The best infant car seat is one that fits your budget, your vehicle and your child. Infant car seats are always rear facing and usually replaced with convertible car seats after the child has grown over 20lbs. All car seats sold in the US have passed the same federal crash test. The differences in the seats are not in the safety but it in the options.

 However car seats do expire, usually around 6yrs, but check the make and model to verify exact expiration. Buying used car seats can seem economical but be VERY careful because of the expiration date and because you may not know the history of the seat. If it was in an accident you do not want it. Keep in mind the safety of your child.

Infant-only seats

• Are small and have carrying handles (and sometimes come as part of a stroller system).
  
• Are used for infants up to 22 to 32 pounds, depending on the model.
  
• Many come with a base that can be left in the car. The seat clicks into and out of the base so you don’t have to install the base each time you use it. Parents can buy more than one base for additional vehicles.

One of the more popular and economic models that have a base is the Graco SnugRide 32 Infant Car Seat

featuring

A stroller car seat is a great all in one. It makes traveling with your baby a little easier. Also called a travel system, they usually come as a 3 part package, the stroller, the base which is strapped into your vehicle and the carrier. The carrier can be snapped into the base in your vehicle and when you arrive at your destination then unsnap from the base and snap into the stroller.

A few things to consider when shopping:

- ease of use

- weight of stroller

- ease of fold-ability

- size of tires on stroller (bigger tires = smoother ride)

- sun shade

- car base

- height adjustable handle

- balance of stroller

A stroller car seat may pay off in the long run, when you don’t have to wake your child to move him from the car seat to his stroller.

An affordable and a best selling system is Graco SnugRider Infant Car Seat Stroller

A couple other, possibly cheaper, alternatives to buying a travel system if you already have a car seat

For infant car seats:

  allowing parents to put their infant car seats into single-seat stroller BOB Infant Car Seat Adapter For Single Strollers

For older children in larger car seats:

an attachment piece that connects directly to your current car seat. One such as GoGo Babyz Travelmate Booster Car Seats which features

Infant toddler car seat can be a great way to be budget conscious. Also called a convertible because it can carry an infant as they grow up to 40lbs depending on the specifications of the model you buy. The seat starts out rear facing for the infant (make sure it is not in a seat that has an air bag). Then as the child grows it can be turned to be a forward facing seat, after your child is a year old and over 20lbs.

Many have different options to consider before buying

- height-adjustable side impact protection

- removable headrest

- infant padding to keep infants from sliding around

-toddler head pillow

- ability to be tethered rear- and forward-facing

- fit in an airline overhead bin

- separate, color-coded LATCH straps for rear-facing and forward-facing installations,

- tall shell for growing kids

- budget friendly

- 3 or a 5 harness and harness height adjustments

- removable seat cover for cleaning

The cost for an infant toddler car seat can be anywhere from $50 for a no frills seat to over $900, depending on what will fit your budget and lifestyle.

One of the more popular brands that cost just over $200 and comes in over 15 colors is the Britax Marathon Convertible Car Seat

it features

The best toddler car seats, in general, accommodate children who weigh 22 pounds to 40 pounds and who are at least 1 year old. Toddler car seats can only be used forward facing, and have three-point or five-point harnesses. Some toddler-to-booster car seats convert to belt-positioning boosters for children weighing 40 to 80 pounds.

Once your child has reached the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer of the seat for rear-facing, she can ride forward-facing in a convertible seat. However, it is best for her to ride rear-facing to the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer of her car safety seat. She should ride in a forward-facing seat with a harness until she outgrows it (usually at around 4 years of age and about 40–65 pounds).

There are 5 types of car safety seats that can be used forward-facing.

• Convertible seats—seats that “convert” from rear-facing to forward-facing seats.
• Forward-facing toddler seats—these seats can be used forward-facing with a harness for children who weigh up to 40 to 80 pounds (depending on the model).
• Combination forward-facing/booster seats—these seats can be used forward-facing with a harness for children who weigh up to 40 to 65 pounds (depending on the model) or without the harness as a booster (up to 80 to 120 pounds).
• Built-in seats—some vehicles come with forward-facing seats built in. Weight and height limits vary. Read your vehicle owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for details about how to use these seats.
• Travel vests—these can be worn by children between 20 and 168 pounds and can be an alternative to traditional forward-facing seats. They are also useful for when a vehicle has lap-only seat belts in the rear.

Because it falls into the mid to economical price range the Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat is one of the best sellers for toddler seats featuring

Toddler booster seats are for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car safety seats. It is best for children to ride in a harnessed seat as long as possible, at least to 4 years of age. If your child outgrows his seat before reaching 4 years of age, consider using a seat with a harness approved for higher weights and heights.

Booster seats are designed to raise the child up so that the lap and shoulder seat belts fit properly. High-back and backless booster seats are available. They do not come with harness straps but are used with the lap and shoulder seat belts in your vehicle, the same way an adult rides. Booster seats should be used until your child can correctly fit in lap and shoulder seat belts. Booster seats typically include a plastic clip or guide to help ensure the correct use of the vehicle lap and shoulder belts.

A few things to consider when looking for a toddler booster seat:

- adjustable height, width, seat depth, and side wings

- can be used as a backless booster

- folds for storage or easier transport i.e airport travel

- top tether anchor

- drink holders

- padded armrests

- ease of use

One that has received good reviews for ease of use (just make sure you read the instruction manual) is the Britax Frontier Booster Car Seat

it features

The time when a child is ready to sit without a booster is not age or weight specific but more when he can sit in the seat and the seat belt fits properly. This is all depends on the size of the child and the design of the vehicle.

To take the  5-Step Test to see if a child is ready to ride without a booster.

The 5-Step Test to see if a child is ready to ride without a booster.

1. Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?

2. Do the child’s knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?

3. Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm?

4. Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?

5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

Since you are here your child’s safety is obviously the most important thing. Your child’s car seat installation is one of the most important things when it come to their safety. It needs to be done properly and to do so the instructions must be followed carefully. When done correctly a car seat can save your child’s life.

After following the directions carefully, here are a few tips:

- Car seat must face the rear of the vehicle, and must continue to face the rear until child is over 1yr old and 20lbs. (The longer they are rear facing the safer they are, so keep them rear facing as long as possible)

-  Rear facing seats should be at a 45 degree angle. (To provide head an neck support, especially important for younger babies)

- Secure car seat tightly, it must not move more than an inch in any direction. (Do not hesitate to put your body weight into tightening it down, the vehicle seats we made with a possible collision in mind and your body weight will not do any damage, it will only make it more secure)

-  Do not put car seat in front seat or any seat containing an air bag. (According to studies the safest seat in your vehicle is the rear middle seat)

-  Fit harness snugly to child, it should be in slots at or just below child’s shoulders. (Especially important to pay attention to if you have an infant in a convertible seat)

With a little practice proper car seat installation will become a breeze for you, insuring the safety of your child.