Simple Tips

March 25, 2009 | Print

Healthier and Safer Car Seats

Every year or two we review our car seat scenario–who needs an upgrade and how the new addition impacts our seating configuration in the car.

As we’ve discovered new resources, the process involves more steps. We always have a moment when we just want to get it done and buy a whatever seat. After a few mis-purchases, we’ve decided it’s worth the time and research–the kids use their car seats every day.

• The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Injury Research and Prevention has the most thorough information to determine what kind of seat to get for a child’s age, weight and height.

• HealthyCar.org tests a range of infant, toddler and booster seats for chemicals. Their 2007 and 2008 car seat ratings review particular models and fabric designs. Different seat covers test differently for chemicals.

• Consumer Reports Car Seat Ratings are worth a look for their updated testing results.

• Elite Car Seats is a good shopping tool, a range of brands and models to compare.

• Ba Ba Seatskins are natural sheepskin car seat covers. Oliver’s on his third seat with a Ba Ba Seatskin and loves them. They’re soft and cozy, naturally flame resistant (meaning no chemicals) and they keep kids cool in the summer. Elite Car Seats often sells them discounted.

• Seatcheck.org searches by zip code the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s listing of car seat inspection locations. Kelly recently used the site to have a convertible car seat installed at her local CHP office. They did such a better job than her usual efforts. The officer put a non-slip pad under the car seat. They recommend the pad, which looks like a square cut from a vinyl area rug pad, for all leather and vinyl car interiors, and gave Kelly an extra one. Everything was free.

•