Along with the preparations of welcoming a new baby in the family is getting him or her all the necessary stuffs and needs, a baby car seat included.  When buying a car seat for a baby weighing not more than 20 pounds, you have two basic styles to choose from, the infant car seats and the infant-toddler car seats. 

If you are provided with the choice of an infant-toddler type of car seat, or also referred to as a convertible car seat, what’s the fuss with the infant car seat?  The reason behind is safety.  In spite of newborn babies fitting into infant-toddler car seats, experts came up with the conclusion that babies who weigh below 20 pounds are better and safer in the smaller-size infant car seats.  Such type of car seat is designed to hold securely any newborn while at the same time, providing the right support appropriate for the right places.  Also note that there are some infant car seats, which can handle up to 22 pounds babies.

Moreover, infant car seats offer more convenience.  Aside from being lightweight, it may also serve as a rocker, a feeding chair, or an infant carrier.  Thus, you can bring along your little bundle of joy anywhere you want to go without disturbing depriving his or her needed sleep or rest.  But with the infant-toddler car seat, it is just that.  And you still have to unbuckle your little one to transfer him or her to another stroller or carrier.

The significant information of the basic types of car seats is not enough though as reference in getting the best car seat for your baby.  Other essential factors will have to be considered too, first of which is whether or not your chosen baby car seat is easy to install.  If it appears that you need an engineering degree to form it, then continue shopping.  A complex installation process for a baby car seat may end up improperly installed and in being so, your baby will certainly not be safe in it.  Never risk your baby’s safety over the look and brand of a potential car seat.  Buckling the baby in a car set is definitely not enough.  Make sure you know and can really install the car seat perfectly.

In addition, go for the baby car seat that is equipped with the five primary safety harness.  Check for the straps for each shoulder, for both thighs and another in between the baby’s legs.  Ensure all straps are strong and adjustable for a newborn.  Avoid buying those with T-bar restraints or plastic shields or any used car seats.  Eschew used baby car seats for your baby’s welfare and safety.  Also, shun from being a car seat that requires you to make buckle adjustments from the back portion of the seat.  A better and seeming car seat is the kind that allows you to buckle and make adjustments in the front part and the kind that comes with belt slots for easy and comfortable buckling.  If you are patient enough, you may come across some models that adjust automatically.

By September 2002, all-new policies were introduced with regards to child safety.  It indicated that for vehicles to be child-safe, it must be accordant with a LATCH system, Tethers for small children and shorter for Lower Anchors.  Such system is made for the convenience and ease of a car seat installation, as it can be directly attached to the vehicle rather than using the seat belt in securing it.  The convertible infant-toddler car seats and any front-facing toddler car seats must have lower and upper attachments to securely lock them in place.

Safety must come first in selecting baby products.  Next to it is the cleanliness factor.  Messes seem to trail after babies.  Therefore, go for a baby car seat that has a washable seat cover.  Be aware that there are some manufacturers who failed to consider such element and designed pad covers you cannot take off.  So be smart enough to go for a model with a detachable cover.  As you go wandering around for an easy to install, safe and with a washable seat cover baby car seat, also ascertain that your baby will be most comfortable and relax in it before paying your purchase.