Shopping for your baby’s first car seat can be an overwhelming task, especially with so many makes and models from which to choose. The following information is designed to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a car seat for your new baby.
Things to Remember:
Price is not an indicator of safety.
Choose a seat that is easy for you to use.
Choose a seat with several harness slots at the top and bottom to meet the needs of your growing baby.
Babies usually outgrow an Infant-only seat between 5 and 8 months-of-age.
The harness of the rear-facing seat should never come out of the seat above the baby's shoulders.
If possible, try the seat in the back of your vehicle(s) to make sure that it can be installed correctly.
Fill out and return the Registration Card that comes with your seat so that the manufacturer can inform you of any safety notices or Recalls.
Types of Rear-facing Seats:
There are three (3) types of car seats that can be used rear-facing - Infant-only seats, Infant/Child seats (also called Convertible seats) and Infant/Child/Booster seats (also called 3-Stage seats). The most popular car seat for a new born is the Infant-only seat. If you choose an Infant/Child seat or Infant/Child/Booster seat for your baby, check the position of the harness. If the lowest harness slot is above the infant's shoulders, the seat should not be used until the baby is bigger.
1. Infant-Only Seats:
These seats are designed to be used rear-facing only. Most models of infant-only seats have an upper weight limit of 9-10 kg (20-22 lb.) and an upper height limit from 66-81cm (26-30 in.). Some new models go up to 13.6, 14.5 or 16 kg and 81 cm ( 30, 32 or 35 lb.; 32 in.).
2. Infant/Child Seats (also called Convertible Seats):
These seats can be used rear-facing for infants weighing up to 13.6-20.4 kg and 76 cm or more (30-45 lb.; 30 in. or more) in height, depending on the model. When the child is over 1 year-of-age, weighs at least 10 kg (22 lb.) AND can walk unassisted, the seat can be turned forward. In the forward-facing position, these seats can accommodate weights up to 18-36 kg (40-65 lb.), depending on the model.
3. Infant/Child/Booster Seats (also called 3-Stage Seats):
These seats can be used rear-facing for infants weighing up to 13.6-16 kg and 76 cm or more (30-35 lb.; 30 in. or more) in height. When the child is over 1 year-of-age, is at least 10 kg (22 lb.) AND can walk unassisted, the seat can be turned forward. In the forward-facing position, these seats can accommodate weights of 18 to 30 kg, 102 to 127 cm (40 to 65 lb., 40 to 50 in.), depending on the model. When the upper weight is reached, the harness is removed and they can be used as a Booster seat with the vehicle lap and shoulder belt up to 36 or 45 kg (80 or 100 lb.), depending on the model.
Infant-only Seats:
The most popular car seat for a newborn is the Infant-only seat. They are smaller and have a harness system that is designed to fit the newborn's body. Infant-only seats have handles for easier carrying.
They also come with a base that remains belted in the vehicle when you remove the seat. You do not have to adjust and tighten the seat belt or Universal Anchorage System every time you put the infant seat in the vehicle. You can buy an additional base for some models to use in a second vehicle.
There are also Travel systems - an infant-only car seat and stroller combination. Assess the car seat and stroller separately. Remember, babies often outgrow their infant-only car seat between 5 and 8 months-of-age.
Price:
The price of a seat is not an indicator of a seat's safety. The simplest and least expensive model will usually work just as well as one with fancy features. Some features, however, may make the seat easier to use, therefore increasing the likelihood of it being used correctly.
Checking the Labels and Instructions:
When looking to purchase an infant-only seat, you will notice a round sticker indicating that the seat meets Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 213.1. Only seats that meet the standard are legal for use in Canada.
Also, look at the manufacturer’s instructions, both on the seat and in the instruction manual. Are they easy to understand? Do they give you clear directions with helpful diagrams? If not, it might not be the right seat for you and your baby.
Checking the Harness System:
For safety and comfort, it is very important to ensure the harness can be easily changed to different levels as your baby grows. The harness must come through the back of the seat at the level of, or slightly below, the baby’s shoulders but never above.
The various models of Infant-only seats use different harness mechanisms. It is important that you, or anyone else who may put your baby in the car seat, are comfortable with how to adjust the harness. If it is a struggle, you may be tempted to not bother adjusting it properly. This can result in the baby not being correctly restrained in the event of a crash.
Checking How the Seat Fits in Your Vehicle(s):
Not all car seats are compatible with all vehicles. If possible, try the seat in the back of your vehicle(s) to make sure that it fits. If you are unable to do this, make sure that the store will allow you to return the seat for a full refund if it cannot be properly installed.
Check that 80% of the base of the infant-only seat is firmly supported by the vehicle seat. Also, is there enough room (front-to-back) to properly position the handle? The carry handle is usually down when the seat is used in the vehicle. If all rear seating positions are required, due to family size or car pooling, is there enough hand clearance, or access, to fasten the belt?
Your vehicle owner's manual will have information on correctly securing a car seat with your seat belts or the Universal Anchorage System (UAS). When tightening the seat belt or UAS, push the base of the infant seat down and into the upholstery.
The seat should not move more than 2.5 cm (1 in.) toward the front of the vehicle, or directly side-to-side, where the belt is attached. It is acceptable (and normal) to be able to lift the seat toward the rear of the vehicle or pivot it side to side.
The most popular car seat for a newborn is the Infant-only seat. They are smaller and have a harness system that is designed to fit the newborn's body. Infant-only seats have handles for easier carrying. 
When looking to purchase an infant-only seat, you will notice a round sticker indicating that the seat meets Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 213.1. Only seats that meet the standard are legal for use in Canada. 
Not all car seats are compatible with all vehicles. If possible, try the seat in the back of your vehicle(s) to make sure that it fits. If you are unable to do this, make sure that the store will allow you to return the seat for a full refund if it cannot be properly installed.