Car seats are an essential part of a child’s safety, but many parents struggle with choosing the right seat and installing it properly. A safe car seat can only provide protection if it fits your kiddo, is correctly installed, and is used every time you drive. We have tips and tools to help you make the best choice for your family.
There are four main types of car seats: rear-facing infant seats, convertible carseats, forward-facing car seats, and booster seats. Your kiddo will start out in an infant-only or convertible car seat and move to a front-facing or booster seat as they grow.
The type of car seat you need depends on your kiddo’s age and weight as well as the size of your vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a great online tool to help you decide which car seat type is best for your child.
When shopping for a car seat, don’t get distracted by bells and whistles. Instead, choose a seat that matches your kiddo’s current height and weight as well as your vehicle and fit the vehicle’s headrest and latch system. You should also consider how easy it is to install and use the seat.
We look at a variety of factors to assess ease of installation and use, including whether the car seat can be fastened using the vehicle’s seat belt or with the LATCH system, how quickly you can adjust the harness without undoing the buckle, and how easily the built-in level shows that the seat is at the correct recline angle for your kiddo. We also note whether the seat is easy to rotate for loading and unloading.
You should never add extra padding or toys to a car seat, as these can create gaps that could allow your kiddo to shift in the seat and become unrestrained during a crash. It’s also important not to use any accessories that didn’t come with the seat unless it’s specifically approved by the manufacturer.
Lastly, remember to register your car seat so you can be notified about any recalls. And always check the car seat’s manual before you use it, especially for safety information specific to your model of vehicle and the specific car seat you’re considering.
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$79.99 (as of October 11, 2024 08:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Coverado Car Seat Covers Full Set, Seat Covers for Cars, Black Car Seat Cover, Car Seat Protector Waterproof, Nappa Leather Car Seat Cushion, Car Seat Covers Front Seats and Back Fit for Most Cars
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kingphenix Car Seat Cushion with Back Support Pillow: Enhanced Comfort Memory Foam Design for Pain Relief, Ideal for Drivers and Office Use - Ergonomic Lumbar Comfort for Long Sitting - Black
$49.99 (as of October 15, 2024 10:23 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion – Office Chair Cushion – Non-Slip Gel & Memory Foam Coccyx Cushion for Tailbone Pain - Desk Chair Car Seat Cushion Driving - Sciatica & Back Pain Relief (Black)
$36.76 (as of October 15, 2024 10:23 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Leader Accessories Black Waterproof Sweat Towel Seat Cover Universal Non-Slip for Car Truck SUV Seat for Dog & Kid Workout Outdoor OR Sport Activities
$26.99 (as of October 15, 2024 10:23 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
kingphenix Premium Car Seat Cushion, Memory Foam Driver Seat Cushion to Improve Driving View- Coccyx & Lower Back Pain Relief - Seat Cushion for Car, Truck, Office Chair (Black)
$35.96 (as of October 15, 2024 10:23 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
BDK PolyPro Car Seat Covers Full Set in Charcoal on Black – Front and Rear Split Bench for Cars, Easy to Install Cover Set, Accessories Auto Trucks Van SUV
$23.99 (as of October 15, 2024 10:23 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, rear-facing, from 4-40 pounds: forward-facing to 65 pounds: and up to 100 pounds in booster mode, Blackened Pearl
$269.99 (as of October 11, 2024 08:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Carhartt Universal Nylon Duck Canvas Fitted Bucket Seat Cover, Durable Seat Protection with Rain Defender, Single, Black
$61.90 (as of October 15, 2024 10:23 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)