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Types
of seats
Two kinds of safety seats are made for babies:
 Small,
lightweight "infant-only" safety seats are designed for
use rearfacing only. This kind can be used only as long as the
baby's head is enclosed by the top rim of the seat. The label on
the seat gives the upper weight limit (17 to 22 pounds). One seat
can be converted into a car bed for babies who must lie flat.
Larger
"convertible" seats usually fit children from birth to
about 40 pounds. Some new models have weight limits as high as 30
to 32 pounds for rear-facing use. These products are especially
good for babies under age one who are growing more rapidly than
average. It may be turned around to face the front when the baby
is about one year old and at least 20 pounds.
How
to choose the best seat for your baby
The simplest and least expensive model usually will work as well
as one with fancy features. Choose a seat that you find easy to
use and that fits in your vehicle.
Before
you buy a seat, try it in your car to make sure it fits and can
be buckled in tightly. If you choose a convertible seat, try it
facing both rearward and forward.
 Look
for the seat you can use facing the rear as long as possible. Read
the labels to check weight limits. If you buy an infant-only seat,
you will need a convertible seat later. Most babies need to use
rear-facing convertible seats as they get larger, because they outgrow
their infant-only seats before age one. Some products are made to
carry a baby over 20 pounds facing the rear. Look for a seat with
a higher weight limit when you shop.
Practice
buckling the seat into your car before your baby's first ride.
More
tips on choosing a seat
You'll save a little money if you buy one convertible seat to do
the job from birth to 40 pounds, but an infant-only seat may be
easier for you to use and may fit your newborn baby better.
An
infant-only seat can be carried with you wherever you go. It can
be used at home also.
Some
infant-only seats come in two parts. The base stays buckled in the
vehicle, and the seat snaps in and out. You may find these convenient.
If
you want to use a convertible seat for a newborn baby, choose one
without a padded shield in front of the baby. Shields do not fit
small newborn babies properly. The shield comes up too high and
may make proper adjustment of the harness difficult.
What
about seats for preemies?
A baby born earlier than 37 weeks may need to use a car bed if he
or she has any possibility of breathing problems when sitting semi-reclined.
Ask your baby's doctor if your baby needs to be tested before discharge
for breathing problems.
Use
a seat with the shortest distances from seat to harness strap slots,
and from back to crotch strap. Use rolled blankets to keep the baby's
head from slumping. Never place any extra cushioning under or behind
the baby.
What
to do if your baby's head flops forward?
It's important for an infant to ride sitting semi-reclined (halfway
back or 45 degrees from horizontal). In the car, you may find that
the safety seat is too upright for a new baby who can't hold up
his or her head. You can put a tightly rolled bath towel under the
front edge of the safety seat to tilt it back a little so your baby's
head lies back comfortably. Do not recline it too far.
Harness
straps must fit snugly on the body
Use lowest harness slots for a newborn infant. Keep the straps in
the slots at or below your baby's shoulders for the rear-facing
position.
 It
is very important for harness straps to fit properly over the shoulders
and between the legs. Dress your baby in clothes that keep legs
free. If you want to cover your baby, buckle the harness around
him first, then put a blanket over him. A bulky snowsuit or bunting
can make the harness too loose.
To
fill empty spaces and give support, roll up a couple of small blankets
and tuck them in on each side of your baby's shoulders and head.
If he still slumps down, put a rolled diaper between his legs behind
the crotch strap. Thick padding should not be put underneath or
behind the baby.
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