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Q&A: Picking out a car seat?

What features should I look for when picking out a car seat?

Re: What features should I look for when picking out a car seat?

The Bump Expert

First, of course, is safety. After that, some other things to consider:

Simplicity
Make sure you find a seat that is easy to use. You should be absolutely positive that you can easily install the base (or the full seat, if you go the convertible route). An improperly installed seat is dangerous, so stay away from anything with overly-complicated instructions or that requires adjustments with each use. And remember, you might not be the only one doing installation. Get a seat that will be easy for others (like sitters or grandparents) to operate as well.

Comfort
You don’t want your little angel cruising around in an uncomfortable seat! Try to find a seat that gives baby plenty of support and padding for a comfy ride.

Restraints That Fit
The seat’s restraint system needs to keep baby firmly in place. Luckily, most of today’s new seats are sold with your safest option: a 5-point harness. These have straps that fully adjust to secure baby’s upper body and thighs, and are designed to distribute the force of a crash to baby’s strongest parts (the pelvis and shoulders).

Some convertible seats offer the option of a tray shield (or overhead shield), which can be easier to use but doesn’t fit baby as snugly. These have shoulder straps and a plastic bar across the lap, both held in place by a crotch strap. It is a common misconception that the plastic bar keeps baby more secure -- tests have actually shown that they may be more dangerous in the event of a crash, or may cause damage to a child’s head or neck. The one scenario where this sort of seat might be your best bet is if baby will be traveling with a caregiver who is unwilling or unable to properly tighten and untwist the belts of the 5-point harness.

Easy Cleaning
Believe it or not, not all car seats come with removable, machine washable covers. Get one that does. Trust us.

Safety Note
If you plan to buy or borrow a used seat, make sure it meets today’s safety standards, hasn’t been involved in any recalls or previous crashes, and comes with complete labels and instructions.

Erin Walters | July 17 , 2009 2:22 PM

Q&A: Picking out a car seat?

Recieved the highest overall ease of use rating by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) The First Years Via Infant Seat (I450), and True Fit C670

Shells13 | October 21 , 2009 12:56 PM

Q&A: Picking out a car seat?

Please remember that if you are ever in a car accident with a car seat installed (whether the baby was traveling with you or not) tell your insurance company that you have a car seat and they will REPLACE IT! Do not use a car seat that's been involved in an accident, even if it looks like there's no damage, you don't now for sure and why take the chance if your insurance covers it anyway???

hockeybride113 | April 04 , 2010 3:23 PM

Q&A: Picking out a car seat?

Never take a hand-me-down car seat or buy one from a garage sale. As ther person above has stated a car seat should never be used after it has been in an accident. With hand-me-downs or garage sale items you really don't know what the car seat has been through. Car seat standards also change from year to year and I was told that you should upgrade your car seats every two years. I was wondering if anyone has heard anything about the new Air Protect Car Seat? I have a new lil one due in July and was thinking of getting it.

crlyloli | April 27 , 2010 4:02 PM

Q&A: Picking out a car seat?

If you are talking about the new Safety First one I have heard that they are not any better than anything else. We did alot of research in the internet and talked to a woman who was over the car seats at Babies R US. Now I wouldn't live by something that some random stranger at Babies R Us told us she confirmed what we found through our research. Britex are rated as one of the best out there. They are expensive but from what I have seen worth it for the money. We registered for the convertible one and then a graco travel system to use when the baby is young. I have heard good things about the Graco Sungride. The travel systems and infant car seat are a matter of preference. I like the idea of leaving the baby in the seat and putting the seat in the shopping cart or stroller or just carrying it. But that is me. My husband was totally smitten with that new car seat when they got in at the Target he works at and since then has changed his mind becuase Safety First isn't as well rated as Britex. This is what we have found someone else may have found something different. Good Luck choosing the are 100's of car seats out there and it is overwhelming and confusing!

wandonita | May 14 , 2010 1:45 PM

Q&A: Picking out a car seat?

My issue has been finding a car seat, whether it was a convertible one that goes from infant through the first few years or the infant carrier, that actually fits in both of our cars. I have a Honda Civic and my husband has a Mazda 3, both small compact cars. My husband is 6'1", so in order for him to be a passenger in my car with the car seat in the back has been such a fun experience (total sarcasim). Babies-R-Us was very helpful in the fact that they let you take them out to your car to test them out and see if they fit.

elfatc | August 15 , 2011 12:06 PM

Q&A: Picking out a car seat?

Picking out a car sear is not as easy as one might think and they don't come cheap at all. I was lucky to find an RV parts outlet store where they had dozens of baby car seats I could chose from and they came with reasonable prices. I got one that fits perfectly in my car and I really feel my baby is safe.

JonahClint | September 19 , 2011 7:46 AM

Q&A: Picking out a car seat?

I have two small kids so decided to change the car we had.After some visits to some car dealers we bought a Ford and gave the old one to an automobile donation program.My son is 8 years old and my daughter is 1.There is a general rule when it comes to installing the car seat for babies in the right way.The rule is saying that the baby should always stay in the center of the back seat and he should face backward and it has medical research behind it. In most cases you will be provided with an instructions manual when buying the infant car seat so you should get to install it the proper way if you follow it step by step.My husband struggled a time before figuring out how to install it,but it all worked out in the end.

cristiemandal | October 21 , 2011 1:08 PM

Q&A: Picking out a car seat?

Car seat along with right suspension lift kits are probably two most important factor when comfort is concern. For a smooth and secure ride these are the most important sectors where one should consider the best.

banik | October 26 , 2011 7:11 AM

Q&A: Picking out a car seat?

I can't believe that there still are people out there that don't use car seats for their babies. I just saw one today on the ride home and I was shocked. How can that still happen? I saw at Used Cars Tucson that some of those cars come already equipped with car seats, so I can't figure it out.

DANIEL Jimerson | October 31 , 2011 11:46 AM

Q&A: Picking out a car seat?

Safety and comfort, first of all! Your baby's safety is the most important thing when it comes to car seats. I recently got one of those winnebago motorhomes because I like to travel a lot and I thought one would be useful. I wasn't wrong! And it's comfortable as well for the entire family. All I need to get now is the seat that meets today’s safety standards.

AllieValenza | December 13 , 2011 2:36 PM

Q&A: Picking out a car seat?

I recently gave birth to the love of my life.His name is Connor and we went this past weekend to shop for a car seat.My brother, who is now the proudest uncle ever came with us to pick it up because we wanted it to be safe and confortable for Connor.He works for autobodyamerica.com so we taught it was easier for us to have him install the car seat and make sure it's mounted properly.And of course a used seat wasn't an option for us because Connor's safety is the most important thing in the world.

elliotfoster | December 19 , 2011 12:28 PM

Q&A: Picking out a car seat?

Simplicity and comfort are must have features is true; but what is more important is the safety issue. Your baby should stay protected while you drive. We mostly do not have knowledge about any car parts. But we need to know about these parts, accessories for our own benefit. You could check out partsgeek.com for useful information.

banik | December 22 , 2011 6:22 AM

Q&A: Picking out a car seat?

My husband is a car race pilot and he recently bought one of those V8 hot laps as he wants to use it both for races and for traveling. We've just decided to spend our holidays on Montreal and as we have a six months baby we need a car seat for him. I found some comfortable car seats at a baby store and I chose one that is made especially for sport cars like ours. For us the most important is to know that our baby will be safe and comfortable while traveling.

sparklingwedding | December 23 , 2011 2:00 AM

Q&A: Picking out a car seat?

I have a friend who used to work at used car dealers Manchester NH and I must tell you I had the same problem and he took me to a friend of his who has so many car seats and I was very happy about that.

Kinmalfroy | April 08 , 2012 1:34 PM

Q&A: Picking out a car seat?

If you have trouble finding a car seat for your car you could call limo hire London and your problem is solved:)) You won't even have to drive. Have a nice day!!

MushuMushu | April 12 , 2012 3:55 PM

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