Which Car Seat? Before You Buy

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Many times parents are puzzled about which car seat to buy for their baby. There is no one answer for this. You need a seat that fits your budget and vehicle, is appropriate for the size of your child, that you can install and use every time, and that meets safety guidelines.

Choosing a Safe Seat

Federal crash tests are a must for all seats sold in the United States. However many seats have features that not only make them easier to use but more comfortable for your child. However even the cheapest seats meet basic safety standards and will ensure the well-being of your child in an accident.

The Right Seat For Baby

Your child must be in a seat that meets the height, weight, and position guidelines for the age of your child. Most rear-facing only seats will hold babies up to 20 lbs. There are also convertible car seats that will be with your child from birth until they are ready for a booster seat. Children must be rear-facing until at least one year old and at least 20 lbs although current theory is that they are safest rear-facing until age two.

A baby's head should be an inch or more below the top of the seat if rear-facing. The child's ears should stay below the top if forward-facing.

Proper Installation

A car seat must be installed and used correctly to provide safety for your child. So the price of the seat is not relevant if you can't install it and use its safety features. Read the manual to see if the seat is easy to install and use. Check straps to make sure they are easy to use and can be adjusted easily without dis-assembly. You choice should be made by ensuring you can install and use properly.

The Right Fit

Make sure that the seat you buy will fit correctly in your vehicle seat. If it is too large for your vehicle it will not provide optimum safety for your child.

Recalled Car Seats

If buying or using a used one, check with the manufacturer to be sure there is no recall on the it. Register your new seat so that you will be notified of any recalls. Also, register your used seat, if you have bought or borrowed one, to be notified as well.

Accessories for Your Seat

Do not buy accessories for your seat unless the manufacturer has made them for your seat. Products from other sources have not been crash tested with your seat and may not be safe to use.

Ensure Your Child's Safety

Use a proper fitting car seat for your child for as long as possible to keep your child safe. Most seats on the market today will hold your child for the maximum time prescribed. Most have higher weight limits and offer 5-point harnesses for your forward-facing child's safety.

If you are wondering which car seat is best for your baby, visit http://whichcarseat.net/. If you need a car seat for a small car see this review.