Experts say to consider these important points when buying car seats:

  • 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. In addition, car seats are stamped with an "expiration date," usually about six years. Over time, plastic can dry out and degrade, increasing the possibility of cracks. 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 NHTSA has recently revised its guidelines with respect to minor accidents, 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.
  • If your child needs a booster before he/she weighs 40 pounds, choose a model with a five-point harness. Experts point out that harnesses that adjust in the front are easier to use than those that adjust in the back. The Cosco Summit in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers has a five-point harness. Experts say it's safer to leave your child in a five-point harness as long as possible.
  • 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. A website, CarSeatData.org, offers a "Car Seat Compatibility Database" to match up makes and models of cars with appropriate car seats.

According to NHTSA, most injuries sustained in accidents involving car seats stem from improper use and installation. Consumer Reports especially emphasizes that parents follow weight guidelines, even if it means buying three different car seats as your child grows. If your infant is under a year old, but has exceeded the maximum rear-facing infant seat weight (usually about 20 pounds), a convertible car seat should be used. Convertible seats allow a heavier baby to ride rear-facing until after a 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.

Toddler car seats have been subject to fewer recalls than other kinds of seats, but it's a good idea to check for current recalls before you buy. Two organizations, the Consumer Products Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, have comprehensive recall information.

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