How to Buy an Infant Car Seat

One of the most important baby items that new parents need to purchase is a car seat. In fact, this critical safety item needs to be purchased and installed in the car before you can even take your baby home from the hospital. But for new parents who are just beginning their child rearing journey, choosing a car seat for their new infant can be confusing. Here are some tips on selecting a good infant car seat.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look into buying infant specific car seat. An infant car seat is only for infants up to 20 pounds. You will have to purchase a new car seat once your baby weighs more than this. These are considered the safest type of car seats for newborns.

2. Look into buying convertible car seats. Convertible car seats can be used for infants all the way up to children who weigh about 60 pounds. As infants the car seat is installed rear facing and is turn to face forward after the infant grows to a weight of 20 pounds.

3. Look for a car seat that is easy to install. Most good car seats will provide installation instructions for various vehicle types on their websites. Make sure that you understand how to install the car seat before you buy it.

4. Look for a car seat that is secure. The more restraints the better. Most good car seats come with a five point harness system.

5. Get a car seat with padding so that your baby will be comfortable. Remember that the infant will be in this seat for long periods of time during trips, so you want it to be able to sleep comfortably.

6. Look for a car seat that is easy to wash.