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Newborns cannot
leave the hospital in your car without a car seat (that's
the law). Therefore, it's highly recommended to start shopping
for car seats about three months prior to the due date.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants
ride in a rear-facing car seat until they weigh 20 pounds
and are at least 1 year old. The back seat is always the
safest place for children, no matter what their age, in
the event of an accident.
There are four basic types of car seats:
• Convertible
(or infant-toddler) car seats:
These can be used as both infant seat and forward-facing
seat. Can face the rear for infants, then convert to face
forward for use until child weighs about 30 pounds.
•
Infant-only car seats: Rear-facing
models; 20 pound weight limit.
•
Forward-facing seats: For
children over 20 pounds or 1 year old. Keep your child
in a forward-facing seat until he weighs at least 40 pounds,
and longer if he still fits comfortably.
•
Head bumper: An extra support
for the newborn. Recommended to use the baby is nine months
old. The head bumper holds the head relatively steady,
and prevents hits and injuries in case of an accident.
You can also find important information in the American
Academy of Pediatrics' Family Shopping Guide including
an updated list of approved car seats.
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