Hello Mabs
How do I choose the right car seat for my baby, and what should I look for to make sure it’s safe and high quality?
Mabs Answers:
Shopping for a baby car seat can be exciting and also daunting, considering the available choices. I have seen premium-looking car seats in sketchy parts of town priced very cheaply. But safety should always be a priority when shopping for a good car seat for your baby. Always look for an SABS-approved, and avoid imports that are big on looks yet have no safety certification. Also, most modern cars have ISOFIX, so your baby’s seat should click into it for extra safety. You want to ensure that your child is properly secured to save their life in the case of an accident.
Shop around traditional baby stores and wholesale outlets, and ask to first demo the seat in your car and place your child in it. The best seat is one that fits your car and your child’s size properly. Once set on a brand that works for your vehicle and your baby, also check affordable options online and other non-traditional stores. If a safety-certified, new car seat is out of your budget, check out Wheel Well, a local organisation that has pioneered child car safety in South Africa for second-hand options or even donated child car seats.
