Black Friday is less than 48 hours away, and smart shoppers are scouring the circulars for the best bargains. Some pre-holiday deals are already slipping away — yikes — so if you or a loved one is expecting a baby in 2019, this is the time to take advantage of the Black Friday deals on car seats, because there aren't many other opportunities as good as these.

Because nothing about having children is simple, there are a number of options you'll need to consider when looking for car seats. Some are designed specifically for very young infants; these are the basket-style types that easily snap into a specially designed stroller frame or onto a base that attaches to the back seat of your vehicle in the rear-facing position. Because of the handle-carry design of the seat, parents can tote their little one from place to place without having to strap them in and out each time. However, once your baby reaches a certain weight (usually about 22 pounds), you'll need to switch to a larger seat.

Convertible seats are a more flexible option, since they can accommodate both babies and toddlers, and they can be situated either in the front- or rear-facing position. For bigger kids, a booster seat will take them right through to late elementary school, the time when most children are big enough to sit safely in the back with just a shoulder and lap belt.

Since this is one of the major purchases new parents have to make (and, often, a fairly pricey one), it pays to comparison-shop. This is a prime time to get the bargain you're looking for, as retailers slash prices on coveted gift items, then open their doors in the dark early morning hours so eager shoppers can get their holiday lists checked off.

Here are some of the car-seat Black Friday sales we found today, both online and in-store, and there will no doubt be more to come. Check these out, and best of luck as you get everything ready for the new arrival!