Infant Car Seat Information

Infant Car Seat Links

If a baby reaches his or her infant seat's weight limit (generally 22 pounds; 30 or 32 pounds with some high-capacity models) or exceeds the seat's height limit (usually between 29 and 32 inches) before their first birthday (or second birthday, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics), experts say you need a convertible car seat (or a larger-capacity rear-facing seat). Convertible seats can accommodate heavier infants in the rear-facing position until they are 1 year old, then convert to a front-facing toddler seat later. See our separate reports on convertible car seats and booster seats for more information.

Car seat/stroller combos, also known as travel systems, are convenient for active families. With these, you can take the child out of the car and snap the carrier into the stroller without waking them up. Travel systems are also addressed in a separate report, car seat strollers.

Children with certain medical conditions may require a special car restraint system. For premature infants who need to travel while lying flat, your doctor may recommend a car bed such as the AngelGuard (*Est. $100).

Car seat research

ConsumerReports.org is easily the best review source for crash tests, but you must be a subscriber to read their articles. Editors do sometimes make general safety information available free of charge on their website.

Experts say that four out of five car seats are improperly installed, so it's a great idea to have your seat checked by professionals. Many fire and police stations offer free inspections; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website has a list of participating stations.

SeatCheck.org is a website run by a coalition of automotive and child-related companies that promotes seatbelt safety.

CarSeat.org offers information on types of car seats, fit, features, recalls and frequently asked questions.

ConsumerReports.org's blog offers information on side-impact protection and car seats (and manufacturer claims).

ABC News discusses safety and oxygen levels of infants sleeping in car seats.

Sacred Journeys, a blog certified child-passenger safety technician Tiffany Brown, offers information and videos about the proper use of car seats.

American Academy of Pediatrics research indicates that toddlers are safest when riding in the rear-facing position in a car seat until they reach the age of 2.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also offers a useful article called "Car Safety Seats: Information for Families for 2010."

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia website has car seat safety data, research and information.

The About.com article "Infant Car Seat Crash Tests -- What Do They Mean for Your Baby?" explains the developments in car seat crash safety tests.

Car seat recalls

One problem that seems to affect every car seat manufacturer at some point is recalls. It's important to send in your car seat registration so that the manufacturer can contact you if your infant seat is ever affected by a recall. Before you buy a car seat, experts also recommend checking with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall database. Almost all manufacturers that have a safety recall will send customers replacement parts to fix the problem, or send brand-new seats when needed.

Car seat manufacturers

Manufacturers' websites offer detailed specs, recall information and accessory lists for available models:

Angel Guard

Baby Trend

Britax

Chicco

Combi

Compass (Learning Curve/The First Years)

Evenflo

Graco

Peg-Perego