| ign="center"> | | | | A toddler will usually use a infant car seat until |
| For a new parent or grandparent, buying an infant | | | | they are forty pounds or when the tops of their |
| car seat may seem a bit complicated at first. The | | | | ears are just about inline with the top of the car |
| proper model seat is essential to keeping an infant | | | | seat. After reaching forty pounds, it is time to for |
| or toddler safe while traveling in the car. If you at | | | | you to move your little one to a booster seat |
| are in the market for car seat, here are a few | | | | secured with a seat belt. |
| tips on what to look for before making your | | | | A big question some new parents ask is should |
| purchase. | | | | they purchase or use a second hand seat? That |
| First, you will need a car seat for baby's first car | | | | can be a tough question. A portable car seat helps |
| ride, which will most likely be the trip home from | | | | prevent serious injuries in case of a car accident, |
| the hospital, so do not forget to plan ahead. For | | | | so you want to find out if the seat has even |
| baby's first car seat, select a rear facing model. | | | | been in an accident. If so, the frame not be |
| Rear facing car seats provide the best protection | | | | properly aligned, which comprises the strength of |
| if there is an impact, especially since your baby | | | | the car seat and the safety of your child. |
| will not be able to support the weight of their own | | | | If you do opt for a second hand seat, stick with |
| head yet. A rear facing seat, combined with a | | | | accepting an used seat only from friends, family |
| reclined front seat, creates a cozy, safe nook for | | | | or someone you can trust to give you a full |
| baby. | | | | disclosure, including any car accidents or incidents |
| When shopping, look for a design that is sturdy, | | | | which may have caused damaged. Also, take a |
| but light and easy to carry. Since your baby will | | | | few minutes and inspect the padding, belts and |
| sleep a lot, especially when riding in the car, you | | | | fasteners. Make sure all are in good condition. And |
| will also want to select a model which is easily | | | | last but not least, if the owner's manual is not |
| detachable. This way baby can continue to sleep | | | | available, check for a label on the car seat itself. |
| when being moved from the car to the house, | | | | This should provide details on the correct use of |
| instead of you having to wake them up. | | | | the seat. |
| Once your infant weighs twenty pounds or the | | | | Remember, if the passenger side of your car has |
| top of their head is near the top edge of the | | | | an airbag, the car seat should go in the back seat, |
| seat, it will be time to change to a forward facing | | | | not the front seat of the car. If there is an |
| style seat. A forward facing seat is more upright | | | | accident and the car seat is in the front seat, the |
| and the higher end models adjust to allow toddlers | | | | inflating airbag may cause serious injuries to your |
| a more horizontal position which means a more | | | | baby. Read and follow the manufacturer's |
| comfortable sleeping position during those long | | | | instructions to insure the correct installation of the |
| drives. | | | | seat. |
| Do keep in mind your toddler must be able to sit | | | | So when choosing your baby's first car seat, look |
| up by themselves before they can use a forward | | | | at the various options available, read safety |
| facing seat. The forward facing seats are built and | | | | reviews and talk to other parents about their |
| designed for longer term use and you should be | | | | experiences. Whichever infant car seat you select, |
| able to use this style seat until your child is four | | | | a little research makes your choice much easier |
| to six years old. | | | | and most importantly, will keep your infant safe. |