The Britax Roundabout, a popular convertible car seat.

All About Car Seats

There are three main types of car seats on the market today. First, the infant car seat is designed for the youngest of children, up to 20 or 22 pounds. Most of these seats have two parts, the base which stays strapped in to the vehicle's safety belt system and the carrier which snaps out and allows the baby to be carried without unfastening the infant from the harness (very important if Baby has finally fallen asleep!) The infant car seats are designed to be rear-facing, where the infant faces the rear of the vehicle. It is important for infants to be seated rear facing for the first year of life, until the muscles of the neck are strong enough to withstand the force an accident could impose on them.

A second type of car seat is called the convertible seat, and is designed for newborns through toddlers, or up until 40 pounds. This seat is designed to be used rear-facing for the first year of life, or up until the weight restrictions (usually 30 pounds). After this, the seat can face forward until the child reaches the upper weight limit, usually 40 pounds, although some car seats can be used longer. The most popular type of harness system for infants and toddlers is the five-point system, where the child is clipped by a series of three clips designed to evenly disperse the force of impact. The five-point system is highly recommended, although other systems (such as the three-point or overhead bar) may still be available.

After the child graduates from the convertible seat, it's time for a booster seat. These seats no longer use a separate harness system, the child and seat are both strapped directly into the vehicle's seat belt. The booster is designed to raise the child up in the seat so the vehicle's harness can function correctly. Booster seats should be used until the child is 80 pounds, at which time the child will be ready for the use of the regular seat belt. While some boosters are rated for children as light as 30 pounds, it is important to keep children in the 5-point restraint systems for as long as possible.

CAR SEAT LAWS for United States and Canada

Car Seat Laws for the 50 States and Canada. Safety hints. Actual regulations, and those of your neighbors. Check it out before you travel! ... help! Have you heard that the Car Seat Laws ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. Safe Ride Helpline

Fit Car Seat Checkup FAQs / Best safety seat Helpful Handouts Identify your safety seat "If ... Español ... FAQs. Laws-Regs. Media. Recalls. ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Child Seat Laws

Child Seat Laws Parents be aware of the new ... The new law is as follows: Infants up to 1 year old must be in a rear-facing car seat.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Child Passenger Safety

Usage and installation tips. Booster seat information. Restraint laws. Recalls. Air bags. Training programs.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Great products for babies, children and mom-to-be invented by real

Great Products Invented by Real Moms and Dads for Your Family! User manuals to print, car seat laws, articles and links.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Duck Car seat Laws????

Duck Car seat Laws???? From: Lisa Marie. Date: 15 Jun 2002. Time: 15:20:50. Remote Name: 65.58.174.108. Comments. I will be bringing a car seat for Nicholas but do I need one for Austin ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Virginia Car Seat Laws - Child Passenger Safety Laws and Seat Belt Law

Keeping your child safe in the car isn't just smart, it's the law. When does Virginia law require your child to ride in a car seat, booster seat or seat belt? Find Virginia's state car seat ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

State Car Seat Laws - Baby Car Seat Laws - Child Safety Seat and Seatb

Keep your child safe in a crash and your wallet safe from tickets by following your state's car seat laws. Find out how long your state child safety seat laws require your child to ride in ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Alabama Car Seat Laws - Child Passenger Safety Laws and Seat Belt Laws

Keeping your child safe in the car isn't just smart, it's the law. When does Alabama law require your child to ride in a car seat, booster seat or seat belt? Find Alabama's state car seat ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

California Car Seat Laws - Child Passenger Safety Laws and Seat Belt L

Keeping your child safe in the car isn't just smart, it's the law. When does California law require your child to ride in a car seat, booster seat or seat belt? Find California's state car ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]