What is a good car seat?

Parents often ask which of the many car seats is the best car seat on the market. The truth is the best car seat is the one that fits your vehicle, your budget, your baby and that you will use properly each time your baby rides in the car. Use the following criteria to determine which car seat is the best choice for your baby.

Install the car seat to your vehicle correctly. Some car seats may have extra features that make them easier to install correctly, such as built-in locking clips or non-twisting straps. Because proper installation is the key in car seat safety, these installation helpers may add safety for some people.
Use your baby's height and weight to determine the type of car seat to use. Rear-facing infant car seats can be used until babies weigh about 20 lbs. Convertible car seats can be used rear-facing through about 20 lbs. and forward-facing through the weight limit listed on the car seat. Booster seats can be used when babies are over 40 lbs. Height-wise, baby's head should be one inch or more below the top of the car seat.
Read the manual of your purchased car seat. The most expensive, feature-rich car seat is not safe for your baby if you don't take the time to read the directions and install it properly every time it is used. Check the car seat manual to be sure you can install and use the car seat as it is intended.
Find a car seat that fits your vehicle. It is essential to find a car seat that can be installed tightly, with the proper angle and less than an inch of side-to-side wiggle. Most reputable baby products stores will let you take a car seat floor model to your vehicle, possibly with a store employee, to check the fit before purchase. If not, check the return policy to be sure you can return the seat if it doesn't fit the vehicle.