A Difficult Decision — Picking a Car Seat

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From the moment you hold your newborn in your arms your instinct is to love and protect them. Being a parent is a responsible job, of course, and there are a million and one things to consider and prepare for if you’re becoming a mother or father for the first time. One of these is a car seat, but it’s rarely at the forefront of most people’s minds. Their importance, however, can’t be underestimated; as they are needed from the very minute you leave the hospital to travel home.

So to take the stress out of the matter here are a few top tips when buying your first car seat. You can start your search for a car seat with the Tesco range, if you don’t know where to look.

Safety first

Never, under any circumstances, purchase a second-hand car seat. The same goes for accepting one from friends or family; while this may seem a tad over protective you don’t know the history of the seat. Has it been involved in an accident previously? Was it bought initially from a reputable place? Even if a seat looks perfectly fine it may have internal structural damage untraceable by the naked eye. If you can’t answer all of the questions about its history with certainty its best to politely decline any offers.

Height, weight & age

Height, weight and age: all of the above are important factors to consider when choosing your car seat. Take your time to assess the range of options to you both in shops and online, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Many stores have trained staff that will be on hand to talk you through the selection process and show you how to correctly fit and take out the seat safely.

For impartial advice, there are companies out there that conduct rigorous tests of seats and provide impartial ratings. If you’re of a make and model, do your homework to get the best for your money.

Follow these few simple steps to make sure you get the best protection for your little ones and your peace of mind!