A convertible car seat is a seat that can be converted from
a rear facing car seat to a forward facing car seat, when the baby is
old enough. Convertible car seats can be used from birth (at least 5
lbs) until 40-80 lbs, depending on the weight limit of convertible car
seat. Babies must sit rear facing in a car seat for at least one year,
although it is recommended that you keep your baby rear facing for as
long as possible—up to two years.
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The main reason for not purchasing a convertible car seat as your baby’s first and only car seat is due to the desire to own a travel system: an infant car seat and standard size stroller combo and due to the convenience of converting an infant car seat into an infant carrier, allowing you to take the baby from the car without waking him.
Other features you may want to consider when choosing a convertible car seat is the ease at which the car seat fabric can be cleaned (your infant will spit up from time to time), the level of difficulty of the seat installation, whether or not the seat has adjustable straps and how often due these straps become tangled (a real pain in the butt), and for those of you on a budget: what is the best seat your can purchase within your price range? In addition, you will want to consider the lifespan of the seat for your baby. Some convertible car seats can only be used with children up to 40 lbs. After reaching this weight limit you will then need to purchase a booster car seat. Other seats can be used until 80 lbs, meaning you will only later need to purchase a backless booster seat for your child. But, these larger convertible car seats tend to be bulky so you will need to think about the size of the backseat of your car.
All of these things need to be considered before deciding on which seat to purchase.
**Important: Car seats have expiration dates. Most car seats are only good for six years of use (although check with the company for the lifespan of your particular car seat). The clock begins ticking on cars seats from the date of their manufacturer, not the date of purchase, so be sure to check the box that your car seat came in for this date. Also, double check the age of a car seat if buying second-hand.
**Important: Car seats need to be replaced after auto accidents. Any damage to a car seat can compromise its future ability to perform as designed. If you are considering purchasing a car seat second hand be sure to inquire about any accidents the car seat might have already survived. If you are not sure about the history of the car seat then do not buy.
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| Convertible Car Seats |
One of the main benefits of purchasing a convertible car seat is that it allows your infant to sit rear facing for this extended period of time and then allows your child to sit forward facing without having to purchase a new seat. This makes convertible car seats a practical and cost efficient option. Why buy an infant car seat and then a convertible car seat or a forward facing car seat when the baby out grows the infant car seat when you can just make one purchase: the convertible car seat. Of course you will still need a booster seat down the road.
The main reason for not purchasing a convertible car seat as your baby’s first and only car seat is due to the desire to own a travel system: an infant car seat and standard size stroller combo and due to the convenience of converting an infant car seat into an infant carrier, allowing you to take the baby from the car without waking him.
Choosing An Convertible Car Seat
Convertible car seats offer the greatest amount of choice on the car seat market. When deciding on which convertible car seat to purchase there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. First, and most important, is safety. You want to choose the safest car seat that your money can buy; therefore researching car seats before purchase is prudent. Many convertible car seats now come with high tech safety features, like energy absorbing foam, side wings to protect the head from flying objects, side impact protection (side impact car accidents are the number one cause of auto infant fatalities), and 5-point harness safety straps.Other features you may want to consider when choosing a convertible car seat is the ease at which the car seat fabric can be cleaned (your infant will spit up from time to time), the level of difficulty of the seat installation, whether or not the seat has adjustable straps and how often due these straps become tangled (a real pain in the butt), and for those of you on a budget: what is the best seat your can purchase within your price range? In addition, you will want to consider the lifespan of the seat for your baby. Some convertible car seats can only be used with children up to 40 lbs. After reaching this weight limit you will then need to purchase a booster car seat. Other seats can be used until 80 lbs, meaning you will only later need to purchase a backless booster seat for your child. But, these larger convertible car seats tend to be bulky so you will need to think about the size of the backseat of your car.
Will The Car Seat Fit Your Car?
Some car seats are way too big to fit in compact cars and will force the front passenger seat all the way forward (rendering it unusable) while in the rear facing position. (Ask the store manager to take the display seat from the store to test out in your car. Many stores will be willing to accommodate this request.) After checking out how the car seat fits in your car you can then always order the seat at your favorite online store if you can find a better deal.All of these things need to be considered before deciding on which seat to purchase.
**Important: Car seats have expiration dates. Most car seats are only good for six years of use (although check with the company for the lifespan of your particular car seat). The clock begins ticking on cars seats from the date of their manufacturer, not the date of purchase, so be sure to check the box that your car seat came in for this date. Also, double check the age of a car seat if buying second-hand.
**Important: Car seats need to be replaced after auto accidents. Any damage to a car seat can compromise its future ability to perform as designed. If you are considering purchasing a car seat second hand be sure to inquire about any accidents the car seat might have already survived. If you are not sure about the history of the car seat then do not buy.
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