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.
What type of car seat did you buy for your baby?
Comments
10 responses to “What Type of Car Seat Do I Need?”
I remember the exhausting car seat days! It’s important to make sure the seat is firmly secured in place. Many parents don’t realize the seat isn’t properly installed. I remember learning to push the seat firmly down with my knee and fasten it with the seat belt clip. Very important piece of equipment! They save lives.
Yes, it is important for the car seat to be properly installed. In fact, I have a post to share some of those tips. I found installing a car seat is almost a full body workout, it isn’t easy making sure that they are installed tight enough so they don’t move.
The infant car seat is great to tote around the baby without waking him, I loved to do that before, especially when I went on a nature walk with my children one time. Though, I must admit he became quite heavy and couldn’t fit anymore. That’s when we put him in a stroller.
I used to tote my son in an infant carrier until he got way to heavy. We would either attach his car seat to the stroller or put him in a basket if we were going to the store.
When I went to shop for my car seat, I picked up the cutest one rather than the most practical, lightweight one. Boy did I regret it!
I’m old enough to remember not wearing seat belts or having car seats when I was a child in the car. The safety is good of course, but the costs of all of these safety features is a new part of parenting.
Courtney you are right all the baby gear that you need for a new baby is expensive, especially, the first year.
Glad you shared about extended rear facing. Most people turn their kids forward before they should be and it’s so frustrating that no one educates them. I made the mistake with my first born because no one told me. Moms need to speak up! I prefer convertible seats because they rear face longer. Most infant car seats only last a couple months. Total waste of money. And they should not be used as carriers – another reason not to spend the money.
I loved the infant car seat when my babies were small. I didn’t like them slumping over in a bigger seat.
I am glad that authorities are enforcing rear facing for an extended amount of time. If you are involved in a wreck, it is safe and can cause less injury to your baby.
Always be careful while choosing low budget cars, check for adjustable latch and make sure the seat belt locks to help get a tight fit.