Car Seat Shopping

EXPERT TIPS

Rear-facing infant seats are smaller and plug into a base that stays in your car so you can take your sleeping baby out of the car without waking him. Make sure yours is compatible with your stroller.

Convertible car seats stay installed in your car but do double duty by allowing an infant to ride in the rear-facing position for the recommended time period, from birth until he turns 1 or weighs at least 20 pounds (though longer is better). The seat can then be turned around to the forward-facing position.

Forward-facing seats also stay installed in your car, but are designed for children 1 year or older and 20 pounds or heavier.

We Tell Parents To Look For:

Easy installation
Proper installation is essential for safety. Look for features like level indicators that help make it foolproof.

Front harness adjusters
Trying to adjust a harness behind the baby is like doing it with your eyes closed.

Extra safety features
The age and safety rating of your vehicle will determine if your car seat needs added safety features, such as side-impact protection

Tips provided by Ali Wing, www.giggle.com