Which Car Seat Is Right for Your Child?

Infants

As your child grows, you'll need to change the direction that his car seat faces and how he sits in it -- and you may need to buy a new seat. Check out this age-by-age guide to keeping car travel safe for your little one.

Kids must remain rear-facing until they're 1 year old and 20 pounds, preferably longer. Your options are:

• Infant-only seat: This can be used until baby weighs 20 to 22 pounds or his head is within 1 inch of top of the seat.
• Rear-facing convertible: Most babies use this next, because they still need to ride rear-facing. (It may be used from birth, but infant-only seats fit small babies better.) Choose one certified to face rear until baby weighs at least 30 pounds.