Baby Capsule / Car Seat: Research your needs

In order to end up with the baby capsule / car seat best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.

Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of baby capsules / car seats are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in a baby capsule / car seat.

Research the market: Baby Capsule / Car Seat essentials

The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the baby capsule / car seat market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:

Type: There are three main types of baby carriers for cars. The first is an infant chair or capsule. In this type of carrier the infant faces rearward and lies in the carrier rather than sits in it. This type can commonly be converted for use in a stroller or as a baby carrier.

The second is a convertible seat which can be used as a baby capsule and then adjusted so the child can sit upright in the seat as they get older. Usually this is around the one year mark when the child has the neck strength to hold their own head up.

The third type is a booster seat in which the child sits upright and the car's seat belt becomes the primary means to restrain the child. This type is typically used after 3 years of age.

Safety standards: Baby seats and capsules have different safety standards and these can vary greatly from country to country. Check to make sure that the safety standards are clearly advertised and are appropriate for your area.

Size: The seat or capsule has to be the correct size for your child, and you also need to make sure it will fit in your car. Capsules and seats have a variety of different attachment points and systems and a variety of designs offers some flexibility with bulk and shape.

Extra features: Consider the additional features that would be helpful. These include extra storage pouches or pockets, special fabric for easy cleaning, or quick release latches.

Cost: Adjustable rear and forward facing seats or seats that adjust as the child grows will be more expensive than standard one-size only seats but will last longer. Extra features will add cost more initially, but may save money over the longer term.

Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself

Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a baby capsule / car seat. For example, will you use the baby capsule / car seat only occasionally when you are minding your school-age grandchild, or are you a new parent who will need to transport your baby regularly?

You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.

Have I used a baby capsule / car seat before?
	If you have used a baby capsule / car seat, work out what you did or didn't like about the baby capsule / car seat. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient.

What size is my child?
	The child's size is important in finding the correct size and style of seat or capsule. The weight as well as the age of the child is used in the sizing guidelines. For children under 22lbs or 10kgs and less than 1 year in age a rear facing capsule is recommended. For children older and larger in size a forward facing seat is appropriate.

What style of vehicle do I have?
	Some vehicles are easier to get baby seats in and out of than others. You may be better with permanently mounted car seat rather than one that converts into a stroller or carry-about.

What type of child seat or baby capsule is recommended for my vehicle?
	Vehicles have different shaped seats. Most manufacturers will list in the owner's manual the type of car seat that is recommended for infants.

What additional features do I want with the baby seat?
	You might need the baby seat to be used as a convertible or combination type pram or stroller, or require a particular fabric or covering.

What information do I have about safety requirements for my area?
	Websites are available from most governments listing the child seat safety guidelines. It is important to understand the requirements to get the safest possible car seat for your child.

What is my budget?
	The prices vary based on the size, features, materials and extras offered. While it is not necessary to purchase the most expensive model around, the less expensive baby seats may not meet all of your safety standards or may not be as durable.

Am I interested in buying just one baby seat and then a booster seat, or do I wish to purchase new seats as my child grows?
	Some seats are available that are rear or forward facing, and can be adjusted as the child grows. These seats are often more expensive initially, but may save money in the long run as they will not need to be replaced.

Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.

Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of baby capsules / car seats and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.

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