Talk to anyone who has had to select a car seat for their newborn, and they will probably tell you that 'challenge' may be an understatement. If you have already ventured into a car seat isle in any store, you were probably overwhelmed. If you have yet to journey into this unfamiliar territory - brace yourself. Car seats are designed to serve from tiny preemies to school aged children weighing up to 80 lbs. Yet, beyond the various sizes, shapes, and colors lies a decision that could save your baby's life.
Most states have strict laws requiring proper safety vehicle restraints for children.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has mounds of literature on child passenger safety. According to the National Safe Kids Campaign, when properly installed, car seats reduce the risk of infant death in a car crash by 70 percent. Not all car seats fit in all vehicles. The type of car you drive is an important consideration. With more than 900 varieties of cars on the market, and at least 100 different car seat models, the task quickly becomes confusing.