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Infant car seats are rear-facing seats for babies up to 22 pounds, although some models have higher weight limits. Another option is to start with a convertible car seat which acts as a rear-facing seat up to 30 or 35 pounds, and then as a front-facing seat for bigger children. But may springs for a separate infant car seat for the convenience of being able to use it as a carrier. The center of the back seat is the safest spot to install it.

A bonus: Thanks to the handle on infant seats, you can move your baby from car to house without waking him. Many strollers are designed to accommodate infant car seats. Or you can p urchase an empty stroller frame that will accept most infant car seats (such as Kolcraft's Universal Car Seat Carrier). You can use that seat and frame combo as your stroller until your baby outgrows the infant car seat.

Car-Seat Time Line

Starting at birth, most people use an infant car seat, which is always positioned rear-facing. Pay close attention to the seat's weight limit (from 22 to 30 pounds; keep the instruction manual handy). When your baby reaches that weight limit, which may be as soon as 6 to 9 months of age, switch to a convertible car seat. If your baby does hit the infant seat's weight limit before her first birthday, she should ride rear-facing in the convertible seat at least until she turns 1. Convertible seats can (and should) be used in the rear-facing position up to at least 30 pounds. When your baby reaches the rear-facing weight limit (again, check those instructions) and is at least 1 year old, turn it front-facing until your toddler reaches the final height and weight limits. Then it's time for a booster seat.

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Plus:

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Baby Gear Dangers
 Car Seat Safety: A Lifesaving Guide

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