Car Seats

[onelasttime]

I went to get a new capsule installed at the ambo and he said my car seat (where my DD who is 20 mths sits in) is to old and I should look at upgrading. It's four years old cause I got it brand new when I had my son 4yrs ago.

So how long do you keep your car seats for? Do you upgrade?
So I'm now in the market for a new car seat for my DD and my new baby....can anyone recommend the best car seat on the market?

Cheers

[mim1]

For your almost 4yo he should be in a car seat with a 5 point inbuilt harness until 18kg, so that could be for a while. A maxi-rider is a good idea as you can change to using a h-harness when he's over 18kg. Your dd should also be in a carseat with an inbuilt harness, so you could use a maxi-rider (or similar convertible booster) or a convertible seat. Your new bub needs to be rearfacing for as long as possible. You could get a capsule for the first 6 or so months (that's a basic, but highly safe safe'n'sound brand capsule) or use a convertible seat rearfacing. You'll need a rearfacing convertible seat anyway from 6 - 12 months.

So, as for seat choice it depends on your car and what will fit. The Safe'N'Sound Meridian AHR is a fantastic convertible seat, but it is pricey. You might also want to look at the various 'travel system' capsules on the market for your new bub, but the safety reviews are variable (or just not done yet). The advantage of those is that they can attach to some prams and some mean a child can stay in them til 12kg.

All the best on your hunt!

[little mermaid]

Wow that is wierd, the lifespan of car seats is 10 years. So if it is only 4 years old then it still has lots of years use in it.

[RHJ]

I think it depends more on the condition of the seat rather than its age. My son's car seat is 4 years old, but it still seems to be in very good condition, but my friend bought her daughters at the same time (different brand) and it looks quite worn.

Link to the newest Child restraints rating booklet for you to look over yourself. It evaluates the safety and ease of use of some of the leading seats on the market (this one is from Feb 2009)
http://www.racv.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/8f1801004e061cb987f18f53baa8cac0/Safer+Child+Restraints+2009.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=8f1801004e061cb987f18f53baa8cac0