How to select the "right" Infant Carseat

Becoming a parent can really rock the foundation of ones daily life (no kidding). Not only will you get less sleep and suddenly become smothered among all the toys and devices that require assembly. You will also buy more batteries than you can imagine ( how does one buy stock in Duracell?). It will all be worth the "trouble" because the rewards are smiles, giggles and fond memories. But, before we get there we've got to get the bundle of joy home and, to do so you will "need' an Infant Car Seat. Actually, an Infant Car Seat is an option because you could start off with a Convertible Car Seat. but this is usually the next stage of seat(that of which there are 3) . I'm sure most of you don't know what an Infant Car Seat is so, I will explain it in simple terms. An Infant Car Seat orICS as I call them( It just sounds cooler, doesn't it?) is: a device designed to transport/protect newborns in an automobile. An ICS has a handle,serves as a carrier and, are very nice to have on hand as you don't have to wake the baby in order to exit the vehicle and enter your home. AnICS comes with a base that is installed in the vehicle by use of the vehicle seat belts or L.A.T.C.H (Lower anchor and tethers for children) which is available in vehicles built after 2002. The base aids in speedy installation of the ICS. You just attach the ICS and your ready to go though, it may take awhile to install the base. An ICS usually has a stroller from the same vendor which will allow you to mount the ICS and then stroll along... An ICS usually last between 6 and 9 months but, could be shorter or longer since period of use is determined by baby's growth /weight/height limits of the seat.
So, the 4 basics of ICS' s:
used to transport babies in vehicles
have handles
have detachable bases
usually can be mounted to a matching stroller.
Now, there are features to choose amongst as well. Some are conveniences and others are safety oriented some both. The core of any Child Safety seat is the harness which is used to safely secure the little one into the seat. Next would be how that harness is tightened. Better seats allow the parent to make adjustments at the front of the seat. Next, you should look at how the harness is adjusted for the babies growth. Most seats require that the harness be unhooked then threaded out of the seat. Then you would have to re thread through the next higher opening an reattach it to the seat(think power window or not). Other factors to consider are the weight of the seat. Difficulty of installation when using the vehicles seat belts should also be considered. All seats ICS's currently offer Latch which greatly increases the ease of installation but not all vehicles have latch. Only vehicles made after 2002 offer it ( some auto makers. where ahead of the requirement so check your owners manual of your vehicle). But, few offer latch in the middle which is the best position to install a Child Safety Seat. Some seats have built in "clamps to hold the seat belt steady and tight against the base making for a more secure install. An ICS also offers a leveler to indicate when the seat is installed at the right angle. And now the raw deal.... All Child Safety Seats (ICS, Convertible Car Seats, Booster Seats) provide protection from frontal collisions as required by law. Many CSS now offer protection from side impacts as well. But few provide protection from rear end collisions. Is that not ridiculous. I mean there are at minimum 8 possible points of impact and the law only requires that protection be provided from 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are many vendors/ models and options out there. I will list the major brands and some features/ benefits...

Graco Snug Ride:
22 lbs or 29 inches. The most widely available ICS. offers a five point harness, leveler. Some seats offer frontal adjustments. available in dozens of patterns. I couldn't find any that listed side impact or rear impact protection. require metal locking clip to install with use of seat belts which can be very difficult.L.A.T.C.H.

Graco Snug Ride 32.
An updated take at the original snug ride and formally the Safe Seat. 5 point harness and front adjustment offers a a longer period of use than the Snug Ride. Limits are 32 lbs or 32 inches. It does offer a built in clamp to aid in seat belt installs and more angle adjustments. Seems to still lack side and rear impact protection. L.A.T.C.H.

Chicco Key Fit 30:
Limits are 30/30 lbs or inches. Is the easiest seat to attach to its base. Offers 5 point harness with front adjustment. Side impact protection. built in clip for seat belt adjustment. More modern L.A.T.CH. hardware than on the Graco seats.

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio: limits are 30 lbs or 30 inches. 5 point harness with front adjustment. requires metal locking clip but does have a path to thread seat belt through which adds tension. Leveler. Does not require unhooking of harness to raise height as child grows. Provides side impact protection. Very nice high quality fabrics including synthetic leather.

Britax Chaprone: Limits 30 lbs or/ 32 inches. 5 point harness with front adjustment. does not require unhooking of harness to raise as child grows. Offers built in clamp to aid in seat belt install. Has modern L.A.T.C.H.. Offers wedge to help fit smaller babies better. Provides protection from rear and side impact( 4 sides).

I Hope this was helpful. There is a lot more info available and other options to look for this is just a taste......!!!!!! more to come.....