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Before You Buy a Car Seat

By Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE, About.com Guide

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Choosing the right car seat for your child can be one of the most important decisions you will make. Knowing what seat is designed for what weight/age combination can save your child's life. And equally important is using and installing the car seat properly. While the majority of parents use car seats, most do use them correctly. Be sure to choose the proper seat, install it correctly, follow the directions and use it every time you take your child in the car.

Infant Car Seats

These rear-facing car seats are for babies from birth to about 20 lbs with a few exceptions. These seats are outgrown when the weight limit is reached or when there is less then 1 inch of hard plastic shell above the head. There are also special car seats available for preterm babies.

Convertible Car Seats

These car seats are for children that have outgrown their infant seat until they reach 40 lbs or their shoulders are above the top slots. Children should ride rear-facing for as long as possible or a minimum of 1 year and 20 lbs. Once the seat is outgrown rear-facing it can be turned around and then used until outgrown. A seat with a 5 point harness offers the best protection in a crash, overhead shield seats are not recommended.

Top Convertible Car Seats

Previously Used Car Seats

Using a car seat from a previous child may be acceptable, however, you should have it safety tested first and never use a car seat that has been in any wreck or one that you don't know the history of the seat.

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