Infant Car Seat vs. Convertible Car Seat: What’s the Difference?
When to Switch From Infant Car Seat to Convertible Car Seat
What to Look for When Shopping for a Top Rated Convertible Car Seat
How big is it? Convertible car seats are not known for being particularly slim and trim. Be sure to take into consideration the car seat’s width (especially if you have a smaller car or plan on having more than one car seat in the row) and also its length (particularly if the seat will be on the driver’s side). Take weight into consideration if you plan on switching the car seat from vehicle to vehicle or traveling with it.
What are its size limits? Convertible car seats can hold infants as small as 4 pounds up to kids as large as 120 pounds—and anywhere in between. If you plan on using the seat from infancy on, make sure the weight limit starts low enough; on the flip side, if you want the seat to last beyond toddlerhood, look for a high weight and height capacity.
How does it install? Convertible car seats can be installed using either a car’s seat belt or a LATCH system (lower anchors and tethers for children), according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). While nearly all vehicles made after 2002 are equipped to use LATCH, it’s important to confirm before selecting a car seat. Also, correct installation is critical to a car seat’s safety—so look for a seat that makes the process simple.
What are its safety features? The good news: Save for any recalls (we’ll get into that in a bit), all convertible car seats available for purchase in the US will be safe to use (they must adhere to strict standards). However, there are some extra features that can increase a seat’s safety in the event of a crash or collision. Keep an eye out for some form of side-impact protection, through an adjustable headrest, side wings or energy-absorbing foam, and anti-rebound bars (ARB), which reduce the movement of the car seat towards the back of the car.
How comfortable will it be? Lots of features can make for an extra comfy ride for your little one. If planning to use the convertible car seat from infancy on, look for a seat that comes with an added infant insert for extra head and neck support. Multiple recline and head rest positions will tailor the ride for your little one, cup holders will become critical as your child grows, and an adjustable, no rethread harness will make things easier for both parents and little ones alike. Another biggie: Examine the car seat for how easy it is to clean (because, hello, toddlers are messy).
