The Ultimate
Car Seat Guide
Rear-facing infant car seats are best suited for newborns & infants during car travel.
Features
- Adjustable canopy for sun & weather protection
- Five-point harness for security
- Removable inserts for comfort & cushioning
Convertible car seats are adaptable seats that can be used in both rear-facing & forward-facing modes.
Features
- 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 design
- Range of seating configurations
- Higher weight limit
Booster car seats elevate
your child’s height for the vehicle’s safety belt.
Features
- Height adjustment
- No harness
- Backless options for older children
When baby’s on board, you want to make sure they’re safe, strapped in, and good to go. That journey begins with finding the perfect car seat. This should be top on your list of baby gear and essentials since state laws require you to have some sort of child passenger restraint system from birth through childhood. No worries, though—we’re here to help you find a car seat that will keep them snug and secure.
There are a few main types of seats you should know about as a new or expectant parent. First is the rear-facing infant car seat, which is the car seat all babies start out in. If you want to be a little more future-forward, there’s always the option of a convertible car seat. This starts out as a rear-facing car seat, and can be switched to a forward-facing seat when your little bundle has grown past the applicable limit. There are also convertible stroller travel systems that have a built-in car seat. This is great option for parents who want to easily transfer their child from one place to the next.
And finally, we have the booster car seat, which lifts a child high enough so the car’s seatbelt can reach them and work appropriately. All have general weight and height requirements to ensure the perfect and proper fit. For any of these models, it’s important to make sure the seat is installed correctly within the car and check periodically to see if it’s still fitting.
Once you’ve identified your child’s needs for happy transportation, it’s time to get shopping! If you’re new to parenthood, feel free to get acquainted with a few of our favorite, reliable baby brands. Safety 1st, Graco, and Britax are trustworthy picks among parents, and all offer a variety of options for baby car seats, strollers, and more.
Finally, make sure to always check the expiration date on your car seats. Why do car seats have expiration dates? Well, after time, exposure to hot and cold weather, and repeated use, the materials of the seat wear down. After a while, the seat doesn’t provide the same level of security anymore. So when you’re nearing the expiration date or seeing signs of wear that imply improper fit, it is time to replace your child’s car seat.