Is it Safe to Use Rotating Car Seats?

Car safety can never be taken lightly, and it becomes even more critical when babies and toddlers are involved. There’s zero room for shortcuts! No parent wants to compromise their baby’s safety. Many parents constantly look for products that improve safety at home and outside.

One such product that receives significant attention among families in New Zealand is the car seat. While you can always buy a sturdy, regular car seat, should you buy a rotating one? Is it safe? Or is it just marketed cleverly to increase sales? Let’s discuss if 360 rotating car seats are safe for your baby.

Say Hello to 360 Rotating Car Seats

A 360 rotating car seat is built to swivel or rotate at the base. While the car seat turns at the base, it is securely attached to the car. This means your child is safe because of two things. First, the car seat is firmly attached using a harness like your car’s seatbelt. Moreover, the swivel mechanism locks! Hence, there is no unwanted movement.

The child is further protected because they are buckled up well in the seat. The two shoulder and hip harnesses and the straps between the legs all click in one common buckle, keeping the child secure in the seat.

When the rotation is partial, the car seat only rotates 180°. However, a 360° rotation means a fully rotating car seat that allows you to turn the seat around. You can make it front-facing, rear-facing, and side-facing.

Are 360 Rotating Car Seats, a Spinning Convenience, Safe?

Parents are forever juggling multiple tasks while caring for their children, so the convenience of a rotating car seat is heartily welcomed. But are these car seats safe? We can tell you they are, but we would like to discuss this to put all parents’ minds at ease. 

Reputable companies in New Zealand manufacture these car seats according to all applicable safety standards. Certifications like the R129 (i-Size) ensure safety, as the seats are tested rigorously in various conditions. ISOFIX attachments or installations further improve safety. 

A rotating car seat is a feature added for convenience without compromising safety. Only a poorly fitted seat, whether fixed or rotating, brings risk. Hence, parents should prioritise securing the car seat firmly inside the car. 

A few other aspects of safety that parents must remember at all times are: 

• Following the guidelines given in the car seat instruction manual

• Not exceeding the weight in the seat

• Regularly checking the seat’s components to ensure proper functioning

• Always driving within the speed limit

Benefits Beyond Safety

A rotating car seat helps you rotate the seat when you are seating your baby or toddler in it and while picking them up. So, even if you have a toddler who wriggles (a little too much, maybe), you can place them and lift them easily from the seat. 

Many car seat models can easily switch between rear-facing and front-facing positions. A 360 rotating car seat that can face any direction you like while allowing you to seat and pick up your child easily adds comfort to your otherwise hectic routine. 

Imagine buckling a toddler into a rear-facing seat on a rainy day in a parking lot that’s too cramped to move around. With a traditional car seat, this will likely be a frustrating experience. But with a rotating seat, it’s a piece of cake. What’s more? You can rest assured that you will not inadvertently hurt them while struggling to seat them.

A rotating car seat can mean more patience as you take your baby out while running errands or meeting people. 

The Brilliance of a Rear-facing Rotating Car Seat

Looking for the safest choice? It’s the rear-facing seat—the longer you can travel with your child in a rear-facing car seat, the better it is. Rear-facing seats better protect a child’s head, neck, and spine in different situations. This is a far safer option than any other car seat model. Many rotating seats promote rear-facing seat use because they are built to handle extended use. 

These car seats can withstand stress. For instance, their swivel mechanism is tested to withstand accidents. The rotation lock is typically disengaged only when the vehicle is standing still. 

While the rotating seat is an excellent choice, please confirm if it will fit inside your car. Not all rotating car seats are compatible with all models. Before buying a car seat from a trusted supplier, check whether it fits inside your car.

Final Thoughts

We know your peace of mind is directly connected to your child’s safety. A 360-rotating car seat offers convenience with safety, not instead of it. Since a car seat concerns your child’s well-being, we understand how challenging the purchase decision might be. The key is to choose a good model that meets your needs and fits properly inside your car. Do not hesitate to ask for a demo when you go car seat shopping.