Infant Car Seat

From LoveToKnow Baby

One of the most important purchases that you'll make when preparing for your baby is an infant car seat. You'll want to keep your baby as safe as possible, and properly installing and using a car seat is one of the first steps you'll take. In fact, many hospitals won't let new parents leave with their baby until their car seat has been inspected and is deemed safe. With so many car seat options, however, where do you begin?

Types of Car Seats

There are several different types of car seats available, and the one you purchase originally for your infant may not be the one you continue to use into her toddler years.

Infant Car Seat

Infant car seats are designed for infants who weigh less than 20 lbs. They are rear-facing car seats only. While your baby may outgrow her infant car seat at anywhere from eight to twelve months, she will need to remain in a rear-facing car seat until she reaches that one year mark.

Today, many parents prefer to invest in a travel system. Travel systems offer parent more options in mobility when it comes to hauling a baby around. They are actually stroller/car seat combos, with a base that remains in the car. The car seat can serve as a baby carrier, and it can also be placed into the stroller. Most infant car seats will also lock onto the front of a shopping cart. Never leave your baby unattended, and always strap her in!

Convertible Car Seats

Convertible car seats can be used for infants, and they can continue to be used for babies until they reach approximately 20 lbs. Because of this, many parents prefer to start their infants out in a convertible car seat simply because they eliminate the need for an infant car seat. While this is a plus, there are some negatives that you will want to consider.

Convertible car seats cannot be used as infant carriers. They are designed to be placed in a vehicle and stay there. They do not come with a base, and they are much larger than infant car seats. They do not come as a package deal with a stroller, either. You will need to place your convertible car seat in a rear-facing position until your baby reaches one year and weighs at least 20 lbs.

Some convertible car seats have shields, but these seats have become a controversial issue. There is some question as to the safety of these seats, so be careful when purcasing.

Booster Seats

Booster seats are designed for toddlers who have reached at least 33 lbs, depending upon the manufacturer's specifications. These seats can actually be used by children up to 80 lbs. State laws vary on determining how old your child can be before she can safely stop using a booster seat.

Infant Car Seat Brands

There are many infant car seat brands, and almost all of them use the LATCH system. Check out the following brands, and compare features and prices.

Britax

Cosco

Eddie Bauer

Evenflo

Graco

Peg Perego

Where To Buy

While you can usually find a good deal on a used car seat at consignment shops and yard sales, you should be careful. Car seats belts, tethers, and latches can wear out over a period of time. Check out the following stores for newborn car seat selections.