Installing a car seat
If you own a car one of the first things a dad is expected to do is install a car seat, and do so safely. The easiest and most secure way is using the ISOFIX (International Standards Organisation Fix), a pair of anchor points attached typically to the rear seat, where the bottom of the seat meets the cushion. The standard was introduced in 1997 so they’re fairly standard in most modern cars. Click here for more information on how to install.
Tip: Don’t wait until baby arrives before installing the seat – if you’re setting it up for the first time when you’re about to pick up mum and your new born from hospital, there’s a good chance you’ll be too nervous/excited to do it with full concentration.
Buying a car seat
If there’s one thing you don’t scrimp on and buy second hand it’s the car seat. Click here to browse car seats.
As well as getting a car seat, I’d recommend getting a car seat mirror whilst your baby is in a rearward facing seat as not only do get to see how baby is doing in the back but they often take comfort in being able to see you too. We bought the Funbliss baby car mirror and it was easy to install, simple to adjust and did exactly was needed.
Car hire/rental
In my experience most car rental companies annoyingly don’t provide the car seat base which typically have the ISO fittings. Securing the car seat just using the seatbelt isn’t as safe, but the least you can do is make sure the seatbelt method is done properly. And don’t count on the car rental company staff to help you or provide instructions, they never do. Click here for a guide on how to fit a rearward-facing car seat with a seatbelt.
Flying with a car seat
Most airlines allow you to check-in car seats for free, which means if you’re renting a car the other end then taking your own can work out cheaper and is likely to be more secure, given the low quality car seats that car rental companies provide. Airlines don’t typically require checked-in car seats to be bagged-up, but if you’ve invested in a good quality car seat and taking it on your travels then buying a relatively cheap car seat bag such as the Huckaboo Car Seat Travel Bag offers a bit more piece of mind and has straps to sling it over your shoulder (useful if you need your hands for lugging cases and/or a pram and/or baby).