There are several different car seats to choose from when you start your search.  There are many models with different names, different sizes, and different types and not to mention different prices. Now how do you choose one from the other? How do you know which type you need? They basically all do the same thing. The baby goes in the seat; you buckle him up, and put the seat in the base. This is what is not written on those reviews.  There are three different types of car seats.

Let’s start with infant seats. Infant car seats are a great way to protect your little one in the car.  They are made for the smaller babies, and are heavier in weight to make them even safer.  Although, with prices ranging anywhere from $80.00-$280.00, most infant seats are usually very heavy, and really only work for a few months.

Infant car seats only do rear facing and up to 20 pounds or so. Although, if you want what is best for your infant, go the infant route, that’s what the car seat is made for!

I believe that the best car seat is the convertible one. Convertible car seats are sometimes light weight and can be use a whole lot longer than others. The seat can be used rear facing for newborns up to 35 lbs and forward facing for children one year old and up to 40 lbs. Prices start at $60 and up for those high end models but really they are worth it and will last a very long time. If you have a premature newborn, you may purchase the insert for the seat that have more cushion around the head, so that the baby will be secure. A good model is the Cosco Scenera, which is very cute and very low priced at only around $65.00.

Finally, the booster seat which is usually for ages 3-8 and well up until the child can properly use an adult seatbelt. Some are light weight when others are very heavy. These run for round $35-maybe well over $100.  You really need to see the legal requirements in your state for this because you may get a ticket if stopped by a police officer and your child is not in these requirements in the specific type of booster seat. They have high back, no back, and full on bucket seats, so watch out for that.

Choosing the car seat that is right for your child isn’t always easy.  Although, if you can first find which car seat is meant for your child, you can save a lot of time and money.