For many parents car seats can be a confusing topic. There are seats that are made for babies, some for toddlers then there is those that are made for both. Then the installation is different for each seat. Adding to the confusion is the car seat laws changing from state to state, no wonder we are all confused.

Lucky for us we have some help. The manufactures of car seats are required to make age as well as weight limits on the seats wehre they are easy to find. Every car seat on the market today has been held to strict governement standards. Getting a free car seat inspection is becoming more avalible to us all, even if you think its right its worth taking in to make sure it is installed correctly.

Here are a few Car Seat Safety Tips

• Keep in mind that a car seat can protect your toddler, but only if it is used correctly. Here are some things to remember.
• The back seat is still the safest place for your toddler. In the back there is a reduced chance of getting thrown out of the car if there is a crash. Some states require children under certain ages to be in the back seat even after they are out of car seats.
• Keep toddlers away from airbags, A lot of the newer cars have an on and off switch if you have no other choice but to use the passenger seat. Many SUVs have the side panel air bags on the roof near the doors. Check with the car manufacture or the car book to see if it is to big to have a car seat there.
• Little ones under one year old need to be rear facing, no matter what their weight. Their necks can not handle a possible crash facing forward. However, many families are now choosing to keep their little one rear facing after their first birthday until they meet both the height and the weight requirements of the car seat. It is still safer. More information can be found on the CPSafety Site.
• Use a 5pt car seat as long as possible. There is no golden rule or law with this often times they can go to a booster seat when they hit 40lbs however their bodies are still small and the use of a 5point car seat can help keep them safe. There are a few manufactures who make them for up to 80lbs. Elite Car seats has more information
• Be sure to read the instruction booklet that comes with the car seat, this helps make sure that the installation is done correctly no matter how easy it is.
• If your car is in an accident even if the child is not in the car but the car seat was, it needs to be replaces. Insurance companies often take care of this with in a day or two. It may look on the surface that there is no damage but there is a possibility that there is damage on the inside or so small its hard to see. They are not safe after a crash.
• If your toddler objects to sitting in a car seat, stand your ground. Safety is not negotiable. Let him know that the seat is for his protection, and that other kids have to ride in them as well.

Keep in mind that car seats are essential to your child’s safety when in a vehicle. They are also required by law for toddlers. Shopping around to find a model that is comfortable, durable, and easy to install is well worth it, because you will be using it for a few years.