When I was expecting my first child and discovered the plethora of devices I supposedly needed to enable me to raise him, I knew I couldn’t stay away from one product - the car seat. In India, there are no strict laws that insist of having a car seat for a child right from his or her birth. (Remember the images of the Royal baby that went viral on the net where the baby was improperly secured in the car seat when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge left the hospital?!) But then, to me a car seat was an absolute necessity to keep my mischievous toddler safe while travelling.

The best car seat is one that fits your child according to age and weight, fits into your car and is easy to use. Here is the checklist.

• How large is your car - Do you need a compact seat for fitting in a small car.
• How difficult it is to get your child into the car seat - Can the seat swivel around to you or does the buckle fasten quickly.
• The ease of washing - Will the cover come off in the washing machine.
• How comfortable the seat is - Would your child be happy to sit in it for longer periods.
• Does the buckle have a simple-click system (making it easier for your toddler to do him/herself once old enough).
• Whether the seat is easy to fit in the car seat.
• How adjustable the seat is to cater to the size of your child.
• The age range of the seat - How long the seat will last before you have to invest in another one.
• Look for additional features like a cup holder to quench the thirst of your toddler etc.

Once you select the type of the car seat, look for the other options. It is very important to buy a car seat from a reputed brand. I had shortlisted Graco, Chicco and Mothercare car seats and eventually bought the Chicco Elatta for Rs 11,000. I have used it since my son was an infant till date. This model allows me to use this chair from birth to five years of age.

The other models that I personally like are Graco Snug Ride for Rs 8000, Graco Synthesis for Rs 9000 and the Mothercare Sport model.

What’s your personal choice of car seat?

pics- google images