When you are pregnant, you will definitely need to purchase a car seat. You may include an infant seat on your baby registry for your shower. You won’t be able to bring the baby home from the hospital without one. The car seat is one of the most important purchases you will make for your newborn.
When selecting a car seat, make sure it will fit your newborn infant. Also, be sure the seat you choose will fit in your car. You will want a seat that will be easy to install and operate once installed. Consider all these factors when choosing a seat.
You have two basic choices in car seats: an infant seat and a convertible car seat. An infant seat is made to only use in the rear facing position. These seats recline at a forty five degree angle, which is optimal for newborns. These seats are intended for babies under one year old and under twenty pounds. The downside of infant seats is that you will need to buy a larger seat when your child exceeds the age and weight limits.
A convertible car seat can be used in either the rear or forward facing position. The seat grows with your child. Use it rear facing, reclined at a forty five degree angle when your baby is under a year old and twenty pounds. When the baby reaches a year old and over twenty pounds, turn the seat around and use it in the forward facing position.
The downside of these seats is they don’t always fit a newborn baby well. This is especially true if the baby is small. A ten pounder may fit well in a convertible, but a six pounder may not. Since my babies tend to be seven pounds or under, I always use an infant seat first. It’s important to be sure the seat will fit a newborn well.
It’s important for any seat you choose to fit your vehicle. Many stores will allow you to try the floor model before you buy. This will give you the opportunity to put the seat in your car and be sure it fits before spending the money on it. Don’t be afraid to ask about this.
Proper installation is essential with any car seat. All seats must be installed only in the back seat. The passenger side airbag can kill a baby, so never put it in the front. Read the entire instruction manual before installing the seat.
Consider having the seat inspected once it is installed to be sure it’s done properly. Sometimes the local police station will check this for you. Call and ask if your local police offer this service. If they don’t, they will be able to refer you to another agency to have your seat checked. This is your most important piece of baby equipment in terms of your child’s safety, so be sure it’s installed properly.