Car seats are a necessary and vital product for every baby to have. Choosing a car seat can be daunting because of all the different options available and many parents have questions about what features are actually needed, what features are optional but nice to have, and what features are truly just for fun. While I can't make that decision for you, I can educate you on the safety aspects of car seats and give you some important pointers that will help keep your baby safe and secure. No matter which car seat you decide to purchase, choosing the appropriate size is key. Infant car seats are very convenient because they are portable, which is nice during the infant stage. Whichever style you choose, whether infant or convertible, make sure it fits your baby. Many infant car seats are rated for 4 lbs and above, although some are 5 lbs and above. Do not pick a car seat that your baby is too small for weight wise. Another important consideration is to make sure the car seat is either brand new, or at least still within the expiration date and has never been in a crash before. Check to make sure there are no cracks in the frame or tears in the straps. Your car seat should have a readable label that includes the model number and date of manufacture and come with the manufacturer and installation instruction manual. Car seat bases are common place now a days and provide a quick and convenient way to safely put your car seat in the car. However, research shows that the majority of car seat bases are installed incorrectly. If possible, try to go to a local certified car seat technician to have it professionally inspected once you've installed the base. Some fire stations will do this, or you can google to find a technician in your area. Many car seats come with newborn head and body inserts to help keep them more comfortable and contained.  These can be very nice and useful, but make sure to only use inserts that come with the car seat and always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for use. Using off-brand inserts can be risky because the car seat has not been crash tested with those particular items and there is no guarantee they will keep your baby safe. When it comes to positioning your baby in the car seat, here are some important pointers: 

• position your baby with their buttocks flush against the back of the seat
• make sure the shoulder straps are at or below your baby's shoulders
• ensure the straps are snug - you should not be able to fit more than 2 fingers between the straps and your baby
• Position the chest clip at armpit level (midpoint of chest)