Even though most parents understand the need for a car seat, many children still get unnecessarily injured in car accidents. The main factors that contribute to such preventable injuries are the absence of car seats, incorrect use of car seats or use of incorrect car seats.

A baby weighing below 20 lbs. needs an infant car seat. Some parents keep the cost in mind and buy infant-toddler car seats. Because it is a convertible car seat, you can use an infant-toddler seat until your baby becomes a toddler. But where it scores in longevity, it loses out on safety.

It is much safer to use the infant car seat for young infants. Infant car seats are contoured to hold newborns securely and offer them good support in all the right places. The infant car seat is more convenient for you too, as it is more portable.

The lightweight seat can become an infant carrier, rocker or feeding chair. So, you don’t have to wake your sleeping infant when you take him out of the car. With an infant-toddler car seat, you have to unbuckle the child and transfer him to a carrier or stroller while taking him out.

Proper installation is the prime concern with a car seat. It is not enough to buckle your baby in tightly. Look for a seat with a base that can be permanently installed in the car. Then all you have to do is to fit the seat securely into the base, instead of refitting it after each use. Your infant seat should have adequate restraints.

The five-point safety harness – one for each shoulder and thigh, and one that goes between the legs – is ideal for a young baby. Avoid seats that have belt adjustments from the back.

Washability is another desirable aspect. A well-padded seat with plenty of head support will make the ride a joyful one for your baby.

Infant toddler seats are used for infants between 20 and 40 lbs. Newer and better models of the infant-toddler seats have a tether strap attached to the top of the seat. This tether increases stability by restraining head movement in the event of an accident.

Babies under one year should ride in the back, facing the rear. When your baby reaches the one-year mark and weighs above 20 lbs. he is ready to face the world up-front! But experts say that it is safe to allow your child to face the rear for as long as possible.

Important safety rules:

ALWAYS use a safety seat in the car.

Placing a child sitting in a rear-facing safety seat in the front seat that has a passenger air bag may seem safe enough. But this is dangerous for the baby. The rear is the safest place for children, PERIOD.

Each car safety seat has its own features and instructions. Read these carefully before using.

Convertible seats need some adjustments before they can be used as forward-facing seats:

Move the shoulder straps to the required slots. Check your detailed instructions to be sure. If the seat is in a reclined position, move this to an upright position. Finally, the seat belt should run through the forward-facing belt path.

In case of preemie babies, the car safety seat should be used without a safety harness. A very small baby may hit his face against the shield. The reclined position of their seats should not cause low oxygen or breathing problems in a premature baby.

Safety and comfort are the two main criteria when you select the appropriate car safety seat. Cost should NEVER be the deciding factor.