EmailExperts say the following about buying a car seat:
- It's best to avoid buying a used car 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, seats come with an "expiration date." That's because over time (manufacturers say about six years), the plastic can dry out and degrade, increasing the possibility of cracking. 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 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.
- The safest place for a car seat is in the center of the rear seat. Experts say this is the best spot to install your car seat. Installation can be trickier, however, so be sure to keep the car seat's packaging if you need to return it due to poor fit.
- A five-point harness (which has straps for the shoulders, waist and between the legs) provides the best support and puts the least amount of pressure on the baby. Harnesses that adjust the belt in the front are easier to use than those that adjust in the back.
- When purchasing a car seat for infants, don't buy seats that come with shields in front of the harness. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says this can block an infant's face and make proper harnessing difficult.
- Chest clips that snap the two belts together (like a car seat belt) seem to be more kid-proof than slide-in clips. Reviewers say some older toddlers can slip out of the latter type.
- Whichever seat you purchase, 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 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most injuries sustained in accidents involving car seats stem from improper use and installation. Many reviews and community sources emphasize 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 30 pounds), a convertible car seat should be used; 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.
Car seats are subject to occasional recalls, so it's always a good idea to consult the Consumer Products Safety Commission, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or SafetyBeltSafe USA for recall notices.