How to Pick a Car Seat
The safety of your child is your # 1 priority. Take your time looking at the different car seats available, and make sure to choose one that is appropriate for your child's age and weight.
Here you will find tips on how to pick the best car seat for your child, some recommendations, and safety videos.
My Favorite Car Seats
These are some of the coolest car seats on the market right now. They are all made by brand names that have proven themselves time and time again, and they are stylish to boot.
- Britax Companion Infant Car Seat
- The Companion® is a rear-facing only infant carrier, with True Enhanced Side Impact Protection, that fits children from 4 to 22 pounds, up to 30 inches.
The height adjustable base features our upscale LATCH connectors, complete with LATCH storage right on the base. We also offer an angle recline adjuster to help you achieve the perfect angle for your vehicle. The anti-rebound bar on the base helps to reduce rebound movement in the event of a crash.
Our built in lock-offs are designed to offer you a better installation, without having to worry about losing any parts. - Mia Moda Viva Infant Car Seat
- The Viva Infant Car Seat - Flame by Mia Moda is not only safe but stylish too!
Viva car seat features:
* From birth to 22 lbs. (9.97 kg)
* 5-point harness view detail >
* Center pull adjustment system view detail >
* 3-position base adjustment view detail >
* Newborn head support
Size and Weight:
* Carrier Weight: 7.2 lbs.
* Base Weight: 6.2 lbs.
* Total Weight: 13.5 lbs.
* Size: 23" x 13" x 18" - Britax Boulevard Convertible
- The Boulevard convertible car seat is the crown jewel in the Britax line of 'True Side Impact Protection' restraints. The deep side wings with EPS foam are engineered and tested for optimum side impact protection and adjust effortlessly with the turn of a knob to grow with your child without removing the seat from your vehicle!
The Britax-famous features of built-in lock-offs, 5-point harness with front adjuster, tangle-free webbing, push button release LATCH system with patented Versa-Tether , and sculpted base ensures an easy installation with a secure fit.
Comfort abounds with a plush, washable cover, while additional comfort foam, patented HUGS system, shoulder belt comfort pads, integrated toddler pillow, and a removable infant body pillow provide a perfect, adjustable fit as your child grows from 5 to 65 pounds. - Britax Diplomat Convertible Car Seat
- The Britax® Diplomat%u2122 is a compact convertible child seat ideal for use with smaller vehicles. The Diplomat features True Side Impact Protection with deep side walls and head support to provide advanced protection in side impact collisions.
The quick-adjust headrest and harness height re-positions effortlessly without having to uninstall the seat. The tangle-free, polyester five-point harness and push-button LATCH connectors help to ensure a snug and secure installation.
Unique features include the patented Versa-Tether® for energy management, and rear- and forward-facing recline for child comfort and positioning. The Diplomat fits children rear facing from five to 35 pounds and children forward facing from at least one year old and 20 pounds, up to 40 pounds. - Britax Marathon
- The legendary Britax Marathon convertible car seat is renowned for safety, comfort and convenience and for the ability to keep your child in a harnessed child restraint up to 65 pounds.
Unique features including a sculpted base, push button release LATCH system with patented Versa-Tether , and built-in vehicle belt lock-offs, make a tight installation in your vehicle quick and simple. The tangle-free polyester 5-point harness helps to effortlessly secure your child every day.
The Marathon also offers a patented HUGS system, belly pad, and a plush & washable seat cover for that ultimate comfort experience for children rear-facing from 5 to 33 pounds or children forward-facing from 1 year old and 20 to 65 pounds. - Britax Parkway Booster Car Seat
- You love the Britax name, and now there is even more to love with the Britax Parkway in Bubble fun!
The Britax Parkway belt-positioning booster has been designed for increased safety incorporating deep torso and adjustable height head support. True Side Impact Protection, developed by Britax engineers, has been confirmed through rigorous side impact sled testing to better contain a child in dangerous side-impact crashes.
The seat shape correctly positions the lap belt over your childs pelvis while the shoulder belt guide keeps the vehicle belt comfortably away from his/her neck. Plush, washable fabrics, convenient drink and snack trays, reclining backrest, color coded vehicle belt guides, and the contoured, slip-resistant base of the
Parkway provide safety, comfort and convenience in true Britax fashion.Features for the Parkway include:True Side Impact Protection: Featuring wrap around side wings and head rest area with EPS foam, the Parkway offers additional Side Impact protection for your child in the event of a side impact crash.
Comfortably Fits Older Children: The Parkway fits children from 38 inches tall to 60 inches tall, weighing approximately 30 to 100 pounds. The one-hand adjustable headrest rises up to 30.5 inches, with multiple positions to grow with your child.
Finding the Best Car Seat
Buying a car seat can be a trying experience for any parent-to-be. There is so much jargon, it is difficult to figure out what is fact and what is fiction. If you are like most people, you spend a great deal of time in your car. Trips to the doctors, grocery store, church, play dates, day care, work, and family outings are all just a few of the reasons that you and baby will need to commute. So it is imperative that you choose the safest car seat for your new baby. We will go over some of the tips and tricks to picking out the best in the market, and help you decipher some of that technical jargon that is floating around these days!Does it Fit Your Baby?
Your baby will require different car seats at different stages in their development. Spend some time reading reviews and message boards to find out what works best for your child at their particular stage.
Is it Easy to Use?
The best car seats are ones that are easy to use. You will be using it almost every single day, so it important to practice it beforehand. Figure out how to buckle your child in as well as strapping the seat into your vehicle. The more you know, the more likely you are to use it properly each and every time - which improves the chances for baby being safe in the case of an accident.
Does it fit Your Car?
Different vehicles work better with different car seats, so spend some time researching your particular make and model. This should be no substitute for trying out the car seat in your own vehicle. Some parents will get a better fit than others, so try it before you buy whenever possible!
Get a Second Opinion!
Once you get your car seat installed, get it checked out by a professional before you transport your child in it.
Understanding the Different Car Seat Types
There are actually 4 different types of car seats out on the market today, and you will likely have questions concerning which one is best for you and your baby.The following information was provided by parentsplace.com (which is one of our favorite parenting sites on the net!) It includes which type of seat to use when, and tips to securing your baby in properly.
Infant Rear-Facing Car Seat
For babies under 20 pounds and less than one year of age.
Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear. Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present.
Child seat should recline at approximately a 45 degree angle.
Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level.
Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
Convertible Seat
Use as a rear-facing infant seat when your child is less than one year old and weighs 20 to 35 pounds. (Be sure to select one recommended for heavier infants.)
Use as a forward-facing seat when your baby is over the age of one and at least 20 pounds -- and up to 40 pounds and around 43 inches in height.
Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear. (Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present.)
Child seat should recline at approximately a 45 degree angle.
Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats).
Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
Forward-Facing Seat
Use when your baby is over the age of one and at least 20 pounds -- and up to 40 pounds and around 43 inches in height.
Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing forward.
Harness straps/slots at or above child's shoulders.
Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
High-Back Booster/Harness
Use when your child is one to four years of age and at least 20 pounds to approximately 40 lbs.
Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing forward.
Harness straps/slots at or above child's shoulders.
Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
What is LATCH?
LATCH is a new standardized child restraint system designed to simplify child safety seat installation and enhance child safety.The result of a new government regulation aimed at reducing the number of car seats that are installed improperly, the goal of the new LATCH system is simple:
To increase the effectiveness of car seats by requiring an easy-to-use anchorage system independent of the vehicle seat belts. The LATCH system calls for vehicles to be equipped with one upper (tether) and two lower anchorage points. The upper (tether) anchorage will be a ring-like object permanently attached to the vehicle on either the rear filler panel or on the cargo floor, depending on the vehicle.
The two lower anchorages will be a set of two small bars in the rear seat of the vehicle, generally located where the seat cushion meets the seat back. Outfitted with permanently affixed hooks or buckles that are compatible with the anchorages in the vehicle, LATCH-equipped car seats will now attach to the vehicle seat via these anchorages instead of being held by the vehicle's seat belts.
By September 1, 2002, the LATCH system will be required in two rear-seating positions in all new cars, minivans, and light trucks.
What do I do if I don't have a LATCH-equipped car?
There is no need to worry; all car seats are also able to be secured using a standard belt system. Regardless of which system you use to secure your seat, it is recommended that you get it checked out by a professional just to rule out any potential problems.
Love or hate a carseat?
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- Darren Blair Darren Blair Dec 17, 2009 @ 3:39 am
- Great post! Thanks for the information.
http://www.bestcarseats.net
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Reply
- trirrr trirrr Jun 10, 2009 @ 1:21 am
- Great concise post on the types of seats for those who don't know the difference. We do need to get more of the word out on the need for 5 point harness for older children. I do mention this on my Safest Car Seats blog, so check it out. Thanks
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Reply
- karinmindell karinmindell Apr 22, 2008 @ 3:30 pm
- Everything you wanted to know about car seats, but was afraid to ask. It's all here. Now I know what to look for.
Excellent info!
General Tips to Buying a Car Seat
Still have questions? Below you will find a list of safety tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Use the lowest harness slots for a newborn infant. Keep the straps in the slots at or below your baby's shoulders for the rear-facing position.
It's important for an infant to ride sitting semi-reclined, about halfway back or 45 degrees from horizontal.
Make sure harness straps fit properly over the shoulders and between the legs of your infant.
To fill empty spaces and give support, roll up a couple of small blankets and tuck them in on each side of your baby's shoulders and head.
Never use any car seat or booster car seat in a seat with an air bag.
Be sure that the car seat you purchase is appropriate for your child's height and weight.
Send in the manufacturer's registration card. If by any chance your car seat is recalled, you will be notified by the manufacturer.
The base of your car seat should rest firmly on the seat, and the vehicle's belt must be able to secure it tightly. If it moves an inch in any direction, it's too loose.
If your car has lap and shoulder belts with a free-sliding latch, you must use the locking clip included with most car seats. (Locking clips are also sold separately.) Follow manufacturer's instructions for installation. If you have any questions, contact the manufacturer. Also, many local police stations, fire stations, and hospitals can offer you assistance.
To make sure you have installed your car seat correctly, attend a car seat safety check and read the installation tips from the NHTSA. Many local fire departments, police stations, healthcare facilities, and even some local baby stores like Babies "R" Us will periodically hold these meetings and will examine your car seat installation at no charge.
Avoid used car seats. Normal wear and involvement in accidents may limit their effectiveness. Also, they may not conform to present safety standards.
General Shopping Guidelines
Be sure it's a car seat - Sounds like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised at how easy it is to confuse some of the newer, top-of-the-line carriers with car seats. Make sure the product description specifies "car seat."
Look for car seats featuring easy-release latches and buckles - When your hands are full, an easy release can save aggravation.
Make sure there's wiggle room - You want your baby to be comfortable year-round, so allow room in the seat for bundling up during cold weather. Make sure the product description indicates the seat accommodates larger youngsters than yours.
Use the lowest harness slots for a newborn infant. Keep the straps in the slots at or below your baby's shoulders for the rear-facing position.
It's important for an infant to ride sitting semi-reclined, about halfway back or 45 degrees from horizontal.
Make sure harness straps fit properly over the shoulders and between the legs of your infant.
To fill empty spaces and give support, roll up a couple of small blankets and tuck them in on each side of your baby's shoulders and head.
Never use any car seat or booster car seat in a seat with an air bag.
Be sure that the car seat you purchase is appropriate for your child's height and weight.
Send in the manufacturer's registration card. If by any chance your car seat is recalled, you will be notified by the manufacturer.
The base of your car seat should rest firmly on the seat, and the vehicle's belt must be able to secure it tightly. If it moves an inch in any direction, it's too loose.
If your car has lap and shoulder belts with a free-sliding latch, you must use the locking clip included with most car seats. (Locking clips are also sold separately.) Follow manufacturer's instructions for installation. If you have any questions, contact the manufacturer. Also, many local police stations, fire stations, and hospitals can offer you assistance.
To make sure you have installed your car seat correctly, attend a car seat safety check and read the installation tips from the NHTSA. Many local fire departments, police stations, healthcare facilities, and even some local baby stores like Babies "R" Us will periodically hold these meetings and will examine your car seat installation at no charge.
Avoid used car seats. Normal wear and involvement in accidents may limit their effectiveness. Also, they may not conform to present safety standards.
General Shopping Guidelines
Be sure it's a car seat - Sounds like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised at how easy it is to confuse some of the newer, top-of-the-line carriers with car seats. Make sure the product description specifies "car seat."
Look for car seats featuring easy-release latches and buckles - When your hands are full, an easy release can save aggravation.
Make sure there's wiggle room - You want your baby to be comfortable year-round, so allow room in the seat for bundling up during cold weather. Make sure the product description indicates the seat accommodates larger youngsters than yours.
by Super-Mommy
Super-Mommy (a.k.a) Kimberly Webb is the proud momma to Jackson Reed (who is the SPITTING image of the Gerber Baby.) When she isn't changing dia... (more)
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