EmailInfant car seats are used by newborns until they weigh about 30 pounds or reach about 32 inches in height. These car seats are placed in cars in the rear-facing position. They come in two parts: the car seat itself and the base unit, which stays in the car. The car seat can snap out of the base and double as a carrier, so you don't have to wake your sleeping child.
Experts generally recommend that your child ride in the rear-facing position until they are at least 1 year old, regardless of height and weight. Recently, however, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its recommendation to 2 years of age, saying that kids are five times safer when riding rear-facing.
Experts say the following about choosing a car seat:
- Don't buy a used seat. You won't know if it's been in an accident, and because the product isn't registered in your name, you won't receive recall notices. Also, car seats are printed with an "expiration date" from the manufacturer. That's because over time (experts say about six years), plastic can dry out and degrade, making seats more prone to cracks.
- Consider a new car seat if you've been in a crash. Experts say you should not use a car seat after you've been in a moderate to serious crash -- that's because car seats are made to withstand only one serious accident. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recently revised its guidelines with respect to minor fender benders, and experts now say that if your vehicle was able to drive away, if the airbags did not deploy and if the door nearest the child's car seat was not damaged, it's generally safe to keep using your existing car seat.
- Although experts say that three-point harness systems are safe, look for an infant car seat with a five-point harness, which has straps for the shoulders and waist and between the legs. Reviewers say both are safe; while the three-point harness is easier to use, a five-point belt is more "wiggle-proof."
- Parents like models with a stay-in-the-car base. That way, you won't have to wake the baby every time you get into and out of the car. You can also purchase extra base units for additional vehicles; most cost between $30 and $60.
- Consider the car seat's weight. The average infant seat ranges from nearly 6 pounds to 11 pounds in weight. While this may not sound very heavy, it makes a big difference when a 22-pound baby is nestled inside. One way to find the right seat is to go to the store and test them out. Lift the display seat and note if it is too awkward, too heavy or simply not what you had in mind.
- When purchasing a car seat for infants, avoid seats that come with a shield in front of the harness. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says this can block an infant's face and make proper harnessing difficult.
- Whichever seat you end up purchasing, check the return policy and keep the receipt until you're sure the seat is compatible with your vehicle. Not all seats fit perfectly in all cars. The website CarSeatData.org offers a car seat compatibility database to match up different car models with appropriate car seats.
Car seat safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most injuries sustained in accidents involving car seats stem from improper use and installation. ConsumerReports.org especially emphasizes that parents follow weight guidelines, even if it means buying three different car seats as your child grows; if your infant is less than 1 year old but has exceeded the maximum rear-facing infant seat weight (usually either 22 or 30 pounds), a convertible car seat should be used. Convertible seats allow a heavier baby to ride rear-facing until after 1 year old, when the seat can then convert to a front-facing model. See our separate report on convertible car seats for more information. Although few parents like the idea of cycling through three different car seats during a child's early years, experts say that keeping your baby in a properly sized seat is essential for safety.
Child safety experts say that newborns should remain in rear-facing car seats for at least a year and until they weigh at least 20 pounds -- enough time for the child's neck and spine to develop sufficiently for a front-facing seat. Infant car seats are secured in the rear seat by an adult safety belt or by the LATCH system; most double as infant carriers and have slots in the base that are designed to attach to shopping cart frames. Infant car seats have a base attachment that stays in the car, making it easier to snap the seat into place.