Here are just some basic rules and tips on car seats: 

The baby’s first car seat is also known as an infant-seat.  Infants less than 20 pounds and under one year of age are generally required to ride rear-facing in the back seat preferably on the passenger side.  Most infant-seats go to at least 20 pounds although many models go up to 30.  It is usually desirable to continue to keep the child rear facing as long as possible until they out-grow the weight restrictions on that particular model car seat. 

What do I do if they have already outgrown the seat prior to first year of age?    You can move to a convertible seat (a sear that can be both rear and forward facing) although it still needs to be kept rear facing until the child is at least one year of age and 20 pounds.   

At four years of age and 40 pounds most kids are ready to go to a booster. If they still fit the weight requirement for their car-seat that is still probably the safest option.  In the state of Virginia every child is required to be restrained in a motor vehicle until the age of eight.  

What is the best car seat on the market today?

The best car seat is the one that fits properly into your car and fits your child in the correct manner.  You can purchase the top-of-the-line car seat for hundreds of dollars and if it’s not installed properly it may not be as safe as one purchased at a garage sale.

What should I do to ensure my car seat is installed correctly?

Bottom line is that everyone (especially first time parents who haven’t installed one before) should really have their car seat inspected.  In most counties either the police or fire department should be able to inspect the seat and usually have certain times allocated for such a service.