Do you know the differences between car seat bases? When it comes to safety, having the right car seat base is so important for your child. In fact, this is one of the most important things you can do when looking for a new car seat. But you may be wondering: are all car seat bases the same? We’ll go over the differences in this article, so whether you’re buying or already have a car seat base in mind, we hope to show you which type of car seat base would work best for your needs.
What is a car seat base?
A car seat base is the part of your car seat that attaches to the vehicle’s anchor points. It provides stability, strength and safety for your child. It also has to be lightweight so it doesn’t affect how much space you have in your vehicle. The best car seat bases are made out of metal and are designed for safe use in all cars, regardless of brand or make.
Types of Car Seat Bases
Unlike the car seats, most car seat bases come in only one type. But there are five types of car seat bases available:
- The ‘backless’ base: This type is ideal for those who have a lighter, smaller vehicle or those with a younger child. These bases are small, lightweight and easy to install. It consists of an aluminum plate and adjusts your child’s position easily without straps or buckles. It has a locking system (C-shape) to secure your child in the correct position and high-density foam that keeps your child comfortable while they travel.
- The ‘snug’ base: This type is recommended by experts for toddlers or children that are slower to mature and need more support. They provide security for infants with two harness straps that attach to the vehicle’s anchors and another two straps at the back of the head to keep them in place. Because these types of baby car seat bases are heavier than the backless base, they are best for older children who need more support.
- The ‘medium’ base: This type of car seat base is recommended for two-year-olds and over. It goes on your regular car seat to provide increased safety for a child when they reach the weight limit. This car seat base does not require you to remove it during the duration of your drive or install it in a special spot that is off limits to children.
- The ‘large’ base: This type of baby car seat is suitable for children who are three years and above and those whose weight has surpassed the maximum weight capacity range (40 – 100lbs). The large bases consists of a padded headrest and foam padding, which provides extra protection when being transported. It requires you to remove it from the vehicle during every ride and install it on a separate location at home for safety reasons, such as taking dogs along on rides or having family members with young children.
- The ‘extra large’ base: This type of car seat base is suitable for children who are four years and above and those whose weight exceeds the maximum weight capacity range, making it an ideal choice for all-terrain trips with your baby. It consists of a padded headrest, sponge padding, and foam padding. It does not require you to remove it from the vehicle during every ride, but you will still need to install it on a separate location at home.
Are All Car Seats Bases the Same?
The answer to this question is an unfortunate NO!
Although most people who are interested in a long list of baby car seats seem to be focused on the same thing – size, quality and safety – it is important for you to understand that every car seat base has its own set of characteristics. These characteristics include the quality of padding in the seat as well as protection measures such as alarms, anti-tip bars and headrests.
Knowing the differences between bases will help you buy which product is right for your needs. This can also prevent you from buying something that looks like a good deal but is not actually up to the standard. In addition, if you buy a product that is not compatible with your vehicle, it can cause even more inconvenience than just purchasing a more expensive version.
The car seat bases can be customized to fit the vehicle you drive. These bases are available in different sizes and shapes, which comes in handy because your car seat will not be too heavy or too bulky, but still able to give you the benefits of a good car seat.
Some car seats come with a detachable base, while some of them don’t come with one at all. Many parents think that this is an advantage, because they are able to remove and install the car seat right on their own schedule; however, it may come at the cost of safety if you choose not to take safety instructions seriously.
What’s the Best Type of Car Seat Base For You?
Even if you have a car seat that does not come with a base of its own, there are still two different types of bases for your convenience. And if you do decide to get a base that comes with the car seat, then your options are even more astounding. The first is an integrated version which fits into the vehicle headrest. This is usually an option for infants and toddlers, but it may be possible to find a version for older children as well. A detachable version is another option which goes on top of the vehicle seat, allowing you to remove or install the car seat at will. This can also be an option if you do not want to use a base at all, but it can take time and energy when needed.
No matter which type of base you choose, they are important because they make the car seat usable whether it is on or off the car’s seat. These bases ensure that stable seating is easy and safe so that your child will be comfortable and secure during car travel. If you want to protect your child from serious injury then consider the best seat for kids .
Conclusion
Car seat bases vary in their design and how they attach to the vehicle, so it’s important to know the different types and what they are best for. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of car seat base is right for your needs.
