When should I buy an infant car seat?

The third trimester of pregnancy is the time to buy an infant car seat for your baby. State law requires that children under 8 years old be restrained in child-restraint systems, unless the child is 4'9" or taller. You will need one to take your newborn home from the hospital. For proper protection, a car seat must be used as recommended by the manufacturer. It is important, then, that you get an infant seat in advance so you have time to read the instruction manual and learn to properly use it before you go to the hospital. Hospital staff members are not responsible for placing the infant in the seat.