Evaluate how well a Baby Capsule / Car Seat meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in a baby capsule / car seat and you've learned about the different features of baby capsules / car seats. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of baby capsule / car seat - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the baby capsules / car seats available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed baby capsules / car seats to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well a Child Car Seat meets your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available baby capsules / car seats in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any baby capsules / car seats that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any baby capsules / car seats that clearly exceed your price limit.
The type of car seat you buy depends on the age and weight of your child. Is this car seat for your newborn, toddler, or school-aged child? While a convertible car seat/carrier system can accommodate a child from infancy through toddler-hood, there are some carriers that are age specific. Most experts suggest buying an infant seat, then switching up to a convertible system once the child exceeds 22 pounds (10kg).
If your budget extends to it, a coordinating travel system can be a great choice. A travel system includes a car seat, the car base, and a stroller. The components of these systems work together very well, and are particularly handy if you have to take your child with you whenever you go out to do the shopping or run errands. The only drawback with these systems is that sometimes when your child outgrows the car seat, the entire set will have to be replaced. However, if you are planning on more children or have friends or family that the set can be passed on to, this can be a worthwhile option.
Tip: For those on a budget, it is sometimes better to buy items separately.
You may be tempted to buy a second-hand seat. Resist it. If the child carrier was manufactured before 2002, it may not be LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) compatible - this is an important safety feature that protects a child in the event of a collision.
Car seats and capsules take a lot of abuse. They get scuffed up as kids kicks them, and as you put them in and out of the car. They have various substances and bodily fluids spilled over them, and are exposed to the elements. Look for materials that are durable and easy to clean.
When buying a child seat, consider a five point safety harness. This type of harness has a loop for each shoulder, a loop for each thigh, and a crotch strap. They are far safer than any other system, and highly recommended.
These are by no means the end of the features available. Most of the additional features you will run into are a matter of convenience or aesthetics rather than safety. Some of them are listed in the features list below. Think about how useful they will be before you buy.
Tip: Experts recommend that you keep your child facing rearward for as long as possible as this is the safest position for a child. And that, if possible, position the seat or capsule in the center of the car, as this is the safest place in the vehicle.
When you were considering your requirements in a baby capsule / car seat it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as seat type, 3 or 5 point harness, anchor type, flexibility and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various baby capsules / car seats meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Type of Car Carrier
- Infant Chair/Capsule
- Convertible Seat
- Booster Seat
- Travel System
Infant Chair/Capsule
- Built-in base.
- Multiple reclining angles
- Rear facing
- The handle should be well padded, easy to shift up and down
- 3 or 5 point harness (5 point recommended)
- For premies or very small newborns, look for an infant bed-style that contours to fit the baby snugly
- For use with children under 22lbs (10kg)
- Can be used as a baby carrier, feeder or rocker.
Convertible Seat
- Converts from Infant capsule to child seat
- Multiple reclining angles
- Can face front or rear
- The handle should be well padded, easy to shift up and down
- 3 or 5 point harness (5 point recommended)
- Some new models for children up to 65lbs (30kg)
Booster Seat
- 3 or 5 point harness (5 point recommended) or used with car seatbelt
- Front facing
- Appropriate for children who exceed the weight limit of regular car carriers.
- Belt positioning sash guide to avoid the neck
- Head pillow for comfort
- Side wings for extra head protection
- These are for older children (3 years or older) 30 to 60lbs (14 to 26kg)
Travel System
- Car carrier, car-seat base (built-in base) and stroller all in one
- Snap on car seat
- 3 or 5 point harness
Built-In Carriers
- Integrated forward or rear facing seat
- Comes in certain cars and minivans - rare in the U.S.A., easier to find in Europe
- There is little or no side protection
- This type of seat has limited usefulness
- Integrated seats are often positioned near a door instead of in the center rear
Fabric
- Look for machine washable, stain resistant fabric
- Removable upholstery - make sure you don't have to dismantle the car carrier just to get the cover off for a washing
Harness Slots
- More than one set of slots can accommodate a growing child
- Rear facing seats need harness straps positioned at or below the child's shoulders.
- Forward facing seats need harnesses that come at or above a child's shoulders
Accessories
- Cup holder
- Snack Tray
- Optional Toys/music/lights
- Latches to snap the carrier to the front of a grocery cart
Safety Considerations
- Check weight and age ranges and always buy the appropriate carrier
- Make sure the seat fits tightly in your car
- Is the release mechanism easy to use?
- Do the latches connecting the seat to the car hold securely?
- Is there an audible click so you know the latches are secure?
Maintenance
- How easy is it to clean the plastic pieces of the carrier?
- Dark colours don't show stains as easily
- Can you take the straps or harness off to clean it?
- If the upholstery is not removable, is it at least easy to wipe clean?
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your baby capsule / car seat needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in a baby capsule / car seat.
Once you have finished evaluating the baby capsules / car seats available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the baby capsules / car seats one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well a Baby Capsule / Car Seat compares with competing Baby Capsules / Car Seats
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of baby capsules / car seats that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of baby capsules / car seats that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which baby capsule / car seat on my short-list offers the best value for money?
Which of these baby capsules / car seats best meet my needs?
Which of my short-listed baby capsules / car seats has the best warranty?
Which baby capsule / car seat is the easiest to use?
Which of the baby capsules / car seats seems of the highest quality?
Which short-listed baby capsule / car seat has the most flexibility?
Which baby capsule / car seat do I like best?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating baby capsules / car seats that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short-listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the baby capsule / car seat, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the baby capsule / car seat is put together. Check the assembly - is the baby capsule / car seat solidly constructed? It's also important to examine the baby capsule / car seat from the perspective of ease of use. How easily is the baby capsule / car seat prepared for cleaning and maintenance? Is the harness easy to use? Make sure the baby capsule / car seat fits your child physically, and that it is user-friendly - some baby capsules / car seats look great on paper, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally get your hands on them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Proper fit of removable parts - easy to remove and replace, fit snugly
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose - fits child correctly
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy and comfortable to use
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as accidental damage.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labor
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories and Extras
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to run the product to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other facilities are required - do you need an anchor bolt, for instance?
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- Upgrades - will the product need upgrades, what are the costs?
- What else will you need to fully utilize the baby capsule / car seat?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of baby capsules / car seats that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
Video Links
Buyz123.com Research Links:AccessoriesWhat type of accessories are there available for baby seats?Range of child car seat accessoriesReviewsGuide to the types of baby seat that are availableUsers' reviews of car seatsReview 587 car seats!Reviews on different car seats