It can be very dangerous if you put an infant in your car without having a properly installed car seat. The importance of having a car seat for your infant is very high; a good car seat can literally save your child's life in the event of a collision. However, the question that parents often find themselves wondering about is, "How do I know which car seat to buy for my child?"
There are several factors that will determine what type of car seat you should buy. The first thing you should consider is your infant. Think about the age, height and weight of your child and how that will affect what type of seat you purchase. If your child is over the age of one year old, you can buy one that faces the front of the car, whereas if your child is less than one year old, it is required that you always face him towards the rear of the car for safety purposes. Next, consider the weight and height of your child. In general, if your baby weighs less than 22 pounds, you should have the car seat facing the rear. A rear-facing car seat means that the force will not affect your child as much in the event of an accident, and the stronger parts of the body (e.g shoulders, hips) will take the majority of the force.
The second thing you should take into consideration is the quality of the seats that you are looking at and how they are installed. Look at things such as how the seat latches onto the seat inside the car and how the harness works. There are various harnesses for different car seats, so you may find that some are safer than others.
Bear in mind that your infant may find travelling in a car very stressful the first time and it could have bad effects, especially if your baby was born prematurely. The first time your baby travels in a car, do not drive for a long time. When you stop, check your baby's breathing for any signs of stress or anxiety. If you notice any worrying effects, take your baby to the doctor immediately to have him checked out. Don't assume that everything will be fine.
Another type of car seat that infants can travel in is a car bed. This is very similar to a car seat but is designed in such a way that the baby can actually lie down whilst travelling. Depending on your baby, you may find this easier as it is often more comfortable and can be easier to position in the car. If you choose a car bed, you'll still need to install it and make sure it fits properly.
Some of the best infant car seats include the Graco infant car seat and the Britax infant car seat, which are both relatively cheap, and top rated models in 2011 according to reviews and consumer reports ratings.
Always remember to try out car seats before you buy them. It can be very dangerous if you buy a car seat that does not fit properly or won't stay still while you are driving. Driving from one destination to another can often involve sharp bends and junctions, so think about whether the car seat you have chosen will be able to stay in place whilst carrying out those kind of moves. If you don't feel that you can afford a car seat and somebody offers to give you one, don't be tempted to use it if it doesn't fit properly. Always put your child's safety first.