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Here's how to find the right car seat for
your child.
All states in the USA have laws that make it mandatory for
children to be safely restrained while riding in a car. But even if it weren't the law, you'd want your child to have the best chance of escaping injury in the event of a collision. That means choosing the right car seat for your child's age and weight and making sure it's installed properly.
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In Sweden, fewer than 2 children a year
die in rear-facing seats. Other countries with low fatality risks
are the Netherlands, UK, Norway and Germany. |
When shopping for a car seat, check to be sure it’s safe, right for your vehicles, easy to use, and right for your child.
Choose a seat that is:
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Safe -
The seat should have a label on it certifying that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
(FMVSS) 213. If you are buying or borrowing a used seat (generally not advised), be sure it is less than six years old and has never been in a crash. Also check for recalls on the seat, the condition of the seat, the manufacturer’s instructions and the age of the seat.
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Right for Your Vehicles -
The seat should fit properly in all the vehicles in which you plan to use it.
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Easy to Use -
The seat should not be difficult to install or operate. Read all instructions carefully, and if you still need help installing the seat or learning how to use it, your local police or fire department may be able to help.
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Right for Your Child - The seat should be appropriate for your child’s weight and age.
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Infant Car Seats
If your child weighs less than 20 lbs, he or she needs to be in a rear-facing infant car seat. You can buy a seat designed for
infants under 20 lbs, or you can buy a convertible car seat. The convertible car
seat faces the rear of the car until your child grows beyond 20 lbs, and then shifts to forward-facing. An infant seat will fit your child more snugly during the first few months but you'll need to buy another seat when your baby reaches 20 lbs. If you use a convertible seat for your newborn, buy a headrest to minimize how much your child moves in the seat.
Infant car seats must always be used in a rear-facing position, preferably in the back seat. |
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Infant/Toddler Convertible Car Seats
Infant/toddler car seats are designed to face the rear of the car when
the baby is small (less than 20 lbs), and then face the front of the car when your child is between 20 and 40 lbs. Some car seats
won't fit infants, but can hold babies 20 lbs. and over and then convert to booster seats when your child grows beyond 40 lbs. |
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Car Booster Seats
A booster seat is meant to be used for children too large to safely fit in a toddler safety seat.
Once your child is both over 40 lbs. and more than 4 years old, you aren't required to have a car seat. However, because a 5-year-old is really too small for an adult-sized seatbelt, riding without a booster seat will mean increased risk of chest and neck injuries. Even a minor fender bender at 20 mph can cause substantial harm if the seatbelt isn't placed correctly on your child's body. Booster seats are designed to ensure the seatbelt is positioned safely. Children can safely remain in a booster seat until they weigh between 60 and 70 pounds. |
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Links |
The National SAFEKIDS Campaign
has the latest news, product recalls, and invaluable tips on how to keep your kids safe.
Click here for
car safety.
Child Passenger Safety from the NHTSA
has pamphlets on child transportation, including tips and advice on how to use and install various car seats and child restraint systems.
Click
here for Child Transportation Safety Tips.
Safe Ride Helpline Online
has a personal car seat checkup online, shows which car seat is the best, and has a complete list of car seat recalls.
Family Shopping Guide to Car Seats has the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations.
Take a tour of Cartime 1-2-3-4,
a Canadian government site which discusses the Kid Zone and different kinds of car seats for different ages of children.
In French and English.
Car seats: Is your child safe? is a special Detroit News article which discuss problems, injuries, and recalls associated with car seats and child restraint systems.
ConsumerSearch reviews, analyzes and ranks Stroller-Car Seat Combinations.
Epinions: Car Seats has reviews written by consumers with information on types, brands, prices, tips and advice.
Convertible Car Seats from Best Baby Products has prices, descriptions, and rankings.
Click here for Infant Car Seats
Car Seats from BabyCenter is a buying guide with tips, advice, price information, and links to shopping.
Carseats from Interactive Parent features a database of reviews.
Choosing a Car Seat from ParentsPlace.com has tips, advice and what to look for.
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