Baby car seat, is it safe enough?

So I have just move to Minnesota and I have just learnt how to drive confidently and alone. Well i wont be completely alone now as i have my child with me. Normally my husband used to drive and my 10 month baby used to sit on my lap. Now that i have started driving without my husband for support I need to buy a baby car seat for my little one. I do not have any idea of how safe it is and how good it is. Where exactly do i get this product from and how do i judge if i am buying the right one and good stable quality car seat. Who hols the car seat while i ma driving. I mean seriously give me some answers please, as you can see i am becoming hysterical.