I can tell you from experience, there’s a lot of shopping to do when a new baby is on the way! For a while I thought the list was endless: a crib, bassinet, changing table, swing, walker, clothes, high chair, toys, stroller, car seat, on and on. And that’s not to mention maternity clothes for Mom-to-be!

There might be a lot of items on the list, but one of the most important things you’re going to buy for your baby is a car seat. In fact, a lot of hospitals make sure you have proper car seat equipment before you even take the baby home for the first time.

Of course we all hope that the car seats for our children are never put to the test. In case the worst happens, though, buying a new car seat makes sure that your child will be as safe as possible. Car seat manufacturers are required to meet strict safety guidelines, and car seat makers like Britax are always refining their designs with new innovations to make your child as safe as possible.

An industry standard that has been introduced a few years ago is called LATCH. It stands for “Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren." It has not only increased the safety of child car seats, but made it easier to install and remove them also.

The system dictates that car makers provide standardized mounting points for car seats, and car seat manufacturers put accommodating mounting points on their car seats also. Everybody wins! Your child is safer and you are happy with the ease of use.

New car seat models from makers such as Britax not only comply with the LATCH requirements, but they often have additional safety features. For instance, a number of models from Britax offer a supplemental upper anchor called Versa Tether which provides more security and minimizes the possibility of head injury.

There is no one car seat that is the “safest" or “best." The best and safest car seat is the one that fits your child correctly and is installed and secured properly, every time you drive. And speaking of proper use, remember to never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat of a car that has a passenger air bag. For that matter, all children under the age of thirteen are safer in the back seat.

The saying “they don’t make ‘em like they used to" could certainly apply to car seats! Technology and research have definitely played a central role in the evolution of child car seats, to the benefit of everyone. Give your child every advantage and make sure they are protected by a new car seat designed with their safety and comfort in mind.