If you have children or are likely to be transporting children on a regular basis – members of your family if you are a grandparent for example, or as part of your work if you are a childminder – then you need to plan ahead when choosing a car and ensure that you will have enough options for car seats.
Many car seats are almost universal, fitting in the vast majority of cars. However, cars with awkward shaped seats such as sporty models, surprisingly short seat belts or cramped space in the back may not allow standard car seats to be fitted. There may be alternatives designed especially for these cars but the exclusivity of them means they are likely to be much more expensive and may in turn not fit into other cars if you need to share the seat or if you change your own car again in the future.
It is important to consider the way you will use the car too. If you are not very tall then there will likely be a substantial amount of space behind the driver’s seat – ideal for rear-facing children’s car seats which are necessary for babies and young toddlers. However, if you are particularly tall then the space may be more limited – so check before making a decision. Forward-facing seats will probably require less space, but leg room for the child might be restricted.
Choosing sensibly at this stage can save a lot of hassle in the long-run so it is worth spending a little time considering your options before coming to a decision.