A car seat can make the difference between life and death in an accident. But the safest seat isn't necessarily the most expensive or oft-recommended. It's the one that fits your child and is used right  -- every time. And we could be doing better: As many as 80 percent of car seats on the road today are installed or used incorrectly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Here, we give you all the info you need to keep your child safe and sound.


Print the guides below to use as a shopping guide or give to a friend:

Infant seats

Convertible seats

Combination seats

Booster seats


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photo: Don Diaz