5 Things To Look For When Buying A Newborn Car Seat + Infant Car Seat Safety Tips From The Experts

Are you worried about purchasing a newborn car seat for your baby?

You should be. Some car seats have been recalled because they weren’t safe, so it’s crucial to pick the best newborn car seat that you can afford.

Here are 5 things to look for when buying a newborn car seat:

#1 – A label. Only buy a new or used car seat that has a label with the model number and the date it was manufactured.

#2 – An expiration date. If there’s no expiration date, it may mean this particular car seat has expired and may not be a safe choice for your newborn.

#3 – Cracks. Don’t buy a new or used car seat if it has any cracks. Even if they’re tiny ones, cracks in a car seat can endanger your child — if you’re ever in an accident.

#4 – Instructions. Make sure that your newborn car seat comes with instructions for installation. You need to know how to install it (properly) before you buy it.

#5 – All necessary parts. Make sure the car seat you’re buying comes with all its parts. This mostly applies when buying a used car seat for newborns.

Whatever you do… don’t leave home (or the hospital!) without a newborn baby car seat!

  

By the way, do you have more than one child?

Here’s how many car seats fit in the back of a sedan.

 

More Newborn Car Seat Safety Tips

In addition to the links I’ve included above, here are some other resources to help you stay on top of child car seats and their safety:

• 10 Most Common Car Seat Questions
• Using Seatbelts vs Lower Anchors & Tethers
• How to Buy An Infant Toddler Car Seat
• Before You Buy An Infant Car Seat…
• Car Seat Site: What’s The Proper Recline Angle?
• How To Get The Right Fit For Your Baby’s Car Seat
• Car Safety Seat Guide For Newborns And Toddlers
• NHTSA Car Seat Recommendations For Kids