Any time you decide to buy a car seat for your child, you should make an effort to stay up to date on any product recalls. That means you'll need to check on the news often. Visit websites that will keep you notified of any car seat recalls in effect.

But let's assume the worst happens and your child's car seat is recalled: What now?

First, visit the website for the recalled seat, or call the toll-free number. The manufacturer will likely have a special webpage or phone line set up strictly for the recall.

You can be sure that whenever there's a recall, car seat companies won't dawdle. They're going to want to make sure your child is safe. Be sure to follow the instructions you get from the website or the phone line.

When you visit the website or phone the manufacturer, be sure you have the child's car seat in hand. You might need the serial number or the model name, which will usually be printed in the instruction manual.

Don't be surprised if you're advised to keep using the car seat until you get your repair kit in the mail. It's important to remember that in nearly all cases, it's safer for your child to be in a recalled seat than it is for him or her to be in the car without a child safety restraint device.

Here's another tip to stay informed of car seat recalls: Register that car seat with the manufacturer right after you buy it. Much like any other product, car seats come with their own registration cards.

Most people just throw these away. When it comes to a product like this, it is important to register it and give the company a way to contact you.

There's no guarantee that the company won't use your address for annoying advertisements, but at least you have the assurance of knowing you'll be contacted if there's a recall.

Remember, just because a car seat has a recall, it doesn't mean it's a bad seat. Errors occur in all manufacturing, and when these errors are found in a car seat, the company usually works very quickly to correct them.

If you have any concerns after a car seat recall, call the company and talk to someone. They will probably be able to put your mind at ease and give advice on what to do.