KISS cannot endorse specific manufacturers or models but we can recommend features to look for, such as:

Multiple sets of harness slots

The more harness height adjustment slots available, the better you are able to adjust the harness to fit your child.

Multiple sets of crotch strap slots

The more crotch strap slots available, the better you are able to adjust the harness to fit your child.

Harness Style

There are two types of harness styles currently available on the market: a 5-Point harness (click herefor a photo) and Tray shield (click here for a photo). While both styles provide protection, we typically recommend a 5-Point Harness system because it allows the harness to contact your child along the entire torso and across the hips.

Ease of harness adjusters

Front harness adjusters allow easy access, to tighten and loosen and adjust the height of the harness straps. When the harness is easier to use, parents are more likely to achieve the correct harness snugness. [Click here for photos showing the difference between a back-adjusted harness and front-adjusted harness] Ease of use becomes important during fall/winter/spring months, when parents constantly need to adjust the harness snugness for weather conditions.

EPS Foam

EPS foam is the same material added to bicycle helmets to better distribute crash forces. Many car seat manufacturers are adding EPS foam to their seats to further improve the safety of the car seat.

Side-Impact Protection

Currently the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) does not require or test car seats for side-impact protection. However, some car seat manufacturers have designed head-wings, special inserts or reinforced shells which they claim will improve a child's protection during a side-impact collision.

Compatibility

Since compatibility between safety seats and vehicles varies, it is a good idea to try and install the safety seat in your car before making a purchase. Ask the store from which you plan to purchase your car seat if you can test the compatibility of the seat prior to purchasing it. Remember to follow both the child safety seat and vehicle manufacturer's instructions. For a limited database of compatibility between vehicle models and some car seat models, go to www.carseatdata.org

LATCH Connector Design

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) connectors on harnessed car seats come in two types of styles: hook-on connectors and push-on connectors. Many parents prefer to use the push-on style connectors if the vehicle's Lower Anchor bars are deeply recessed or if the car seat will be removed from the car on a regular basis. [insert photos of different connectors]

Welcome to Kids In Safety Seats (KISS)!

We are available to assist you Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. All services are FREE!​

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We are available to assist you Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. All services are FREE!