Dear Readers: Looking to buy a CAR SEAT for your precious child? Thinking of buying a used one to save money? Well, a secondhand car seat is not an option! There are several reasons not to use a secondhand or hand-me-down car seat:

* You cannot tell if it was in an accident, and manufacturers recommend not using one if involved in a crash.

* It might have been recalled. To check, call either the manufacturer or the Department of Transportation Vehicle Safety Hotline (888-327-4236.)

* It might be too old. Most car seats come with a label recommending how long to use the seat. Do not use a car seat if it is more than 10 years old.

* A used car seat might not have an instruction manual telling you how to properly install it.

Keep these in mind, and remember, the most expensive is not always the best. Education and proper installation are key. -- Heloise

TRAVEL HINT

Dear Heloise: We stayed at a hotel in Florida, and we were so glad to have remembered our night light. The room was dark, and the unfamiliar surroundings made it hard to see when we got up during the night. Such a small, inexpensive item to save us from an expensive trip to the emergency room due to a fall. -- Louise B. in Indiana

COUPON CHECK

Dear Heloise: Grocery stores often put their own coupons on products. While I am doing my shopping, I always check the coupons, even if it is a product I don’t need that particular trip. Oftentimes, the coupons don’t expire right away. If it is a product I know I use, I save the coupon and use it on my next trip. -- Bonita in New Jersey

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise

P.O. Box 795000

San Antonio, TX 78279-5000

Fax: 1-210-HELOISE

E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com

STORAGE SPACE

Dear Heloise: I have a smartphone that holds photos, music and apps. The other day, I was trying to download an app and couldn’t because my phone said it was out of space. I realized that I had a ton of photos on my phone that were taking up space. I downloaded my pictures to my computer and then deleted them off my phone to free up space. -- Amber, via e-mail

Great hint, Amber! If your phone doesn’t come with a cord or you have misplaced it, you can always e-mail the photos to yourself. -- Heloise

TABLE LINENS

Dear Heloise: I quit using my large cotton and linen tablecloths because they were impossible to hand-iron and prohibitive in cost to send to the laundry. My daughter gave me this hint, and now I enjoy using them. Stretch a sheet over a bed. Wash the tablecloth in cold water -- if it is really heavy, put it in the dryer for a few minutes. Take out the wet tablecloth and stretch it out tight over the sheet on the bed. It is helpful if you have someone to help. Leave all day or overnight, and the tablecloth will dry without a wrinkle. -- Elizabeth in Louisiana

Send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. Please include your city and state.

2012, King Features Syndicate