When a couple learns that they're going to be parents for the first time, they'll be suddenly faced with a whole range of new concerns and considerations. One of the more important ones is transportation – new families typically want larger vehicles that offer good safety protection.

While selecting a safe model is important, choosing the right type of car seat is equally critical. Many go by the American Association of Pediatrics' (AAP) recommendations on car seats, and which types are appropriate for certain age groups.

For several years, the AAP said that rear-facing seats were best for children up to one year old. Now, the group is revising that statement, advising parents to keep their children in rear-facing seats up until the age of two, at which time it's fine to switch to a front-facing sit-up model.

The group says that new studies were able to demonstrate how rear-facing seats better protect children by distributing the impact evenly over their body, lessening the chance for serious injury in critical areas like the neck, head or spine.

New couples in the market for a vehicle may want to consider New Jersey State Auto Auction, which features a wide range of safe and well-reviewed models at prices that won't break the bank.