Why SeatSmarts Exists

There’s a moment many parents imagine: that iconic photo of walking out of the hospital with a tiny baby settled safely in their car seat.

My moment didn’t look like that.

The Beginning

I remember seeing the seat at home for the first time and thinking how impossibly small it was. I even took a photo of my hand inside it! I couldn’t fathom that soon I’d be placing a whole person in that space.
And when that day finally came… I knew instantly something wasn't right. My son looked… wrong. Chin to chest, uncomfortable, and my whole body went into alert. I didn’t have the words for it then but everything in me said; this isn’t safe.

Once we were home, I avoided car journeys completely.
It was the middle of Covid, so staying in wasn’t difficult… but the reason I stayed in was. Every trip felt stressful, rushed, and full of second-guessing.

Trying to Get It Right

I wanted to make the right choice.
Funds were tight and every purchase mattered.
So I researched.
And researched.
And researched.

When my son was just shy of four months old, I bought our next seat and I was thrilled that it finally felt snug and supportive. But then I realised it wouldn’t last him until it was safe for him to forward-face. Disappointment. Back to research.

The next seat?
Extended rear-facing, all the features, all the “right” recommendations…! But the shell height was too short, he’d outgrow it before reaching the height the seat said it could cater to.
More disappointment. More confusion. More conflicting advice.

Why I Created SeatSmarts

Eventually, we found what worked… but it took far too long, and far too much anxiety, to get there.

What I needed back then didn’t exist:

  • a calm, serene space

  • clear and simple guidance

  • no noise, no judgement, no panic

  • no shame for not knowing

  • just… clarity

So I created it.


About Me

Hi, I’m Nova, founder of SeatSmarts.

I’m here as a parent who spent far too long swimming through noise, opinions, and well-meaning advice that didn’t always help.

I know what it’s like to feel confused, anxious, or unsure.
And I know how much more relaxed everything becomes when someone gives you information that actually makes sense.

My goal is simple:
to give you the clarity I desperately needed when I was in your shoes.

A Space Built With Care

SeatSmarts is designed to feel warm, welcoming, and shame-free. A place to learn without pressure.

Because having a child is beautiful, but it’s also full of opinions, assumptions, and moments where you feel like you’re supposed to “just know.”

You don’t have to know everything.

You just need clear guidance you can trust.

Welcome!

You’re in the right place.


What You’ll Find Here

SeatSmarts is a place for parents who want guidance without guilt, pressure, or overwhelm.

You’ll find:

🤎 Clear, concise explanations
🤎 Step-by-step guidance
🤎 Evidence-based information
🤎 Support without judgement
🤎 Space to learn at your own pace

Because choosing a car seat shouldn’t feel like a test you can fail, and you shouldn’t need to become a crash-test expert to keep your child safe.