A car seat is one of the few absolute must-have items that every parent needs for their child. Babies and toddlers require a car seat for a safe and comfortable car ride every time. To maximize the safety of your child, read on for our top tips to finding the best convertible car seat for your needs, and take a look at our article focusing on baby and toddler car seat reviews!
First things first: Safety
Your child’s height and weight are two of the top factors affecting car seat type selection. Babies are generally safest in a rear-facing car seat, whereas toddlers will find the front-facing car seat comfortable and safe. To figure out which type of seat will work best for your child, follow these guidelines:
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If your child is under two years old, using a rear-facing car seat is the safest choice. It’s important to use this type of car seat for as long as possible to keep your child safe while riding in the car. Make sure that your child does not exceed the weight limit of the specific car seat you select (this varies according to manufacturer’s guidelines). Another tip to know when your kiddo has outgrown the rear-facing car seat is when they have met (or exceeded) the weight limit AND are also so tall that their head is about an inch from the very top of the car seat.
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If you’re the parent of a toddler (ages 2 to 4), then you’ll want to look for a front-facing car seat. This is where convertible car seats come in – they can be used in both rear and front-facing positions! This handy feature will save you from having to buy both a rear-facing and a front-facing car seat. These come in a variety of different styles, so find one that fits your car, your budget, and your child. You’ll know that your little one has outgrown this type of seat when they weigh about 40 pounds and they’re approaching the height of 4’9” (kids will vary in their development, so some kids grow quicker than others of the same age – that’s why considering the child’s weight is super important when selecting a car seat).
Car Seat Tips
Try to select a convertible car seat that has an adjustable harness. That way, you can adjust the fit of the harness to accommodate your child’s growth, and you’ll always ensure a super safe ride for your little ones. Likewise, remember that toddlers like to play with things, so make sure that the seat you choose to keep your little one safe has two-piece retainer clips. This will make it much less likely that your toddler can unfasten the seatbelt themselves, thus improving safety!
Also, keep in mind that your car seat might get messy! Spilled milk, food, or juice can quickly turn your new seat into an uncomfortable space for your baby, so make sure that you get a car seat that’s easy to clean. Smooth fabrics will be much easier to clean than textured ones like corduroy.
Other things to keep in mind
The type of car you have will play a role in deciding which type of seat to buy. Not all car seats will fit into all types of car, so make sure to keep this in mind when you’re browsing models, and find a car seat that works best for you! You’ll also want to consider who else is going to be sitting in the back seat. Do you have multiple kids? If so, you’ll need enough space to safely fit all the car seats you need.
Also consider the ease of installation of the car seat. The easier it is to install, the more likely you are to install it exactly right. That means your child will be super safe when she comes along for the car ride. Keep in mind that the middle of the backseat is generally the safest place for a car seat to be positioned.
So that’s it! Enjoy shopping for your new baby or toddler convertible car seat, knowing that you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision to keep your bundle of joy safe.
This article was written by JOJO Yang. JOJO Yang is a writer from Check Pregnancy, her passion is providing helpful information for mommy and baby’s health. More than just focus on basic knowledge about health, this website also focuses on how to establish a good parent-child relationship. You can also some find fun reviews and topics, just visit Check Pregnancy to see more and you can check the new posts on their Facebook: @Checkpregnancy.com