It can be overwhelming when you head out to find your new baby the right car seat.  There is certain criteria to look for when shopping for that perfect car seat.  What really matters is to choose the car seat that bests fits your vehicle, your budget, and your baby.  Here are some ideas to follow when you are looking to purchase a new car seat. 

Safety is one of the biggest factors.  All car seats must pass the same federal crash tests.  Proper installation is the key to a car seat.  Some car seats have extra features such as clicking in when locked or not-twisting straps.  These features might also add peace of mind that you know you little one is locked in properly.  But remember even the cheapest car seat with no extra features have been through the same  basic crash tests. 

Another important factor is making sure the car seat fits the baby.  Use your baby’s weight, height, and age to choose the car seat.  There are convertible car seats that you use rear facing until your baby is at least one year old and weights at least twenty pounds.  When your baby meets both of these qualifications you can turn the car seat to face forward.  Your baby’s head should be at least one inch or more below the top of the car seat when rear facing and for front facing the baby’s ears should be below the seat top.

Try to steer clear from a used car seat if possible.  You must know a car seat’s crash history to determine the safety of it.  Car crashes can cause hidden damage to car seats and might not make it through a second crash putting your child in danger.  If you are going to get a used car seat, make sure you get it from someone you know well so you can trust the history of the car seat.

Always check on car seat recalls.   Most car seat recalls are pulled from the shelves, but you could of bought the car seat previously or you could be borrowing it.  You can also send in a registration card for your new car seat and you will be notified if your baby’s car seat is ever affected by a recall.

It is also important to be careful with car seat accessories.  If an item did not come with the car seat, it is not safe to use with the car seat.  The after market seat products are not crash tested with each of the car seats and could cause injury to your baby in the event of a crash.  The use of after market products can also void the car seat warranty.

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