Car seat review : use the right type at the right time !!

* Use a rear-facing child car seat for children from birth to at least 20 pounds and one year of age

* Use a forward facing child seat for children who are at least 20 pounds and one year of age until about 40 pounds and approximately four years of age

* Use a belt positioning booster seat from about 40 pounds until the child can sit with his or her back straight against the vehicle seat back cushion, with knees bent over the vehicle's seat edge, without slouching (approximately 55 inches)

* Use vehicle lap and shoulder belt for children who have outgrown a booster seat and can sit with his or her back straight against the vehicle seat back cushion, with knees bent over the vehicle's seat edge, without slouching, and feet on the floor (approximately 55 inches and 80 pounds).

Let's go into more details in our car seat review by looking at the characteristics of each type of child safety seat.



Rear-facing Infant-Only Child Safety Seat

The first category covered by our car seat review is to use for infants between 0 and 20-22 pounds. The top of the baby's head must be at least 1 inch below the top edge of the seat. You should always use this seat rear-facing only and never use it in the front seat with a front passenger airbag. Some models have detachable bases which can be left in the vehicle or are offered as part of a stroller system.



Convertible Child Safety Seat

Next in this car seat review is a type suited for use from birth up to 40 pounds. It can be used rear-facing or forward-facing. Use rear facing until the baby reaches at least 20 pounds and one year old. Many of these seats are available with higher rear-facing weight limits (30-35 pounds) for larger babies.

Forward-Facing Only Child Safety Seat

This next category covered by our car seat review is certified for use from 20-30 pounds up to 40 pounds or more. The child must be at least one year old. It is designed to be used in the forward facing position only. Some models may be appropriate for children with disabilities or special needs. The models withhigher weight limits recommended by the manufacturer are ideal for children over 40 poundswho are under age 3-4 years or not ready to sit properly in a booster seat with the lap/shoulderbelt.

Combination Forward-Facing/Booster Seat

The next type to discuss in our car seat review is appropriate for use with a harness for infants between 20 and 40 pounds. The child should be at least one year old. You should remove the harness when the child reaches approximately 30 to 40 pounds (if child is at least age 3 to 4) and use as booster seat up to 80 pounds or upper weight limit recommended on seat.

Belt-Positioning Booster Seat

The last version covered in our car seat review is good for use from 30 to 40 pounds and over. The child should be at least age 3-4 and up to 80-100 lbs. This type helps position the child properly in the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt. It should never be used with the lap belt only. The high-back booster version is recommended if the vehicle has low seat back. Some models may have a removable back. A booster seat without a back may be used if the child's head is supported up to the top of the ears by the vehicle seat back.