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Finding the Right Car Seat

The struggle of ever changing Car Seat Safety and Age Restrictions can be frustrating for most parents.  Although L'il Angels Consignment Sale will never know what models, styles or age range of the car seats we receive from our consignors prior to the sale weekend, we strive to help our shopping families stay educated in advance of our sale opening.

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has fantastic resources to help guide you through these considerations: Car Seats & Booster Seats

 

This CAR SEAT DECISION GUIDE is extremely helpful for the Commonwealth of PA updated regulations.

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Here are some key points to consider before our sale to help make an informed choice at our event:

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  1. Understand the Types of Car Seats

    • Infant Car Seats: Designed for newborns and smaller babies. They are rear-facing and usually come with a handle for easy carrying.

    • Convertible Car Seats: These can be used as both rear-facing for infants and toddlers, and forward-facing for older children.

    • Booster Seats: For older children who have outgrown their forward-facing seats. They help position the seat belt correctly.

  2. Check the Car Seat’s Fit for Your Vehicle

    • Measure Your Car's Back Seat: Ensure the car seat fits comfortably without compromising the driver or passenger’s space.  Measure in advance of the sale to ensure the best decisions when you arrive.

  3. Look for Safety Features

    • 5-Point Harness: This type of harness is the safest and most secure for your child.

    • Side-Impact Protection: Extra padding or energy-absorbing foam for additional protection in case of a side collision.

    • LATCH System: Ensures easy and secure installation.

  4. Check for Recalls and Safety Ratings

    • Stay Updated on Recalls: Regularly check for recalls on car seats and ensure the model you choose has a good safety record. 

    • L'il Angels Consignment Sale requires our consigning families to complete a SAFETY SEAT CHECKLIST before their car seats can be deemed safe for resale.  We check every car seat that comes to our sale for Product Recalls prior to opening our sales floor to the public.  These checklists are yours to accompany your purchased car seat.

  5. Consider Your Child’s Growth

    • Weight and Height Limits: Choose a car seat that accommodates your child’s current size and allows room for growth.

    • Adjustable Features: Look for car seats with adjustable headrests and harness heights to accommodate your child as they grow.

  6. Ease of Cleaning

    • ​Removable and Washable Covers: Babies and toddlers can be messy, so a car seat with easily removable and machine-washable covers is a big plus.

    • Our consigning families are required to ensure their items are free of stains.  We reject any item that is not clean, functioning properly or missing any necessary pieces.

  7. Budget Wisely

    • Balance Cost and Safety: Higher price does not always mean higher safety. Look for seats that offer the best safety features within your budget.  Our sale event is a great place to purchase a safe and reliable car seat without breaking the bank!

    • Consider Longevity: Convertible car seats might be more expensive initially but can be more economical in the long run as they adapt to your child’s growth.  We do not accept car seats that are expired OR have less than one year of use left prior to expiration.  Expiration dates are stated on the Safety Seat Checklist that will accompany each Car Seat at our event.

  8. Ease of Use

    • Simple Installation: A car seat that’s difficult to install correctly can be dangerous. Look for seats with clear instructions and features that make installation straightforward.

    • Harness Adjustment: Ensure the harness is easy to adjust and doesn’t require rethreading as your child grows.

  9. Future-Proof Your Choice

    • Think About Future Needs: If you plan to have more children, consider the durability and potential for re-use of the car seat.  Many of the Car Seats found at L'il Angels Consignment will have plenty of time for use prior to expiration.  

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