
3. Would you rather carry your baby on your laps all through your travel?
4. Would you be riding in car after you get off the plane?
If the answer to the 1st, 2nd and 4th questions are yes and the answer to the 3rd question is no, then think no further. You definitely need to get a Travel car seat. Actually, you could rent one if you do not really care much about your baby owning one. You just have to rent one every time you have to travel. Not a smart idea if you ask me.
Best Travel Car Seats
There have been questions asked over time about which car seats are the best. I have a list of 9 travel car seats that I would recommend if you’d be getting one soon.
There are a lot of good travel car seats but we would be sticking with just 9. I would be discussing their features, prices, advantages and disadvantages with you. Hopefully, by the end of this article, I would have assisted you in making a good choice.
The best 9 travel car seats are as follows:
1. Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat
Features
This is quite popular, lightweight and very affordable. It is compact but does its job effectively. It’s not exactly a luxury travel car seat but it does the essentials at a reasonably affordable price.
Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat, Saturn
- MEET THE HIGHLY REVIEWED CAR SEAT WITH UNBEATABLE VALUE: This fan- favorite offers a budget-friendly choice without sacrificing safety, comfort or ease
- TRAVEL SLEEK AND LIGHT: Compact design offers an ideal fit for smaller vehicles, while lightweight design makes this a popular car seat for family travel
- MEET THE HIGHLY REVIEWED CAR SEAT WITH UNBEATABLE VALUE: This fan- favorite offers a budget-friendly choice without sacrificing safety, comfort or ease
- TRAVEL SLEEK AND LIGHT: Compact design offers an ideal fit for smaller vehicles, while lightweight design makes this a popular car seat for family travel
- GROW WITH IT: With use from 5 to 40 lb (19 to 40 in. tall), offers rear-facing and forward- facing modes, 5-point harness, plus 4-position shoulder harness
- SECURE YOUR CHILD WITH EASE: Upfront harness adjust makes it easy to get an accurate, snug fit for your child as they grow
- KEEP DRINKS AND SNACKS WITHIN REACH: Removable cup holder is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
- KEEP IT LOOKING FRESH: Durable, stain-resistant polyester fabrics remove easily for machine-washing and tumble-drying
2. Cosco Apt 50 Convertible Car Seat
Features
If you often travel with short car rides, you should grab this. It is also quite compact, comfortable and affordable.
Cosco Apt 50 Convertible Car Seat (Black Arrows)
- With 2 modes of use, this latch equipped Cosco car seat accommodates infants from 5 pounds up to toddlers weighing 40 pounds in rear facing mode and kids up to 50 pounds in forward facing mode
- The 5 point harness adjusts easily from the front of the seat and features 6 heights and 3 buckle locations
- With 2 modes of use, this latch equipped Cosco car seat accommodates infants from 5 pounds up to toddlers weighing 40 pounds in rear facing mode and kids up to 50 pounds in forward facing mode
- The 5 point harness adjusts easily from the front of the seat and features 6 heights and 3 buckle locations
- In both the rear facing and forward facing modes, built in side impact protection keeps your little 1 extra secure
- Easily remove the machine washable and dryer safe car seat pad to clean
- Perfect for travel, the seat is certified for use on aircraft and gives your child a familiar seat during a flight
- This car seat meets or exceeds federal and ASTM safety standards and includes a 1 year limited warranty
- For more than 70 years, Cosco has been a leading children’s products brand recognized for its dedication to safety and value; From bouncers to car seats, swings to strollers, and high chairs to play yards, Cosco's essential baby products feature solid value and smart design
3. Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat, Charcoal Sky
Features
Small, light and convenient, this is a winning car seat. Nothing too fancy but it does its job as it should be done.
Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat, Charcoal Sky
- VERSATILE: The Sonus Convertible Car Seat helps protect rear facing infants from 5-40 pounds, and forward facing toddlers from 22-50 pounds, extending the life and use of this full-featured car seat. Rear facing height is 19-40 inches and forward facing height is 28-50 inches
- VERSATILE: The Sonus Convertible Car Seat helps protect rear facing infants from 5-40 pounds, and forward facing toddlers from 22-50 pounds, extending the life and use of this full-featured car seat. Rear facing height is 19-40 inches and forward facing height is 28-50 inches
- TESTED AND TRUSTED: In addition to meeting or exceeding all applicable federal safety standards, this car seat also passes Evenflo's comprehensive Side Impact and industry leading Rollover Test Standards
- ALL-SEASON COMFORT: The Sonus features a revolutionary air flow ventilation system that provides a temperature-regulated, comfortable traveling experience regardless of the season or your climate. Rear facing fit tip- Top of head is at 1 inch below the top of the child restraint seat back
- TRAVEL WITH FREEDOM: This restraint meets FAA Inversion requirements for airplane use allowing it to serve as a seat that can travel with you during family vacations or holidays around the world
- OTHER VALUABLE FEATURES: Up-front adjustment for easy access to harness, 5 shoulder strap positions for proper fit, removable pads for easy machine washing, 2 cup holders, and head pillow for support
4. Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Featuring TrueShield Technology
Features
Very useful when used with a compatible stroller. This travel car seat is quite affordable, comfortable, safe and versatile.
Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Featuring TrueShield Technology
- SnugLock Technology: Installs in less than one minute using vehicle seat belt or LATCH
- TrueShield Advanced Side-Impact Protection helps keep your child safe in the event of a side impact, with protection from head to hips
- SnugLock Technology: Installs in less than one minute using vehicle seat belt or LATCH
- TrueShield Advanced Side-Impact Protection helps keep your child safe in the event of a side impact, with protection from head to hips
- Helps protect rear-facing infants from 4-35 lb and up to 32"
- 1-hand adjustable handle makes getting baby in and out easy
- Silent Shade canopy adjusts quietly without disturbing baby
- Lightweight infant car seat for easy carrying
- Adjustable base with 4 recline positions lets you customize fit to your vehicle
- Easy-to-read level indicator helps eliminate installation guesswork
5. Cosco Scenera NEXT Car Seat OTTO
Features
If you already have a regular everyday car seat, this is for one. It is nothing special but it does what it is asked to do. Compact, lightweight, affordable and safe.
Cosco Scenera NEXT Car Seat OTTO
- Rear-facing 5-40 lbs (19" to 40")
- 5 harness heights and 3 buckle locations allow for the best fit for growing children
- Forward-facing 22-40 lbs (29" to 43") and at least 2 years old
- Seat pad is machine washable and dryer safe
- Rear-facing 5-40 lbs (19" to 40")
- 5 harness heights and 3 buckle locations allow for the best fit for growing children
- Forward-facing 22-40 lbs (29" to 43") and at least 2 years old
- Seat pad is machine washable and dryer safe
- Certified for use on aircraft
6. Graco Contender 65
Features
It is a very good quality travel car seat. Very versatile if you already have a compatible stroller. Quite expensive and heavy. In all, it is one of the big-men travel car seats
Contender 65 Piedmont Fashion
- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
7. Diono Radian 3RXT All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
Features
It is foldable but it is really heavy because of the steel frame. However, it is safer because of the stability the steel frame gives it. A beautiful option for very long car rides.
Diono Radian 3RXT All-in-One Convertible Car Seat - Extended Rear-Facing 5-45 Pounds,...
- JOY OF THE JOURNEY: From birth, keep your little one rear-facing longer to 40 lbs., and as they grow to 100 lbs. (10 years approx.) our long-range lifespan protects your child facing-forward.
- THREES NOT A CROWD: For safety that fits 3 across the Radian 3RXT packs all our innovative safety features into a sleek and slim design that allows you to fit three across (in most mid-size vehicles). Now the whole family can travel, together.Care & Cleaning: Spot or Wipe Clean, Machine Wash
- JOY OF THE JOURNEY: From birth, keep your little one rear-facing longer to 40 lbs., and as they grow to 100 lbs. (10 years approx.) our long-range lifespan protects your child facing-forward.
- THREES NOT A CROWD: For safety that fits 3 across the Radian 3RXT packs all our innovative safety features into a sleek and slim design that allows you to fit three across (in most mid-size vehicles). Now the whole family can travel, together.Care & Cleaning: Spot or Wipe Clean, Machine Wash
- LOVINGLY ENGINEERED: The Radian 3RXT is built with automotive-strength steel, engineered into a dual spine, which manages and dissipates energy with an unyielding structure to protect your baby. Our audible click SuperLATCH system makes installation easy
- BUSINESS CLASS COMFORT: Inspired by the best in European style, our Radian 3RXT has bright soft fabric covers, and a memory foam seat bottom. Lined with energy absorbing foam, comfort and safety go hand in hand
- MADE OF SEATTLE: We are from Seattle, a city where being different is the norm and so is the Radian 3RXT. It folds flat, so you can travel the world and is FAA approved for use on an aircraft, so you can take safety with you wherever you go.
8. Britax Boulevard G4.1 Convertible Car Seat, Domino
Features
It is a quality product. The Britax Boulevard G4.1 is quite expensive but comfortable, stylistic, and compact. It is very safe and up there in the rank of the big-men travel car seats
Britax Boulevard G4.1 Convertible Car Seat, Domino
- Safecell impact protection is an integrated system of safety components, including an impact absorbing base, tether and harness, an impact stabilizing steel frame, and complete side impact protection plus
- Safecell impact protection is an integrated system of safety components, including an impact absorbing base, tether and harness, an impact stabilizing steel frame, and complete side impact protection plus
- SafeCell complete side impact protection plus provides an advanced level of protection: a deep, foam lined shell absorbs crash forces and shields your child from debris, and an energy absorbing headrest keeps your child's head and neck secure
- Click and safe snug harness indicator gives an audible click to aid you in the proper tightening of your child's harness
9. Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat (Seaport)
Features
Its size is decent. The price is good. The quality is good. It is quite heavy but very useful. A very beautiful option.
Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat (Seaport)
- Perfect for smaller cars or for extra space in your larger vehicle, this LATCH equipped Safety 1st car seat accommodates children from 5 to 40 pounds in rear facing mode and from 22 to 65 pounds in forward facing mode
- Perfect for smaller cars or for extra space in your larger vehicle, this LATCH equipped Safety 1st car seat accommodates children from 5 to 40 pounds in rear facing mode and from 22 to 65 pounds in forward facing mode
- Adjust the 5 point harness from the front of the seat
- Side impact protection built into this infant car seat keeps your little one extra secure
- Three of these seats can fit side by side in the back seat of most cars, perfect for growing families and carpools
- Removable body pillows ensure that your little one sits comfortably in the seat, while a removable cup holder keeps a drink close by
- This car seat meets or exceeds federal, ASTM, and JPMA safety standards and includes a 1 year limited warranty
- Safety 1st believes parenting should have fewer worries and more joyful moments; As the first and only leader in child safety, Safety 1st is here to give you peace of mind so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying every first you experience with your child
In conclusion, you need not be told that the baby car seat is designed for comfort and safety. Babies love to be comfortable otherwise, they start crying. Hence, in a bid to ensure their safety, comfort shouldn’t be compromised. So, I think you should be all smiles because the safety and comfort of your baby is the priority, not only to you but also to the baby car seat designers.
