Choosing The Best Car Seat For Your Baby

Everyone wants the best car seat for their baby. A baby's car seat is probably the most important purchase you will make for her. Heaven forbid you get into an accident, you want to be sure that she will be well protected.

There are 3 types of car seats you should be familiar with.

Infant car seats are great for newborns because they fit so snugly. They are designed to fit infants up to about 20 pounds and 26 inches long (maximums vary from one model to another). Most babies outgrow it after around six months, though you may get more or less use out of it depending on how fast you baby grows.

A big plus with infant car seats is that they come in two pieces. The base stays mounted in the car, while the seat comes out. An attached handle makes it easy to take the baby in and out of the car without having to remove her from the car seat. There's no need to disturb your sleeping newborn.

Moving up to convertible car seats

Once your baby outgrows her infant car seat, she's ready to move on to the convertible car seats. Convertible car seats get their name because they convert from rear-facing to forward-facing.
Until your baby reaches the age of one, her car seat must remain in the safer, rear-facing position. After her first birthday, you can switch it to the forward-facing position. This is nice because you are able to see each other.

Most convertible car seats are good for babies up to about 40 pounds, though there are a few models that go higher. Look for a model with adjustable straps so you can raise them as the child grows.

Booster Seats

For children who are too big for convertible car seats, the next step is the booster seat. Booster seats use a cars over-the-shoulder seat belts rather than built-in straps. A child should remain in the booster seat until they are big enough to safely use the car's seat belts.

A few more car seat tips

Never, ever, sit a child on your lap or allow him to ride without an appropriate car seat. It's against the law and you are risking his life.

There's no such thing as 'the best car seat' because every child is different. You need to find the car seat that fits your child and car properly.

Newer cars support the LATCH system, which is easier to install and does not require the use of the car's seat belts.

Car seat installation instructions are notoriously confusing, and the installation can vary from one car to the next. Have your car seat installed by a trained professional. Contact your local police department. Most have one or two officers trained specifically to install car seats properly. No matter what type of car seat you buy, it won't do a bit of good if it's installed incorrectly.