Car Seats Buying Guide

Car Seats 

There's no avoiding this purchase when you have a new baby in your life -- car seats are a vital safety device. In fact, you cannot take your baby home from the hospital if you do not own a car seat (unless you're planning to take the subway or train). Car seats are meant to protect your infant and older child from harm. These devices also come in handy for keeping your child restrained in the car so that you can keep your eyes on the road. There are many types of car seats; each design is suitable for a specific weight and height range. Most likely, you will first purchase an infant car seat  and then when your child is more than 20 pounds, and you'll graduate to a larger car seat for your toddler. 

Concerned that you won't find a safe car seat for your child? Don't worry, all new car seats  must meet the current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. As far as choosing the right car seat, it is all a matter of what fits in your vehicle, how easy it is to use and how long your child can use it. Here are the five types of car seats on the market today:

Types of Car Seats
Infant Car Seat Carriers  For infants up to 22 pounds or 26 inches long. Find one with a stay-in-car base that allows for quick installation and easy removal from the car - without waking your baby. Many of these seats fit into a snap-on or universal stroller.	Rear Facing Car Seats  Used for the smallest children, generally up to 1 year or up to 20 pounds. You'll eventually need to buy a convertible  or forward-facing seat.  Safest position for a newborn is facing the rear of car.	Forward-Facing Car Seats  Used for children 1 to 4 years and up to 40 pounds. Adjustable straps will accommodate a growing child.	Infant-Toddler Seats  Learn more in the guide on Convertible Car Seats. Used as both a forward facing and rear facing car seat.  Works until the child is about 30 pounds. May allow parents to only purchase one car seat until child reaches age 4.	Booster Car Seats  For children who have outgrown the convertible seat but are too small for a regular safety belt. Appropriate for children ages 4 to 8 years old that weigh between 40 and 80 pounds, and who are less than 4' 9" tall.

What To Look For

• Easy Installation -- A recent study showed that more than 80% of car seats are installed incorrectly. Avoid being a statistic and find a model that you can feel safe and confident about using. Check with your local fire department or motor vehicle administration (New York State's DMV has a great Web site) for installation help and safety guidelines.
• Convertible Seats -- If you buy an infant-only seat, you'll have to buy a rear- or forward-facing seat later. The convertible car seats are versatile and last the longest. However they don't offer you the ability to easily take an infant in and out of the seat. That's right, you may have to wake a sleeping baby.
• LATCH -- All car seats since 2002 are equipped with a tether system known as LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). This system aims to reduce the risk of improperly installed car seats to maximize safety. No seatbelts are needed for installation.
• Easy Release Latches and Buckles -- The buckle  should adjust easily from the front, not the back.
• Washability -- Find a car seat with a detachable, machine-washable cover.  It makes for ease in cleaning up those inevitable car messes.
• Comfort -- There should be proper padding around the seat and additional head and neck support for infants (you can also purchase a head stabilizer ). Padded straps are also a nice feature.

Features

Though all car seats meet the government safety requirements, there are a few added bonus features you may want to consider to maximize your child's safety.

• 5-Point Harness  -- Usually gives the best fit and reduces the risk of ejection. Secures your child at both shoulders, both hips, and between the legs.
• Wide, Twist-Free Straps -- Maximizes the area that restrains the child.
• Head Impact Protection -- Padded "wings" or extra layers of EPS foam  around your baby's head can improve crash safety, especially in side impact crashes.

Safety Tips

• Infants must ride semi-reclined, at a 45 degree angle.
• Avoid used car seats. Worn seats, seats more than six years old, and seats that have been in accidents will be less effective in case of a crash.
• Keep your baby rear-facing as long as comfortably possible. Safety mirrors  are available to keep an eye on your child while in this position.
• Always follow the manufacturers' instructions and read the vehicle owner's manual for installation tips.
• Make sure your baby has adequate "wiggle room." This will ensure your baby's comfort, especially on the colder days that your baby is bundled up.
• Check recall lists to see if your car seat is up to par.
• For more tips check out www.car-safety.org 

Flying Without a Car Seat

Most people are reluctant to fly with their toddlers due to the need to bring along a heavy and bulky child seat. CARES has developed a child restraint device certified by the FAA that provides an equivalent amount of safety as a car seat when flying that only takes a few moments to set up.  The device weighs just one pound making it a truly portable alternative to making your way through an airport with child and car seat in tow. CARES is for chlidren over 1 who are between 22 and 44 pounds. CARES is the only FAA certified alternative to a car seat for childeren flying on an airplane. For more information or to purchase Cares, go to Kidsflysafe.com. Keep in mind: CARES is not certified for use in cars and should not be used in automobiles as an alternative to a child seat. CARES does not fit on most first class seats or sleeper seats.

Big Names in Car Seats

• Graco 
• Britax 
• Evenflo 

Related Products
Car Seat Head Stabilizers	Sun Shades	Universal Strollers