Car seat safety advancements have been essential, but the science of car safety for children also includes the vehicles we drive. Even the safest car seat is useless if it doesn’t fit correctly or can’t be secured properly.
Along with innovations in car seats, car and truck manufacturers have done their part to make fitting and securing car seats easier and safer. While safer vehicles are welcomed by parents everywhere, choosing the best one can be as challenging as finding the right car seat.
Car Seat Safety
The widespread use of car seats is common because parents are well-educated about protecting their children. It doesn’t take much imagination to understand what can happen to children in an accident if they aren’t restrained. We’ve known for a while that children in the back seat are typically safer than ones in the front. Studies show that to be true, especially when children are secured in a car seat.
The latest research also reveals that children under four are less likely to be injured in an accident when they are in a rear-facing car seat. The science is simple: when a vehicle is in an accident, a car seat protects the child from the sudden deceleration and keeps them secure during the impact.
As long as a car seat is secured correctly, parents can count on the ultimate protection for their children. Fortunately, nearly any vehicle a family buys today features Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) systems.
LATCH systems were developed to solve the once prolific number of incorrectly installed car seats. As of 2003, motor vehicles and car seats are required to feature a LATCH system. These child restraint systems make installing rear-facing, convertible, and toddler car seats easier, more secure, and safer. While most parents will opt for the safety and convenience of the typical rear-facing car seat for infants, choosing the best car seat for toddlers isn’t so simple.
The Best Car Seats for Toddlers
The rear-facing infant car seats parents start with will work fine for about two years. Your children will outgrow their first car seat and keep growing. While it’s recommended to use a rear-facing car seat as long as possible, eventually, parents will have to upgrade. Thankfully, many manufacturers make convertible car seats. These multi-functional child restraint seats, sometimes called all-in-one, can be used facing front or rear and converted into booster seats.
The critical safety feature of the best car seats for toddlers is the five-point harness that secures and protects children of all ages. While parents can rely on the safety of most toddler car seats, the number of choices makes it easy to find a custom fit. A rotating car seat makes getting your child in and out of the car easier. In a side-impact accident, car seats with side-impact protection protect your child’s head and neck. Parents know they can’t have too much convenience and safety. Still, it’s essential to not overlook features like one-handed harness buckles, cup holders, and extra storage.
Safe Kid-Friendly Cars
Even the most advanced car seat is only as safe as the car transporting it. Most modern cars and trucks feature advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) and other safety systems. As long as the car provides maximum safety, there are critical criteria for choosing a kid-friendly vehicle:
- Compatibility with your car seats
- Easy access to your child
- Sufficient cargo space
- Rear climate controls
- Child-proof door locks
When shopping for a vehicle, take your car seat or seats along to ensure the proper fit. Check how easy it is to install and secure the car seat, and take note of how much room is left. It may sound silly, but hop in the driver’s seat and run through a few scenarios where your child may need you. Can you see the car seat in the rearview mirror? How easy is it to reach back to the seat while still looking forward?
Take your time finding the best fit for you and your child, but if you need a headstart, these kid-friendly cars are all safe choices:
- Hyundai Elantra
- Honda Civic
- Toyota Camry
- Silverado
- Honda Pilot
Not all parents need or want a truck or SUV. Many car models offer the safety and convenience parents demand, but there are a few things that can make life more manageable. Look for door openings wide enough to get a child in and out easily and rear seats high enough to prevent stooping and bending. It’s also a good idea to choose a car with plenty of trunk space for strollers, toys, and other family gear.
Best Family Cars to Buy
When kids outgrow their car seats, parents can upgrade for a better fit. But when the family grows, it may be time to upgrade the transportation. Parents learn quickly that sporty looks and impressive fuel economy aren’t key ingredients in the best family cars. The focus turns to safety, convenience, and reliability, and there’s no shortage of family vehicles that meet that criteria.
Here are a few choices that offer plenty of legroom, cargo space, and safety for growing families:
- Ford Explorer
- Chevy Equinox
- Toyota Sienna
- Jeep Cherokee
- Toyota Highlander
Whether you’re shopping for the safest vehicle for car seats and the whole family, look for these parent-friendly safety features. Blind spot detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, rear-view camera, and any feature that’s hands-free! These features will help parents keep their eyes on the road and their children safe.
