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Car Seat Buying Guide

Presented by Target and Parents Magazine.

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Overview

One part bodyguard, one part throne. Find out exactly what your little prince or princess needs.

1. Five-Point Harness: The safest choice because the straps secure a little one at the shoulders and hips, their body's strongest parts.
2. So Big!: Infant car seats are appropriate until your baby is at least one year old and weighs 20 lbs. or more. Most convertible car seats accommodate newborns and toddlers up to about 40 lbs. rear-facing, then work as forward-facing booster seats for children up to 80 lbs.
3. LATCH: The Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system connects your car seat to built-in metal anchors in the back seat; non-LATCH-compatible cars use the seat belt as an anchor instead.
4. Tether: Most new forward-facing and some rear-facing car seats come with a snap-on tether that connects behind your rear-seat headrest, offering additional stability.

Extras: The newest car seats are safe, comfortable, and have double checks to ensure yours is installed correctly. Check out sippy cupholders, warm bunting, and luxury or leather upholstery.

Infant

Provides head and neck support for infants up to 20 lbs., and an easy way for parents to get Baby from home to car to daily destinations.

What You'll Love: Two-parent families note that infant car seats that work both with and without their snap-in base come in handy when switching cars; they also rave about features that make proper fastening of the harness straps easier, such as loosen/tighten buttons and chest clips that visually reinforce baby-safe positioning.
The Basics: A five-point harness is a must-have, as is a level indicator to confirm proper installation. Since infant car seats snap out of a stay-in-car base, it's easy to carry your baby along with the sturdy handle.
The Extras: Check out comfort-conscious bunting bags for warmth, multiple recline positions, rotating canopies and travel systems that let you snap your car seat directly onto a stroller. An extra base unit makes trading off day-care pickups and drop-offs a cinch.

Shop Infant Car Seats

Convertible

Designed to grow with your child, convertible car seats accommodate a rear-facing newborn then become forward-facing booster seats for children up to 80 lbs.

What You'll Love: Parents who've survived long road trips as well as daily errands with an older baby appreciate wide-and-soft seats that cradle bodies and allow comfortable napping; higher-end convertibles also feature no-twist harnesses, strap holders with easy-close fasteners and other smart design features that make buckling in a snap.
The Basics: Look for a five-point harness, considered the safest because it restrains your child at the strongest parts of his or her body. Other basic features: LATCH systems with a tether for forward-facing installations, easy access to snaps and fasteners, and simple installation to ensure you use your car seat properly.
The Extras: Once your baby is snapped in safe and sound, you can surround him or her with all the luxuries: Stylish upholstery or leather, sippy cupholders, and one-handed reclining for naps on the go.

Shop Convertible Car Seats

Booster

Look who's so big! Once your baby is a fully mobile toddler age three or older and weighing at least 40 lbs., he or she is ready for a booster seat.

What You'll Love: Moms and dads with independent-minded youngsters depend on any feature that encourages cooperation and recommend investing in a comfortable seat with fun extras. Side-impact protection, always a good idea, also offers pillow-like support for napping kids.
The Basics: Boosters are designed to raise children to a level where your vehicle's lap belt is over the thighs, not the stomach, and the shoulder belt across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck. Until your child is big enough (at least eight years old and 57" tall) use a five-point harness or integrated seat belt positioner to keep your child safe.
The Extras: Adjustable and removable backs give you more options in how your child rides in their booster; ultra-plush and high-design options include large cupholders and snack stashes, adjustable armrests, and built-in activity lights for reading or video games.

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