Buying a car seat for your baby is a must if you ever plan on taking them in a car, even on a short journey. The proper use of car safety seats helps you keep your child safe.  If you are taking your baby home by car from hospital after giving birth, the hospital will insist in you putting your baby into your car seat prior to leaving. 

It has been recommended that you always purchase a new car seat, as when purchasing a second-hand one you will need to be sure that the car seat has never been involved in an accident as this will make it unsafe for your child. 

How do you choose which car seat to buy? 

• Car seats vary with many different brands and models. Always check that the car seat you wish to purchase is suitable for your car. Many stores selling car seats will ask for the make and model of the vehicle in which the car seat will be used and will tell you which car seats would be best.
• Check that the type of seat is correct for your baby’s age and weight.
• Some companies selling car seats will actually fit them for you to ensure they are fitted correctly.
• Infants should be in a rear facing infant only seat or a convertible seat until they are 1 year old and 20 pounds. They can then move onto a forward facing seat until they are around 40 pounds or their ears have reached the top of the car seat.
• If you have an airbag in the passenger side of the car your baby will not be able to travel in the front as it is illegal unless you have the airbag de-activated as is it not only dangerous but also the law.

Shop around and talk to the people selling the car seats, they should have a good knowledge of the type most suitable for your vehicle, your life style and your baby. 

Always read the manufacture instructions to insure you have the car seat fitted correctly.