What Type of Car Seat Do I Need?

In order to take your baby home from the hospital, you have to have a car seat.  A car seat will keep your baby safe and secure while in the car and protect them from injuries if you are involved in a car accident. There are several different types of car seats on the market and they all have different purposes, depending on the size of your baby.

Infant Car Seats

Infant car seats are designed specifically for newborns and younger babies.  An infant car seat reclines more than a traditional convertible car seat.  They make carrying a baby in and out of the car easier, especially, if you baby happened to fall asleep in the car.  An infant car seat can accommodate a baby as small as 5 lbs.  A tiny baby can’t hold its head up or support their neck and the infant carrier supports their neck.  The infant carrier will hold a baby who weighs up to 22 lbs.  Most babies will be ready for a bigger car seat around 10 months to a year old, depending on their height and weight.  Most of the car seats come with a removable head rest and have a 5 point harness which helps keep your child secure.  The car seat comes with a built in level so that you can ensure that the seat is level for maximum safety.  You can also purchase an additional base for your car seat so that you don’t have to move the base back and forth between cars.

I remember that my son started getting very heavy towards the end, making it more difficult to get him in and out of the car or carry him around in his infant seat.   I loved having the ability to tote him around while he was sleeping, especially when he was younger.

Examples of Infant Car Seats

Infant Car Seats for Girls

Infant Car Seats for Boys

Convertible Car Seats

A convertible car seat can be used on a baby as small as 5lbs; however, there isn’t as much neck support compared to the infant car seats.  This car seat can be used for a longer period of time, so if you are on a strict budget, then this car seat may be the best option for you.  Your baby will be able to go home from the hospital in this type of car seat and it is safe for them.  However, it isn’t portable and if your baby falls asleep you will have to wake the baby in order to get them out of the car seat.  This seat can be used for toddlers as well; in fact, the American Pediatrics Association recommends that your child face the rear of the car for the first two years or when they reach the maximum height and weight restrictions per the car seat manufacturer.  This seat can also be used as a front facing car seat once your child meets the height and weight restrictions.  A convertible car seat is designed to grow with your child.

They have a level so that you can confirm that the car seat is installed correctly.  It also has a 5 point harness and straps that can be moved easily.

Examples of Convertible Car Seats