When it comes to the safety of your child, you never want to cut corners. From baby-proofing your house to suiting your littles with the proper helmet, parents will always go the extra mile to ensure their children are safe. This also rings true when it comes to car seat vehicle safety. The law in Ontario requires children to be in a car seat whenever they are being transported. Depending on their age, this can include an infant seat, child, or booster seat. It isn’t until he or she is eight years old and weighs 36kg that they can use an adult seatbelt. We understand buying a car seat can be a confusing process, especially for first-timers. Luckily, isure has everything you need to know when it comes to the best car seats on the market today.
What makes a car seat safe?
When it comes to finding a car seat that is safe for your child, there are a few things that you should look for.
First and foremost, you will need to look for the National Safety Mark label. This indicates that the seat you are looking at properly complies with Canadian regulations and standards. On top of this, it is of legal use in Canada. This mark is issued by the Ministry of Transportation and given to manufacturers of car seats in Canada. However, a National Safety Mark label doesn’t always mean a completely safe vehicle seat. Additionally, you will need to make sure your car seat complies with the following:
- It has not passed its expiry date.
- It has all of the necessary safety components.
- It comes with instructions on proper installation.
- It has not been involved in a collision.
- All components are working correctly i.e. there are no torn straps or cracks.
To avoid any safety hazards, you should buy a new seat, which is not used, if any of the above apply. Furthermore, there are many recalls in the car seat market, so staying weary of what you are putting your child in is crucial. Though it may appear safe, it is not worth gambling with your child’s safety!
Picking the right car seat
With so many seats on the market, picking the best one for your child can be daunting. Luckily, isure is here to help you with our list of some of the top car seats currently on the market for 2023 and 2024.
Photo via gracobaby.com
1. Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
With over 69,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, the Extend2Fit is one of the best on the market right now. Not only does it come in at an affordable price point, but it is stacked with some of the best safety features you can get. The Extend2Fit can be installed forward or rear-facing. depending on what stage they are at. It also provides an additional five inches of legroom when installed in the rear. This allows your child to sit comfortably for longer periods, no matter their size! Price: $234.99.
Photo via britax.ca
2. Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Infant/Child Car Seat
Are you in the market for something that will grow with your child, from newborn into their pre-teen days? Then you’re in luck! This Britax All-in-One seat is an infant seat, car seat, and booster seat, all wrapped into one. With a scale of 50-120 pounds this comfortable seat is perfect if you’re looking for a one-purchase seat for your child. Not only does the Britax provide the easiness of being all-in-one, but its enhanced safety features and added impact protection go the extra mile in making sure your child is always safe. $679.99-$729.99.
Photo via Safety1st
3. Safety1st Grow and Go All-In-One Car Seat
The Safety1st Grow and Go is another phenomenal option for someone looking for an all-in-one seat. It can be used as either a rear-facing or forward-facing car and booster seat. As your child grows, you can easily adjust the headrest and harness to easily customize the car seat. Its sleek and minimal design makes for easy cleanup. Let’s face it, messes are going to happen! This easily-removable harness is washer and dryer-safe. All in all, this Safety1st car seat is the perfect pick if you want a hassle-free option. Price: $299.99.
Photo via clekinc.ca
4. Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat
This is definitely one of the more pricier options on our list. However, it is for good reason! On top of its sleek and modern design, the Clek Foonf convertible car seat is built to feel like it is a part of your car. Alone, this car seat accommodates children in rear-facing mode up to 40 pounds. However, an insert can be purchased that will take babies up to 65 pounds in forward-facing mode. If you are looking for something safe, modern, AND Made in North America, this one is for you. Price: $779.99.
Photo: gracobaby.com
5. Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 Rotating Car Seat
Another incredible 3-in-1 option, this swiveling Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 seat makes keeping an eye on your baby easier. On top of this, it offers a sleek, stunning design that is safe and solid without sacrificing comfort for your little one. This option will accommodate children throughout their growing journey, seating babies as small as four pounds to kids as big as 100 pounds! Like most 3-in-1 seats, it is important to remember that it’s quite heavy, so it’s probably not your best bet if you are consistently moving your seat from car to car.
Photo via doreljuvenile.com
6. Maxi Cosi Pria All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
The Pria All-in-One from Maxi Cosi is a compact and secure 3-in-1 convertible car seat that is designed to be both forward-facing and rear-facing. On top of being safe and comfortable for your child, it comes with tons of great conveniences for you as a parent. The QuickFit headrest and harness system can easily be repositioned to fit your child. The Pria also comes with easy in-and-out harness holders to keep straps out of the way for when you’re buckling in your little one. Price: $269.99.
Photo via uppababy.ca
7. UPPAbaby Knox Convertible Car Seat
The UPPAbaby Knox Convertible Car Seat is a go-to choice for people looking for something safe and secure without fuss. No matter the age of your kid, this car seat is packed with tons of intuitive safety features that will let you have peace of mind while riding with your child. On top of this, its Smart secure system allows for easy installation, so moving it between cars is hassle-free. The Active support headrest and special foam allow for added protection for your child and unparalleled support. Price: $449.99.
How often should you replace your child’s car seat?
Let’s face it, at a younger age, your child is growing at a super fast rate. Due to this, their safety needs are constantly changing. As an infant, they must be in a rear-facing seat to keep them as safe as possible. But, how do we know when it’s time to graduate to a car seat or booster from their infant seat? There is no set period, as this changes for every child. Additionally, some car seats are created to grow with your child, with add-ons or extensions that you can buy separately. When your toddler reaches their maximum height or weight capacity listed on their infant seat, this is when you will know. At this point, they will graduate to a convertible seat.
Remember to do your research!
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for seats to get recalled in Canada. This is why doing your research is always mandatory. It is crucial to make sure the seat you are looking at (or already own) is not being recalled. Here are some recently recalled car seats that you should avoid or dispose of if you already own them. You can find a complete list of recent car seat recalls by clicking here.
Remember, having the proper car seat is crucial in making sure you and your children stay safe when you’re behind the wheel. It is also important to have adequate car insurance in case the unthinkable happens. Contact us or request a quote today!
