Confused about which car seat to purchase? Learn about the different types of car seat restraints and what to look for before buying a car seat for your baby or child.

The purchase of a car seat is an investment. Parents should have a clear understanding of the types of available children's car seats. When informed, parents can choose the car seat that best suits the needs of their child and their vehicle.

* Weight ranges can vary for each car seat. Always check the car seat's manual and the state law for exact specifications.

The Infant-Only Rear-Facing Seat

Infant-only rear-facing seats are generally intended for use on infants weighing between 4 - 22 pounds. Most infant only seats feature two distinct pieces: an installed base that stays anchored in the vehicle and a removable car seat. The removable seat often has a carrying handle to make transporting the child easier. They may also be a part of a stroller traveling system. Please note that even though these removable car seats are often seen hooked onto the top basket of a grocery cart, the American Academy of Pediatrics identifies this as an unsafe practice due to several reported injuries to infants.

The Convertible Car Seat

Convertible car seats have the advantage that they can be used both rear-facing and forward-facing. By United States law, children must stay rear-facing until a minimum of 20 pounds AND at least one year of age. However, both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) urge parents to keep children rear-facing for the upper-most weight range of the car seat. This upper limit could be as much as 35 pounds.

Convertible car seats have higher rear-facing weight limits than infant-only rear-facing seats. These seats are recommended for larger babies or for parents who wish to keep their child rear-facing as long as possible for added safety.

These seats are currently being produced in two styles of harnesses. 5-point harnesses and overhead shield harnesses. The 5-point harness is considered safest by car seat experts, especially for small babies who sit too close to the shield or for children with eyeglasses. A note on harness positioning: When rear-facing, harness position should be at or below baby's shoulder level. When forward-facing, harness position should be at our above baby's shoulder level.

The Built-In Children's Seat

Some cars and vans are now equipped with built-in car seats. Weight and height limits vary. See car owner's manual for details.

The Higher Weight Forward-Facing Seat or Youth Seat

Higher weight forward-facing restraints, such as the Britax Regent, can harness children up to 80 pounds. These seats would be necessary for children who cannot sit properly in a belt-positioning booster seat or for parents who prefer to keep their child in a harnessing seat for as long as possible for added safety. Vehicles with lap belts only must use a higher weight forward-facing restraint for children over 40 pounds not old enough to ride without a car seat restraint.

The Combination Harnessing/Booster

Combination seats are forward-facing only. The inner harness may last from 20 - 50 pounds. After that point, it can be used as a belt-positioning booster for up to a maximum 100 pounds. However , CPSafety (Child Passenger Safety) suggests that these seats are better for children age 3 and older because there is not a great deal of head support for napping.

Harnessing slots are typically higher than convertible seats to accommodate larger children. When used with the harness, combination car seats can be installed using a lap belt or a lap/shoulder belt. When used as a belt-positioning booster, it must be installed with the lap/shoulder belt.

The High Back Belt-Positioning Booster

The purpose of high back belt-positioning booster seats is to correctly position a lap/shoulder belt over the hips and chest of a young child between 33 - 100 pounds. High back models provide the head and neck support needed for vehicles without head rest or with low back seats. They do not have a harness and the seat belt is the functioning restraint. High back belt-positioning boosters must be used with lap/shoulder belts.

The Backless Belt-Positioning Booster

The difference between backless belt-positioning boosters and high back belt-positioning boosters is that backless boosters are to be used in vehicles with high seat backs and head support.

When purchasing a car seat, parents should not make the decision on price alone. They should try the seat out, and adjust the straps to fit the child. They should be sure it fits properly in their vehicle. The safest car seat is the one that fits the child's size and needs, is installed properly according to the vehicle's manual, and is used correctly every time.

For information on other car seat articles, refer to blog entry entitled Car Seat Article Index.

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. Car Safety Seats: A Guide for Families 2007. Accessed: 12/22/2007.

CPSafety.com. Car Seat Types and Styles. Accessed: 12/22/2007.

National Highway Traffic Safety Association. Child Passenger Safety Program. Accessed: 12/22/2007.