Q&A:
Is there one infant car seat that is safest and that fits all cars

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Answered by Linda Jonides R.N., C.P.N.P.

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"I have worked as a pediatric nurse practitioner (P.N.P.) for over 30 years," says Linda Jonides. "I continue to thoroughly enjoy forming new relationships with parents and newborns and working with them through infancy, childhood, and adolescence."

Linda Jonides is a pediatric nurse practitioner in a private pediatric practice in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She received her Diploma in Nursing and Certificate as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from The Johns Hopkins Hospital. She is a past recipient of the Michigan PNP of the Year Award. She has a B.S. in Nursing from Eastern Michigan University. She has published articles and lectured on childhood obesity, infant colic, role of the P.N.P., growth and development issues, and infectious diseases. She was an author of "Clinical Insights Column," published biannually in the Journal of Pediatric Health Care for nine years. Jonides is past president of NAPNAP. Currently, she is a steering group work member of NAPNAP's HEAT (healthy eating and activity together) project. One outcome of this group's work is the clinical practice guideline, "Identifying and Preventing Overweight in Childhood," that was published as a supplement to the March/April '06 issue of the Journal of Pediatric Health Care.

Ms. Jonides has been married to John, a university professor, since 1971.

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Question

Is there one infant car seat that is safest and that fits all cars

Answer

There is no one seat that is safest, best, or that fits all cars. The best car safety seat is the one that fits your child's size and weight, and can be installed correctly in your car. There are infant-only car seats and convertible car seats. Infant-only seats can only be used rear facing, which is the current safety recommendation until babies are 1 year old, and weigh at least 20 pounds. Convertible seats are bigger and heavier than infant-only seats, but they can be used longer and can fit larger children. These seats may not fit newborns as well as some infant-only seats. You need to make sure the baby can recline comfortably in the seat. If you choose a convertible seat, check the car safety seat manufacturer's instructions to make sure that harnesses can be adjusted properly. See our site article, Car Seat Safety and Shopping Guide, for more information.

Price does not always make a difference. Sometimes, higher prices can mean added features that you may not need and can make the seat more complicated to use. It's definitely worth your time to look around at a number of models. When you find one you like, try it out, and make sure it fits in your car. Many parents and caretakers do not install or use their car seats correctly. Be sure to read the car safety seat manufacturer's instructions and the child restraint section of your vehicle owner's manual carefully to make sure you install and use the car safety seat correctly. In many areas, car dealers or local police stations offer checks on car safety seats to make sure they are installed correctly. Or, you may consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. These technicians are certified by the American Automobile Association. A list of certified CPS technicians is available by state or zip code on the NHTSA Web site. Good luck, and be sure to always buckle up your baby and you.