Essential Tips for Parents Buying Car Seats for Children

Effective January 1, 2026, new regulations mandate that all vehicles transporting children must be equipped with specialized safety devices to enhance protection for young passengers on the road.

Recent observations by reporters from Người Lao Động newspaper reveal that many families with young children are actively researching and purchasing car seats for their kids.

On various e-commerce platforms, products from the United States, Germany, Italy, Japan, and more are being offered at diverse price points, accompanied by numerous promotional programs, with discounts reaching up to 50%.

Specifically, the Beige car seat is discounted by 47%, priced at approximately 600,000 VND per unit; Cicini Bebelock Isofix is reduced by 46%, costing 1.8 million VND per unit; Chilux Roy 360 is down by 44%, priced at 2.8 million VND per unit; and Animo Onefit Isofix is discounted by 25%, also at 2.8 million VND per unit. However, most products are available for pre-order, with delivery times ranging from 10 to 12 days.

Given the significant price reductions on online platforms, many consumers are questioning why such a high-demand item is being offered at such low prices.

At AVAKid store in Ho Chi Minh City, staff members report that car seats range from a few hundred thousand to over ten million VND, with the most popular segment falling between 2 to 3 million VND per unit.

According to the staff, price discrepancies between online and offline channels can vary depending on the brand, quality, and promotional periods. Therefore, buyers should carefully compare prices to protect their interests.

For instance, the Chicco Unico Evo Classic 360-degree rotating car seat with Isofix is currently discounted in-store to just over 9 million VND, while orders placed through the AVAKid website cost slightly over 8.5 million VND (including free shipping). However, on some platforms, the price is listed at around 9.2 million VND, which is 700,000 VND higher than the official online channel.

“Online platforms offer a wide range of prices. Buyers should compare prices, check delivery times, product details, and usage instructions to select a product suitable for their child’s age and height.

For example, children measuring 40-87 cm and 76-105 cm require different seat installation methods, while those between 100-150 cm have specific safety belt requirements,” advises the AVAKid staff.

From a professional standpoint, Thành Dương, a representative of a car accessory store in Ho Chi Minh City, suggests that parents should first determine their child’s weight and height group. They should then check if their vehicle is equipped with Isofix (a system that securely anchors the car seat directly to the car’s frame) to choose a suitable seat that ensures stability during operation.

Additionally, prioritizing branded products with certifications is recommended. Some high-end models incorporate advanced safety features such as enhanced head protection, side-impact defense, and expandable seat frames, which significantly reduce the risk of injury in accidents.

Given that car seats often require frequent installation and removal over extended periods, parents should opt for models that are easy to install and operate, such as those with Isofix systems. Ensuring comfort and adjustable flexibility to accommodate the child’s growth is also crucial.

For newborns, car seats that double as portable cribs are ideal. As children grow, multi-stage seats become a more suitable option.

“Most importantly, the product should be practically tested by specialized agencies rather than relying solely on advertised standards on the packaging,” emphasizes Dương.