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Best Family Travel Car Trip Toys

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With Top Products, Road Trips with Kids are Like a Luxury Vacation

With economists predicting a recession on the horizon. Ghastly gas prices aside, road trips are a viable option for families seeking the luxury of a vacation, yet on a reduced budget (and there are ways to have more eco-friendly car-based vacations too). There are some small, easily transportable toys for surviving a car trip with your children – otherwise known as child-distraction objects – but there are also some new products to help make family road trip vacations safer and more comfortable.

Best Family Travel Car Trip Toys and Products

  1. A portable DVD player’s usefulness cannot be underestimated. Children will watch the same ridiculous video over and over, but when they use headphones, at least their parents don’t have to listen to Spongebob Squarepants forget how to make a Crabby Patty again. The best portable DVD players are worthy investments for road trips.
  2. Don’t plug your kids into consumer electronics for the entire trip, though; the luxury of time with our family is better if some of it is spent actually interacting with them. Imaginative play is its own reward: My Little Pony, The Littlest Pet Shop, Transformers, Star Wars, and other action figures are all sturdy, easy to take on a road trip and allow parents to eavesdrop on the stories their children invent in the back seat.
  3. Remember Lite-Brites? They’ve been around for decades, but the newest incarnation is a travel size Lite-Brite, complete with a built-in storage drawer for storing those little colorful plastic pegs. Yes, some will still end up on the floor of the car, but they’re easily picked up. Kids can entertain themselves making colorful designs and (if history is any indicator) flicking the light on and off in an attempt to create a strobe effect. The travel console comes with over 120 plastic pegs, and a light bulb inside, but the 2 C batteries are not included.
  4. Buckle-Pals are seatbelt strap holders; they work by holding the floppy straps off to the side while children get into their car seats and boosters. It sounds simple, but many parents have been annoyed by groping around for “missing” seat belt straps while buckling their kids into the booster and car seats; this eliminates the problem. Buckle-Pals fit universally into convertible car seats and boosters, and infant (rear-facing) car seats as well.
  5. BedBugz are inflatable bed rails that attach to hotel beds’ mattresses. These are great for travel since hotels don’t always supply child-safe beds or cribs. Nice and soft, these air-filled bedrails don’t cause the pain or surprise of their metal counterparts. They deflate easily to repack in the morning. BedBugz are available at major retailers, or through ToddlerCoddler.com.

The luxury of time with our families is increasingly rare. Make the most of a family road trip by planning to keep children entertained and safe in the back seat. Any of these best family travel road trip toys and products should help.

Natural Gas Fuels: CNC and LNC as an Alternative Fuel for Vehicles

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Natural gas can be used in two distinct forms as an alternative fuel for specialized vehicles. Compressed natural gas (CNC) is subjected to extreme pressure and can achieve nearly the same mileage per gallon as gasoline. Liquified natural gas (LNC) has been cooled to -260 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve a liquid state, and takes up much less space than its compressed counterpart.

Natural Gas Production and Distribution

Most natural gas is a fossil fuel that has formed underground as the result of millions of years of pressure and heat acting on organic matter. Different types of porous rocks are drilled by the same methods traditionally used to locate oil. According to eia.doe.gov, natural gas streams come in a variety of forms, including methane, propane, butane, and nitrogen.

The substance procured by drilling must be processed to separate the natural gas from other substances, and the separated gas must be further processed through a series of specialized plants to meet strict standards set by the US Department of Energy.

A vast interstate natural gas pipeline infrastructure is already in place in the United States, making natural gas obtainable nearly anywhere. Much of the natural gas shipped through the pipelines end up in processing plants to be either compressed or liquefied for use as a vehicle fuel.

Advantages of Natural Gas

According to fueleconomy.gov, natural gas fuels produce an average of 75 percent less air pollutants and 35 percent less greenhouse gas than traditional fuels such as gasoline. Natural gas is also less expensive than its traditional counterparts, which gives it a competitive edge compared to other alternative fuel sources that are still expensive to produce. The highly adequate natural gas pipeline infrastructure mentioned above also gives this fuel a distinct edge over other options.

Drawbacks of Natural Gas

Although natural gas is readily available, CNC and LNC fueling stations are still rare, as are the number of vehicles that support natural gas as an alternative fuel. Natural gas cannot be used in lieu of gasoline in traditional internal combustion engines, so converting our existing gasoline economy to one based on natural gas would require an expensive overhaul of international vehicle design and production standards.

Other Alternative Fuels

Natural gas is a very strong competitor in the alternative vehicle fuel market, but it is not alone in its struggle to rid the world of harmful energy sources. Other alternative fuel sources, such as hydrogen, ethanol, and biomass are all emerging as possible successors to gasoline as the fuel of choice in developed nations.

Autoglym High Definition Wax Product Review

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Autoglym has recently released their latest car wax product, Autoglym high definition wax. The product costing around $59 for a tub is reputedly one of the best car wax products on the market. Here the advantages and disadvantages of the product are considered.

Autoglym High Definition Wax – The Advantages

Finish – The real selling point of Autoglym high definition wax is the finish which can be achieved on a waxed vehicle. Using this brand of car wax will leave a car with a finish of deep luster, seen only on new cars and those which are kept in top condition for show purposes.

Protection – Another great feature of the car wax is its ability to protect the vehicle from the elements. A noticeable difference is seen in the way surfaces react to rainwater. Rainwater sits in small droplets on the vehicle as opposed to pooling, ultimately this means the water will run off the vehicle sooner than if the wax was not applied, thus protecting the vehicle.

Application – Many car wax products are difficult to apply, often products have a tendency to leave white marks on plastic surfaces of the car. The ingredients used in Autoglym high definition wax mean that, even if the user touches such areas with the wax, no white mark is left which spoils the finish.

The package – When buying Autoglym high definition wax, the wax comes as part of a whole kit for application. Contained in the box are two application pads, as well as a polishing cloth. As such no additional products are needed to apply the wax.

Autoglym High Definition Wax – The Disadvantages

Price – The most off-putting factor to consider in buying this brand of car wax is the price of the product. Autoglym high definition wax will set the buyer back in the region of $59 for a tub. Whilst this is expensive in relation to many car wax products, it does not necessarily make the product poor value for money. Whilst the product is expensive, the small tub will give a car many waxes before needing replacement.

Labour intensive – Whilst Autoglym high definition wax gives superior results there is no arguing that the product is a labor-intensive one. When considering that the entire car needs to be covered in the paste and subsequently buffed away. The whole process can take over two hours to complete.

Pre-cleaning – In order to get a decent finish, it is necessary to make sure that the car is entirely spotless and dry before beginning the waxing process. As such this makes the use of Autoglym high definition wax, even more, labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Autoglym High Definition Wax Summary

Overall, Autoglym high definition wax is a great product, if one is looking for a serious car cleaning product and time is not of the essence. In these circumstances, then the advantages of the product certainly outweigh the disadvantages.

The product is not, however, one for everyday use if only for the time-consuming nature of the preparation required before application of the wax itself.

The Hybrid Question: The Marriage of Electricity and Gas

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Hybrid means a combination of two distinct parts that result in a third. The key element of this third is that the characteristics of the two initial parts remain constant. In the case of a Hybrid, the two distinct things are Gas and Electric power systems that combine to form a unique gas/electric engine.

The hybrid engine uses the power of electrical current from the electric motor, and the explosive chemical reaction from the gas engine.

What is So Good About a Gasoline-Electric Engine?

The great thing about the hybrid engine is its ability to switch power sources without any input from the driver. In other words, the driver doesn’t even notice when the car is using electricity or gas to drive – unless it’s visible on a dashboard display.

In fact, designers aimed to build hybrid cars that switched imperceptibly to maximize the comfort of the driver and passengers, so as to come as close as possible to driving a non-hybrid car. The goal was to introduce the technology in a way that was not intrusive to the driving experience that engineers had spent billions on creating with non-hybrid vehicles

Environmental Advertising

But there is something that is perceivable everywhere a hybrid drives – the badge that says “hybrid”. Given the public’s fascination with so-called “green” technologies”, a hybrid badge stands out from the crowd, and automatically labels a consumer and manufacturer as environmentally conscious.

Why do Hybrids Save on Gas?

Hybrids use battery technology to store electrical energy. Their electrical energy is generated by either plugging the vehicle into an electrical socket, using the braking of the vehicle to generate a charge, (similar to getting a light to run of a moving bicycle tire), or a combination of both.

This electrical energy can be sent directly to the motor to drive the wheels, allowing an almost silent movement of the vehicle. The battery and motors are powerful enough to move passengers with the same speed and acceleration as a gas engine – all without using a drop of gas.

Limits of Electric Engines

There are limits to electrically driven motors, the primary one being range. Even with current technology, the range of the battery driven motor on a hybrid is far less than a simple gas engine. Gas engines are part of the hybrid equation to take over when the batteries have lost their charge.

A Clear Green Choice?

Even with a fully functioning gas engine, the addition of the electric drive system to create a hybrid has a significant impact on the total amount of gas burned. Hybrids allow a reduction in emissions at the tailpipe per distance traveled.

Hybrids do save on gas, but the extra price charged to have a combined gas/electric drive system can cut into those savings. One thing is for sure, a hybrid engine will produce fewer emissions on average per kilometers driven than a gas-only engine, making it a good choice for the “green’ conscious consumer.

Biodiesel Fuel: One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Fuel

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Biodiesel fuel is one of several alternative energy technologies derived from biomass. Biomass-based energy can be produced using a wide variety of organic material, including plant matter, vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste products. According to oregon.gov, plants store energy from the sun in the form of carbohydrates through the process of photosynthesis, and energy is released from the stored carbohydrates as the plants decompose, creating an opportunity to capture a source of renewable energy.

Biodiesel Production and Distribution

Biodiesel is mainly produced from vegetable oils and animal fats through a process called esterification. The oils or fats are combined with an alcohol and a catalyst, often methanol and sodium hydroxide, to create methyl esters, or crude biodiesel. The esters are further refined and separated from contaminants to produce pure biodiesel fuel. Biodiesel can be sold in a pure form or blended with traditional diesel fuel in a variety of proportions, much like ethanol.

Since biodiesel is produced using highly renewable and abundant sources, production facilities can be located nearly anywhere and transported to distribution facilities via truck, rail, or ship. Production facilities are currently located throughout the United States, with the highest concentration in the continental Midwest. According to afdc.energy.gov, pipeline technology suited to the transport of biodiesel fuel has not yet been perfected.

Advantages of Biodiesel

Biodiesel fuel production creates a highly sustainable balance in the area of emissions and environmental stability. To produce plant-based biodiesel fuel, plants must be grown at the same rate at which they are harvested, and the plants themselves serve to reduce the gasses emitted by burning the fuel. This is vastly preferable to traditional fossil fuel based energy production that cannot replace the resources it harvests and does nothing to counterbalance its own emissions.

Biodiesel fuel is also non-toxic, making it safer to handle and reducing the environmental risk of spills and accidents.

Drawbacks of Biodiesel

Although biodiesel production serves to nearly offset its harmful emissions, the fuel emits a greater amount of Nitrogen Oxide than other alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and natural gas.

Pure biodiesel fuels and blends with lower traditional diesel content are not yet approved by auto manufacturers for use in diesel engines, due to the higher level of engine wear caused by the oil-based fuel. Issues such as sticky deposits and lube oil gelling are challenges that biodiesel manufacturers must overcome before the fuel can be commercially viable on an international scale.

Why Buy a Hybrid Car? Green Cars on Hydrogen Fuel

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Hybrids, or cars that run on gas and alternative fuels are not a new concept but for many people, they are more of a science fiction accessory, rather than a reality. There are many reasons why people prefer to buy a hybrid car, and some of the three most important ones are that hybrid cars are eco-friendly cars, they are fashionable, and they cut energy expenses.

Hybrid Cars Are Eco-friendly Cars

Cars and the other vehicles are among the major air polluters. While it is not realistic to expect that the use of cars can be drastically reduced, thus reducing the pollution and saving the environment, running cars on alternative fuel – i.e., hydrogen – which unlike fossil fuels does not pollute the environment, is a serious contribution to a better world. Unlike hydrogen cars, hybrid cars do use some gas, but in comparison to traditional cars, which run only on gas or diesel, the negative effect on the environment is times less.

Hybrid Cars Cut Energy Expenses

In addition to the positive effect of hydrogen cars on the environment, their second main advantage is that they cut energy expenses. Today, when gas prices have increased drastically, the economic benefits of alternative fuel cars, are not something to be underestimated. Hybrids run on oil and hydrogen, and since hydrogen is cheap, or practically free, this can reduce energy expenses by 40% or more.

Additionally, running a car on hydrogen leads to increased mileage and less wear of the parts. Even these perks are convincing enough that hybrid cars are a good buy, but since hydrogen-fueled cars are green cars, many governments stimulate their purchases via tax credits, tax deductions or other financial measures, which further make the purchase of hydrogen-fueled cars even a better deal.

Hybrid Cars Show Attitude

Going green is a trend in many aspects of life and cars are not an exception. Sure, hybrid cars have many advantages as already discussed and only these advantages are enough to make them a market hit. What is more, car manufacturers have responded promptly to the increased demand for hydrogen-fueled cars, and now almost any of the major car manufacturers offer a hybrid car.

Hybrid cars are not cheap, but they are affordable. Of course, for the people who want to show their pro-environment vote, the price comes second.

Hybrid cars will continue their advance in daily lives. Hybrids are still new on the market, and it is hard to find a used hybrid but in a couple of years, when there will be lots of used hybrid cars and hopefully an even wider assortment of new hybrids, it will not be surprising is hydrogen-fueled vehicles become the majority on the road.

Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Cars

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Electric cars, such as the Tesla Roadster, and plug-in hybrid cars, such as General Motors’ proposed Saturn VUE SUV, have several characteristics in common. Both offer better fuel economy than traditional gasoline-powered cars, both emit fewer pollutants than conventional cars in operation, and both employ both gasoline-powered and electric components.

Electric Cars

A purely electric car uses electricity to power the wheels of the car. This electricity is stored in the car’s batteries, which are recharged both during operation and overnight.

Recharging during operation is done by one of two means. One is regenerative braking, which involves using the motor to slow the wheels of the car, with the energy generated by the braking process used to recharge the battery. The second is by means of a gasoline-powered generator, which kicks in to produce electricity to help power the car and recharge the batteries once the batteries have been drained of their initial charge.

The batteries are also recharged when the car is not in operation and is plugged into the electric grid.

Plug-in Hybrid Cars

In the case of a plug-in hybrid car, the gasoline-powered engine is used to power the car when it is operating at cruising (i.e., highway) speeds, with the electric motor assisting when the car is accelerating or climbing hills and extra power is needed. The car uses its electric motor to power the car when it is traveling slowly, such as in city driving conditions. Once again, the electricity used to power the electric motor is stored in the car’s batteries, which are recharged both during operation and overnight.

Recharging the batteries of a plug-in hybrid during operation is similar to recharging the batteries of an electric car, except that it is only the excess power from the gasoline-powered engine that is used to recharge the batteries. As with electric cars, the batteries are also recharged when the car is not in operation and is plugged into the electric grid (hence the name, plug-in hybrid.)

The Potential Downside to Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Cars

While both types of cars generate lower emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas implicated in global warming, and other pollutants during operation, they are not necessarily better for the environment than conventional gasoline-powered cars, because they are no greener than the source of electricity in the area of the country in which they are operated.

Where Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Cars are Best

Both of these types of cars offer substantial advantages in areas of the country in which electricity is generated from “clean” technologies. These areas are the Pacific Northwest, where most of the electricity is generated by hydroelectric plants, and the Eastern Seaboard, where most of the electricity is generated by burning natural gas.

Where Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Cars May Not be Better

In those parts of the country in which electricity is generated in coal-fired power plants, electric and plug-in hybrid cars lose their “green” edge. This is due to the fact that the emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide and mercury, of coal-fired plants are very high – high enough to overcome the advantage that electric and plug-in hybrid cars offer in operation.

Ethanol and E10 Fuel: Vehicles Powered by Traditional Feedstocks.

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Ethanol production relies on the fermentation of natural plant sugars, making it possible to produce ethanol from nearly any plant substance, including waste material. Plants with a high natural sugar content, such as sugarcane, are ideal for fermentation, but according to afdc.energy.gov, 90% of ethanol in the United States is currently produced from corn.

Ethanol Production and Distribution

The sugars in a feedstock, such as corn, are fermented using a process called biochemical conversion. First, the feedstock is ground into flour and cooked with water and enzymes. Yeast is then added to the mixture to begin fermentation. The resulting substance is placed in a ‘molecular sieve’ which distills pure ethanol from the mixture. The substance that remains after distillation can be sold as an ingredient in certain animal feeds to eliminate waste and reduce material costs.

A majority of ethanol produced in the US is shipped via truck or rail. Using pipelines to ship ethanol over large distances is a highly effective method, but the unique properties of ethanol require the use of costly, specially designed pipes.

E10 and E85

Ethanol is often blended with gasoline in different ratios; the most popular blends are E10, which contains 10% ethanol, and E85, which contains 85% ethanol. Nearly any internal combustion engine can utilize E10 fuel, and this fuel can be found at an increasing number of traditional gas stations across the country. E85 can only be used by uniquely designed vehicles, called ‘flex-fuel vehicles’ (FFV), which can run on ethanol, gasoline, or any mixture of the two. Although more gas stations are offering E85 fuel than ever, it remains difficult to find in many locations.

Ethanol Benefits

Ethanol can be produced domestically in large quantities, which reduces the risks associated with relying on foreign sources of energy. Since it is alcohol-based, ethanol burns clean and emits significantly smaller amounts of greenhouse gas than gasoline and other traditional fuels. According to fueleconomy.gov, vehicles fueled by E85 experience no performance lags compared to vehicles fueled by gasoline.

Drawbacks of Ethanol

Ethanol is currently not available in many regions, making the purchase of flex-fuel vehicles out of the question for a large number of environmentally conscious consumers. Ethanol’s lower energy content compared to gasoline provides fewer miles per gallon than vehicles running on gasoline. Add the fact that ethanol cannot carry you very far to the fact that it is not widely available and you have the perfect recipe for a vehicle breakdown many miles away from the nearest ethanol fueling station.

Other Alternative Fuels

Ethanol is a strong contender in the race to fuel the future, but it is not alone in its quest to rid the world of the hazards of traditional energy sources. Other alternative fuels such as hydrogen, natural gas, and biomass are making great progress towards becoming commercially viable fuel solutions in international markets.

Natural Gas for Vehicles: A Clean Burning Alternative Fuel That is Better for the Environment

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Natural gas is a promising alternative fuel source for vehicles and provides enormous benefits over petroleum. It produces fewer harmful emissions and costs less. It is a safer fuel and a largely domestic product.

Natural Gas and Air Pollution

Two forms of natural gas can be used for fueling car engines: compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas. The emissions produced by these two forms of natural gas are the same in light-duty vehicles. They also both produce significantly fewer pollutants than petroleum.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, natural gas vehicles emit over 90% less carbon monoxide than petroleum-based vehicles. They also produce 25% less carbon dioxide and up to 60% less nitrogen oxide. Little to no particulate matter is emitted by the use of natural gas vehicles. They also create less carcinogenic and toxic pollutants that enter the atmosphere.

The Safety of Natural Gas

Some concerns have been raised about the safety of using natural gas as a fuel for cars. According to the Clean Vehicle Education Foundation’s article “How Safe Are Natural Gas Vehicles?” newly produced natural gas vehicles undergo the same crash tests as gas-powered vehicles and must meet safety standards.

Like gasoline, natural gas is an explosive. However, if gasoline is leaked or spilled it creates a cloud of vapor and has a low flashpoint. Because of these factors, gasoline is highly ignitable. This is in contrast to natural gas which evaporates rapidly when it is leaked. Natural gas also has an offensive odorant added to it in order to identify leakage.

Natural gas is also nontoxic. If a spill occurs, it will not contaminate or cause any toxic effects to the water or ground. This is an obvious improvement over oil which, during spills, has polluted numerous ecosystems, killed countless organisms and wreaked havoc on local economies.

Natural Gas is an Increasingly Domestically Produce Product

According to the article “The Case for Natural Gas: The Most Abundant, Clean and Cost-Efficient American Fuel” at the NGVAmerica website, over 90% of the natural gas currently used in the United States is produced in North America. It is likely that by the year 2030 nearly all of the natural gas used in the United States will be produced domestically. This is in sharp contrast to oil production. In 2008, 70% of the oil used in the United States was imported.

Natural Gas Infrastructure

Natural gas has been used to heat and power homes in the United States long enough to have a well-developed infrastructure. The number of natural gas filling stations is growing as the demand increases. There is also the option for homeowners who already use natural gas and have a car that uses compressed natural gas to refill their car at home. This involves using an appliance that is installed in the garage.

Infant Car Seat Buying Guide

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How to Choose a Carrier Car Restraint for a Baby

The journey to select an infant car seat carrier for a newborn will likely lead parents to that long aisle of car seats at the local Babies R Us. With numerous options, it can be difficult for parents to know exactly which seat is the right choice for their growing family. However, with a little bit of guidance, parents can purchase a child car seat restraint with confidence.

There Is No “Best” Child Restraint

The most important tidbit parents need to understand is that the best car safety seat is one that is installed correctly according to the manufacturer’s unique instructions and used properly every single time. All car seats currently being marketed in the United States have been reviewed by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Association (NHTSA) and meet guidelines for crash test performance.

“Better” Infant Safety Seats

Because motor vehicle accidents remain the number one cause of death for children age 14 and under in the United States, many parents are selective about which seat they choose. Car seats can differ greatly in their ease of ease of use, added safety features, and the cost. Parents should carefully consider the following points when selecting an infant car seat.

Higher Height and Weight Limits

Higher height and weight limits are perhaps one of the most important added safety features for which parents should look. It is well-established that babies should stay rear-facing as long as possible to substantially reduce the risk of death and other injuries (American Academy of Pediatrics). Though parents in the United States can turn a child forward-facing as early as 20 pounds and one year of age (note child must meet both requirements), many parents are following the AAP’s urgency to stay rear-facing for as long as the car seat allows.

The unfortunate thing is that some children outgrow the seat in height before they even reach the 20-pound weight limit. Some infant carrier car seats are now being marketed that accommodate babies up to 30 pounds and 32 inches.

5-Point Harness, Chest Clips, and Straps

Parents should look for a car seat that has a 5-point harness, two-piece chest clips, and wide twist-free straps. The 5-point harness is the safest type of harness available. Two-piece chest clips are less likely to twist, easier to use, and children are less likely to unbuckle themselves. Wide straps are less likely to become twisted. A twisted strap performs less efficiently and is more likely to cause skin burns in a crash. (Car-Safety)

Head Impact Protection and EPS Foam

Some seats have added head impact protection. The addition of EPS Foam recessed into the plastic at the head can offer added protection during side impacts, rear impacts, and rebounds in frontal crashes. Some newer models also have side impact protection measures. This may include wide, padded wings that cradle the head area.

Weight of the Carrier and Width of the Base

For parents who intend on using the carrier to transport their infant while not in the car, the weight of the carrier is something to consider. Some carriers weigh upwards of 10 pounds. Add an infant in the seat, and the carrier can be heavy to lug around. The width of the base may be important for families who have smaller vehicles or families with more than one installed car seats. Models generally range from 16.5 to 19 inches wide. (Fields, 2008)

Ease of Use

Parents need to be certain that they purchase a seat that can be installed properly and used correctly every single time. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has developed a five-star rating system that evaluates instructions, labels, installation features, and ease of securing the child. For access to this “Ease-of-Use” brochure, call 1-888-327-4236 or visit their website.

Added safety features and ease of use are important aspects to consider when purchasing a car seat. With the knowledge of points to look for an infant car seat carriers, parents can make an informed choice of which car seat is best for their child, their vehicle, and their budget.