| Shopping for a car seat can be intimidating for a new | | | | seat is the best or the safest. There are a number of |
| parent. There are many different styles of baby car | | | | factors to consider when choosing the car seat that is |
| seats to choose from. Two types of rear-facing baby | | | | right for your baby. Following are some guidelines to |
| car seats on the market today are the Convertible | | | | help get you started: |
| Seats and the Infant Seats. | | | | 1) Start shopping early! A car seat is a must-have for |
| Convertible seats offer the most versatility. They can | | | | all new parents. You can't leave the hospital without |
| be used rear-facing and tilted backward for infants | | | | one. |
| under one year old and less than 20 pounds, or | | | | 2) Look for one that has high maximum height and |
| forward-facing for children at least one year old and | | | | weight limits. The new Infant SafeSeat by Graco is |
| over 20 pounds. These types of seats often have | | | | one of the only car seats on the market that will |
| higher rear-facing weight limits making them ideal for | | | | accommodate a child rear-facing up to 30 pounds and |
| bigger babies. The convertible car seat needs to be | | | | 32 inches. |
| adjusted prior to using it in a forward-facing position. | | | | 3) A mom-friendly buckle that is easy to fasten is a |
| The shoulder straps should be moved so they are just | | | | must! Some are so difficult to secure that it can be |
| above your childs shoulders. Also, the seat should now | | | | frustrating with a wiggling baby. |
| sit in the upright, rather than reclined, position. Always | | | | 4) Locate a baby car seat that has a pull strap in the |
| refer to the manufacturers instructions to be sure all | | | | front of the seat that is easy to reach and pull with |
| adjustments have been made correctly. | | | | one hand. This will allow you to tighten and loosen the |
| Infant seats are best for small babies from birth up to | | | | straps in a hurry. |
| 20 or 30 pounds, depending on the model. They are | | | | When installing baby car seats in a vehicle be sure that |
| positioned rear-facing only. Most are small and | | | | the level indicator is balanced. To be sure your car |
| equipped with a handle. Many come as part of a | | | | seat is properly installed, attend a free inspection site |
| stroller travel system. The detachable base remains | | | | near your home. |
| secured in the vehicle and the carrier is removed. This | | | | The best car seat for your baby doesnt have to be |
| way a sleeping baby does not have to be disturbed to | | | | the most expensive. Instead, it is the one that is the |
| get in and out of the car. An added bonus is that you | | | | right size for your childs height and weight, is fairly |
| can install a base in more than one vehicle for easy | | | | easy to install correctly, and is used properly during |
| transporting. | | | | each and every road trip. |
| Which car seat is right for your baby? No one car | | | | |