Being first-time parents can be exciting and nerve-wracking. They have to make sure that everything they get for their little one is right for them. And getting a reliable car seat for the baby's first trip home from the hospital can be one of the important decisions parents have to make, as child safety experts Heather Corley and Dr. Alisa Baer put it in a recent guide:

Choosing a car seat for a newborn baby is one of the most important safety decisions a parent or guardian will make. And with seemingly countless models on the market, the choice can feel overwhelming. The safest and most effective car seat for your baby will depend upon their size and weight.

A rear-facing car seat is the most suitable choice for your newborn infant’s specific weight and height. Rear-facing car seats are made for 0-15 months old infants with a height of 2’8” and below. The weight limit is from 0 up to 13kg.

You may also consider a convertible car seat, as long as they are rear-facing until your baby reaches past the height and weight requirements. Some babies grow faster, that’s why parents switch to a convertible car seat from 9 months up to 2 years. The height and weight for this particular car seat can be adjustable, though it is recommended for babies with a height of 2’3” to 4’4” with a weight of 9 to 18kg.

Don’t rush in switching to a comfortable booster seat, as this is for children 4 to 12 years old, with a height of 4’ to 4’11” and weighs from 15-36 kg. The most important factor is that your baby can maximize car seat use until they grow older or the car seat itself gets worn out from repeated use.

When it comes to installing your car seat, the middle of your car’s back seat is the safest place for your baby. This helps reduce the risk of injury in the event of a side-impact crash.

Check whether your car seat has the ISOFIX feature, which stands for the International Standard Organization Fix. This helps with fitting the seat correctly and safely in your car. It uses anchor points that attach the car seat with the car’s shell for a secure latch.

Don’t forget to check the material of the car seat. The fabric should be comfortable for your baby, and also easy to clean.

Keep your baby in the rear-sitting position until 2 years old. This is a safe position in case a crash happens. The car seat distributes the impact of a crash throughout the body area and provides better support to the child’s head and neck.

Many car seat brands like Safety 1st offer the right car seat for your needs and budget. This helps parents ease their worries and look forward to happier and safer trips ahead.

(Source: Infant Car Seats vs. Convertible Car Seats, Heather Corley, August 26, 2021)