Do I need a car seat base?

It depends on the model. Do you have the instructions for it? If it's one of those that do need a base, they can work without the base and are usually safer without the base as well. But you need to read the instructions. If this is a hand-me-down car seat, then ask the person you got it from. Or you can look online. As far as I know every car seat that uses a base can also function without one, but you can't take it in and out of the car as well.

Also, be careful. Since you don't have the instructions it makes me think you might have gotten this from craigslist, or from a hand-me-down, or something. There have been several car seats with handles for newborns that have been recalled in the last couple of months, and you may have one that shouldn't be used at all. Just do an internet search and double-check if you did get it second-hand. Also keep in mind that if it's older than 5 years then it shouldn't be used, the plastic begins to degrade.

No, you do not need a base for an infant seat (the kind with the carrying handle). They are very safe without the base. The base is only for convenience. It will tell you so in the instruction manual, which is available online or by calling the telephone number on the car seat. Please be wary of the age of the car seat though. They have expiration dates. The plastic breaks down and the car seats may not be as safe as they once were so expiration dates are important.

If the car seat is supposed to have a base, then you need a base.

This isn't a second hand car seat, is it? Unless you know the person who you got it from and that it has never been in an accident (in which case just ask them for the base), throw it away and get a safe one.

It all depends on the type of car seat you have. Mine doesn't need a base. It is an all in 1 thing.

yes you do need a base depending on the car seat.

yes, i think you need one for extra tension so the seat wont go anywhere just in case, can your car seat support a base?