Car Seats, Baby Carriers, Harness and Booster Seats
A car seat is about safety. There are several things to think to increase the safety of travelling with a baby.
Car Seat Installation - where the seat goes, how it's installed. Police departments can help make sure your car seat is properly installed. The American Academy of Pediatricians recommends keeping your child rear-facing as long as comfortably possible - at least till 20 lbs. and one year of age.
- The middle seat in the back of a vehicle is the safest position for a child.
- Infants and children under 12 should never ride in the front seat of a vehicle especially if an air bag is active.
- Those children over 40 pounds should ride in booster seats until they reach 6 years old or 60lbs.
Child Size -- Finding the right seat for your child's weight and height
Correct Adjustment - straps and padding need to be properly adjusted. The straps need to fit very snugly, most people leave them too loose because the child complains when they are properly tightened. Think about it for a moment! Make sure you can't squeeze more than two fingers between the straps and the baby.
More details on installation, recalls and child car seat safety can be found at: http://www.carseat.org/
Types of Car Seats and Restraint Systems
Rear Facing Infant
For newborns and infants up to 6 months old, a combination carrier / car seat is the best option. Since you can take the seat out of the car without waking your infant, you'll be much more mobile. You can also get an extra base for the carrier, so it can be easily switched between cars. Another accessory is the umbrella stroller can take the car seat and turn it into a small stroller.
The only downside is that you need to buy another car seat once your baby is bigger than 26 inches. Also, these seat can be pretty heavy to lug around. However, there's really no doubt that they are the most convienient way to go when you have an infant.
Compare Rear-facing Infant Carrier Car Seats
Amazon: Graco SnugRide Car Seat / Carrier
Amazon: SungRide Car Seat with Stroller from Graco
Dreamtime Baby: SnugRide Infant Car Seat w/LATCH by Graco
BabyUniverse: Portabout 5 Comfort Touch LATCH - Black Legends
The Portabout 5 Premier features the Press N Go carry right handle, adjustable canopy, hip hugger sides, protective boot with blanket and more. Rear facing for infants 5 to 22 lbs
5-point Harness
Once your child is past the carrier stage, a large seat is necessary. There are a lot of choices out there, so I'm going to highlight a few things: price, size, ease-of-use and comfort. You generally get what you pay for in car seats. I'd suggest buying the best you can find, because it will probably last at least 4 years.
Britax has some of the best car seats, and they have nice features such as storage pockets, locking clips, and the ability to recline. They are on the more expensive side, but worth it.
Compare 5-point Harness Car Seats
Car Seats at BabyAgeBoosters
For older children, a booster seat is required so the seatbelt fits properly and snugly across the lap and shoulders. Boosters are a bit less expensive than car seats for younger babies. They can also wear out a bit faster.
BabyAge: Booster Seats