Car Seat Safety: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Car seats are the most important safety purchase you'll make.

Types of Car Seats

• Infant (bucket): Birth to ~30 lbs. Carrier convenience.
• Convertible: Birth to 65+ lbs. Stays in car, grows with child.
• All-in-one: Birth to booster. Long-term investment.

Installation Tips

Use LATCH or seatbelt (not both). Seat shouldn't move more than 1 inch. Get it checked at a fire station or inspection event.

Common Mistakes

• Moving to forward-facing too early (keep rear-facing until at least age 2)
• Using expired car seats (6-10 year lifespan)
• Puffy coats under straps (unsafe in a crash)