From deathtrap to lifesaver: The evolution of the carseat

The first carseats were more about keeping kids corralled than protecting them in a crash.

By Eleanor Cummins

Published Jan 31, 2019 8:00 PM EST

Ford Tot-Guard Seat — The Detroit automaker was among the first companies to introduce real frontal restraint: padded polyethylene shields to protect a baby’s fragile spine in a crash. Today, we turn babes backward, which is much more effective. Courtesy thehenryford.org

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

For squishy babies, cars present a fate worse than diaper rash. Securing kids during a ride took decades to perfect. But figuring out the best way to strap in wee ones is worth it: The right restraint can reduce the risk of death in a crash by 70 percent. Here’s how child safety seats went from precarious to secure.

1920s

DIY carseat — Courtesy thehenryford.org

1930s

Bunny Bear Company carseat — Courtesy LovesPhotoAlbum.com

Related: Cleaning your baby’s pacifier with spit might have surprising benefits

1967

1969

GM Love Seat — Courtesy thehenryford.org

1970s

KL Jeenay Seat — Magic Car Pics/Shutterstock

2001

Britax Marathon — Courtesy thehenryford.org

2002

Graco Backless TurboBooster — Courtesy Graco

2018

Nuna Rava Infant Convertible — Courtesy Nuna

This article was originally published in the Winter 2018 Danger issue of Popular Science.