Car Base

Car Base
Can I use an infant car seat without the base?

I live in Alabama. I have a rear facing infant car seat that I think originally came with a base, but I don’t have that. It does have instructions printed on it for use without the base. If you have a web sight I could check out on the specific law, I would appreciate it. The baby is 8 months old.

Whether or not you can use it without the base depends upon the seat. Check the manual. If you don’t have the manual, find the model number, serial number, and date of manufacture on a label on the seat and go online to the manufacturer and you can likely download it. there’s no law against it. Except that some states do have a ‘proper use’ clause in their car seat provisions, so technically if you use wrong its breaking the law, lol.

Worth noting: did you get the seat used or new? Its actually unsafe to get a used car seat unless it is coming from a trusted friend or relative and you are 100% positive:
1)it has never been in any wreck
2)it has all the original pieces, including manual
3)it has never been dropped, which means never been checked as luggage at the airport, either, since this frequently happens when checked or gate checked .
4)it is less than 6 years old
5)the straps have never been completely submerged or washed with anything other than mild soap(it messes up the flame retardent treatment)

If you wouldn’t trust the seller with your child’s life, don’t buy a car seat from them. For $40 you can get a Cosco Scenera from Walmart. It rear faces to a whopping 35lbs, which is important b/c kids should stay rear facing as long as possible, the American Academy of Pediatrics says keep them rear facing preferably for their first 2 years of life. Then it goes to 40lbs front facing. It won’t last child as long forward facing as some others, but for $40, its a great deal. Or, call your local Police Station and ask about car seats. Most have programs in place to give free/inexpensive car seat to families that need them.

Also, at 8 months old, there’s a good chance your baby has outgrown the seat. Rear facing seats are outgrown when:
1)the weight limit is reached -22lbs on most carriers
OR
2)there is less than 1″ of seat above the child’s head.

Check to make sure he/she still fits appropriately. And if the seat is used, get rid of it and get a Convertible Car seat instead, but keep it rear facing until your child reaches the 30-35lbs rear facing limit or is at least 2 years old.

Even seats that say you can use them without the base are often very difficult to do so thesedays. Its incredibly inconvenient to have to install/uninstall the seat every time you get in/out of the car.

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Looking for Some Car Based Fun? Attend an Auto Show!

Automotive enthusiasts who can’t get enough of their favorite cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and crossovers understand that there is one venue which can satisfy their craving for all things on four wheels: auto shows. Held around the year and all across the globe, these events allow visitors get a glimpse of some of the newest cars, most promising concepts, and an opportunity to rub shoulders with industry experts.

But, not all auto shows are equal. In fact, some regional or local shows can be downright disappointing. Particularly hard to take are those shows when major manufacturers are a no show, a special vehicle being shown elsewhere fails to appear, or show hours are too restrictive.

On the other hand, there are some shows that far exceed expectations, are fun to attend, and offer some pleasant surprises for visitors. The top US shows are usually located in major cities and metropolitan areas, offering the biggest draw and the most exciting vehicles. Please read on to learn the top shows her in the states and what you need to know about them.

Los Angeles Auto Show – Held during the last part of November, the L.A. Auto Show is the first major show of the new model year. This edge allows visitors to see all new models just as they reach dealer showrooms. In addition, the show is a popular place for manufacturers to roll out new models and concepts, particularly Japanese automakers who crave and appreciate the California driver.

North American International Auto Show – Held in Detroit beginning the middle of January, this show is the top show of the automobile calendar in the US. All three US manufacturers are evident in force, vying with each other to show off their latest offerings. Well represented by many other brands, the Detroit show has increasingly become the place where Chinese manufacturers are beginning to tout their brands.

Chicago Auto Show – Held just one month after the Detroit show ends, the Chicago show still has some of its own glamor to display. This past show gave Chrysler the perfect venue to roll out the Dodge Challenger, and other automakers (like Porsche) who avoid Detroit are present in this larger market show.

New York International Auto Show – Held in late March or early April, the New York show has the most attendees of any American show, with more than one million people visiting over a nine or ten day period. For that reason alone, the New York show becomes a favorite venue for some automakers, particularly major European brands as they roll out sought after vehicles to tri-state customers.

SEMA Show – This large show is held in Las Vegas, usually in early November. Unlike the other shows mentioned, it is not open to the general public. Instead SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) offers exhibitions to the auto industry including parts, educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, and more.

Other big shows include ones hosted in San Francisco; Washington, DC; Atlanta; Philadelphia; and elsewhere. Many are hyped up beyond what they say that they offer, so to avoid disappointment make sure you visit the show’s website to find out who is participating, what special events are being planned, and how much you’ll pay for that venue.

About the Author

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in Cary, North Carolina. Matt provides magazine, web content, and article writing services to clients all over the world serving the automotive, human interest, and business communities. Matt’s Musings is his personal weblog.