How to Choose a Car Seat

For most parents picking the right car seat for their child can be a very stressful task. Parents have many choices, since there are so many models of car seats on the market today. When picking out the right type of car seat for your child, you will need a few car seat facts.

Rear-Facing Car Seats . Should be used for infants until the child reaches the age of one or twenty pounds. This is the minimum requirement before facing a child forward in a car seat. You should try to keep a child rear facing, as long as, possible. This will ensure maximum safety for the child. Read the car seat manual to see about weight restrictions and limits for rear facing car seats. Some convertible car seats can also be used rear-facing. If it can be, it will say in the owner.s manual and instructions.

Forward-Facing Car Seat . When your child reaches the height and weight that is appropriate for facing forward, you can turn your convertible car seat around or get a car seat appropriate for facing-forward. Never put a child in a forward-facing car seat in a spot that has air bags in front of the child. Refer to the owner.s manual or instruction book that came with the car seat.

Booster Seat . Booster seats are for children around school age or older, or for children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seat. Booster seat manufactures will have a weight and height guideline for you to follow for your child. The booster seat gives protection to children who are not big enough to ride with a seat belt alone.

Each car seat will have different set of height, weight, and positioning requirements to follow. Always read the manufacturers guidelines and instructions before installing your child.s car seat. You will want to make sure the car seat is appropriate for your child.s height weight and age to ensure your child.s safety at all times.

Safety and Law and requirements are constantly changing. Make sure you are up to date on all laws and safety requirements in your area. Children should always ride in a safe secure car seat. It is very important to read all instructions and guidelines for your child.s car seat to ensure safety for your child. If you have questions or difficulties about installing your child.s car seat, ask local law enforcements for help. Often times they will install and show you how to install your child.s car seat properly. Make sure to bring all information for them to install the seat correctly.