Automobile accidents are one of the major causes of injury and
death in children. In the United States, the law requires car
seats for children under 40 pounds. For children over 40 pounds,
laws vary by state. When your child is born, you must have a car
seat to bring the baby home from the hospital. BUYING A CHILD
SAFETY SEAT It is best to use a new car seat. Used car seats
often do not have instructions and may have cracks or other
problems that make the seat unsafe. For example, the seat may
have been damaged during a car accident. All car seats have
expiration dates somewhere on them, usually on the bottom of the
seat. Do not use a car seat past its expiration date, as the
plastic may no longer be strong enough to support your child
safely. The "best" seat depends on your: The seat must fit your
child's size and be able to be properly installed in your car. A
more expensive seat is not always the safest or easiest to use.
All car seats sold in the United States must meet government
safety standards. Make