Buying your first car seat? Here’s what to look for. 

Written By Sara Mather

Why Do Car Seats Matter?

Car seats aren’t just a smart choice—they’re the law. In all 50 states, infants must ride in a federally approved rear-facing car seat from birth. In many places, you cannot bring your baby home from the hospital without a federally certified, properly installed carseat! But beyond legality, they’re designed to protect your baby’s fragile head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash.

According to the CDC, proper car seat use reduces the risk of injury in infants by 71%.

Important to know:

You can buy car seats from lots of places. Big box stores, specialty baby stores, or online marketplaces all sell car seats. Before you shop online, please consider:

  • IMPORTANT: Buy car seats online CAREFULLY. Not all car seats that are sold online are safe. Knockoff brands on websites like Amazon can and do market car seats for infants that do not meet basic safety standards. In the event of a crash, your child may not be protected in some car seats. 

  • Used car seats are strongly NOT recommended. 

    • A car seat that has been through even a minor accident may no longer offer full protection

    • There’s no way to know visually a car seat’s history. Even if the previous owner is a friend or family, memory or pride can get in the way of revealing things like previous accidents.

    • Without the manual, proper installation may not be possible. Your child must meet all requirements listed in the manual to be fully protected.

    • Car seats have an expiration date (usually 6-10 years), after which they are no longer considered safe.

Tip: Some stores, like Target and Walmart, offer car seat trade-ins where you can bring back a used carseat and get a discount on a new one.

What to Look For When Car Seat Shopping

Here’s what matters most when choosing your car seat:

1. Make sure it’s safe

  • Make sure the seat is FMVSS 213 certified, meaning it meets federal crash test standards. Check for a label to be sure.

  • Look up the car seat online for safety reviews.

  • 5 point harness with multiple height settings

  • Seat size and recline angle are correct for your vehicle

  • Some stores may offer pre-purchase test installation. At the very least, test the installation with enough time to return the car seat if it isn’t right.

2. Install Correctly

  • Start car seat shopping at least a month before the baby is born. Pregnancy can hinder your ability to properly install a car seat, depending on car size and muscle mass, so having an extra adult to help may be worthwhile.

  • It’s going to take longer than you think to get the car seat in the first time. 

  • Double. Check. Everything.

Tip: Many hospitals require a car seat check before you can take your baby home. For an easier time, install your car seat before your due date and before labor begins!

3. Lifestyle Fit

  • If you’ll be moving the seat often, weight and handle comfort matter

  • Babies spit up, snack, and spill—so look for machine-washable covers and easy-to-wipe surfaces

  • Some car seats work with strollers, and some don’t. There may be stroller attachments for some car seats that aren’t initially compatible. Check before you buy!

  • Car seat types (infant, convertible, all-in-one) will handle differently.

  • Look online for real user reviews. Reddit, online groups, and store listings are all good places to see other parent’s experience with their car seat.

Types of Car Seats

1. Infant Car Seat (Rear-Facing Only)

  • For newborns up to ~30–35 lbs

  • Portable with a carrying handle

  • Clicks into a base installed in your car

  • Often part of a travel system with a stroller

2. Convertible Car Seat

  • Rear-facing for infants, and can be used later as forward-facing for toddlers

  • Stays installed in the car; not portable

  • Can be used from birth with infant inserts

  • Cost-effective over time but bulky for newborns

3. All-in-One Car Seat

  • Converts from rear-facing to forward-facing to booster

  • Long-term use from birth to ~10 years

  • Bigger, heavier, and less convenient for newborns

  • This option may not fit all newborn babies. Please consult the manual before use with your infant.

Great! You have your car seat. Now what? 

  1. Register Your Seat

Once you buy your seat, register it with the manufacturer using the card included in the box or online. That way, you’ll be notified of recalls or safety notices immediately.

Bonus: Get An Expert

If you’re still unsure, get help from a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). These trained pros can help:

  • Confirm proper fit

  • Guide installation

  • Teach you how to use the seat correctly

You can find one near you at nhtsa.gov

Final Tip:

  • Don’t rush to move your child to the next stage. Rear-facing is safest for as long as possible

  • Always remove bulky clothing and blankets when buckling a child into a car seat.


Buying your first car seat is a big milestone—but you’ve got this. With the right information and support, you can drive home safely and confidently with your baby from day one.



Sara Mather
Next

Craniosacral Therapy: What is it?