When To Switch To A Different Type Of Car Seat
Your child needs to stay in a rear-facing seat as long as possible, or until he reaches the maximum height or weight allowed by the seat manufacturer. A rear-facing seat is safest for a young baby or toddler.
As your child grows and reaches the height and weight limits specified by his car seatâs manufacturer, he will progress from a rear-facing positioned seat to a forward-facing positioned seat, and then to a booster seat. Some car seat manufacturers give age limits for the different styles of car seats, but those age limits are general guidelines.
If your child has developmental needs, you may need switch to a different type of car seat. If youâre in doubt, donât hesitate to ask your childâs healthcare provider.
Best Infant Car Seats
Finding the best infant car seat isnt just a matter of seeking out the best deal your childs safety is on the line. Fortunately for parents, car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, making it hard to go wrong. But even a quality car seat is unsafe if you install it improperly or choose the wrong type of seat for your child.
In this review, we recommend several safe infant car seats suitable for children up to three years old. Our review team has tested each of these car seats for ease of use, quality of materials, and adjustability. Learn how to select the best infant car seat and explore options at multiple price points.
Portability: How Portable Is It
The weight of a car seat shouldnt be a deciding factor in your selection but its something worth keeping in mind nevertheless. Some car seats are significantly more heavy than others. And some car seats also have a terrible design with a handlebar that blocks the seat canopy.
If you expect to often have to carry your seat by hand, check the portability score in our reviews to see how your favorite model performs.
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Easy Fit For Narrow Back Seats
Amazon
Weight of car seat: 19.5 pounds | Childs height maximum: 35 inches | Childs weight maximum: 35 pounds | Seat width: 17 inches | Washable cover: Yes | Stroller compatibility: Chicco travel systems | Special feature: Toddler mode accommodates taller kids
It may expand to fit taller kids, but the Chicco Fit2 is actually one of the best car seats out there for narrow back seats . Back to front, it requires less room than most other options, while still offering a comfortable and generous seat for baby. The height max is extended in this car seat model, too, an extra 5 inches over the Chicco Keyfit 30, so you may get another few months of use or even a year out of the Fit2. Theres a base adjustment to be made to move this seat more into older baby or toddler mode that puts it into a slightly more upright position and adds a bit of room. Its machine washable, offers easy LATCH install and includes seven headrest positions.
Watch Our Car Seat Faq Video
Here, Jan James from Good Egg Car Safety answers some of the most frequently asked car seat questions:
- What is ISOFIX, and is it safer than a seat belt?
- How long can a newborn stay in car seat?
- When can babies legally go in forward-facing car seats?
- How tight should the straps be?
- Why buy a £300 car seat when you can get one for £30?
- Can an infant car seat be in the front seat of a vehicle?
- Can I use a secondhand car seat?
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Can One Product Do It All
While convertible seats can work for babies from 5 – 50 lbs and beyond, we don’t believe it is good to choose a one-and-done seat when it comes to safety.
Why?
Infant seats are designed for smaller newborn bodies. These seats are configured for a baby’s anatomy and provide posture positioning for optimal breathing and protection in a crash. The harness design is narrower and more appropriate for an infant than that on a convertible seat, designed for older babies, but is modified for infants. Many convertible car seats have an infant insert to make the car seat more suitable for smaller passengers. We believe it is smart to purchase car seats specifically for each age/size instead of opting for one product that can accommodate a baby but isn’t explicitly designed for infants. If you want to save money on baby gear , we do not think car seat purchasing is the time to do it, given the potential safety implications.
The other advantage of infant seats is they are handy. Infant seats have a carrier with a handle for easy carrying from one location to another.
This design means you can move a sleeping infant from a car to a stroller or car with ease and without disruption. This function may seem small before your baby is born, but trust us, you will be doing this more than once, and you’ll be grateful for the carrier.
Are Chicco Car Seat Bases Universal
No, Chicco car seat bases are not universal however, heres a list of bases and compatible car seats.
- KeyFit Infant Car Seat Base Is compatible with KeyFit, KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip and KeyFit 30 Zip Air
- KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat Base Its only compatible with Keyfit 35 Infant Car Seat
- Fit2 Infant & Toddler Car Seat Base Its compatible with Fit 2 and Fit 2 Air
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What To Look For When Buying Infant Seat
The most important things to look for when shopping for an infant car seat are safety, ease of cleaning, durability, and pricing. Parents want their baby to be protected. They also want a car seat that lasts and that doesnt need a complicated cleaning procedure. And of course, they want to get a good value.
Safety
Safety is always the number one priority, as it encompasses a car seats primary purpose. All of the infant car seats on our list meet rigorous safety standards. Every infant car seat must meet these standards of protection to be sold. Of course, parents want maximum security when it comes to their babies.
When shopping for an infant car seat, look further than the basic standards. Select a seat with the highest-grade safety features.
Ease of Cleaning
Newborns drool, spit-up, and even have blowouts. In general, they make plenty of messes! Cleanliness also protects from germs. Moms will undoubtedly need to take time to regularly clean their infant car seat.
Therefore, ease of cleaning is an essential factor to consider. Ideally, you will want an infant car seat with removable fabric that can be machine washed.
Even better if smaller spills can be wiped up with a damp cloth. Try to select an infant car seat whose straps remain in place when you remove the fabric to wash it.
Durability
Versatility
When it comes to kids, going out seems like an absolute chore. This makes versatility an essential factor when deciding on any baby item, let alone a car seat.
Best Price
The Different Kinds Of Child Restraints
0 to 6 months Capsule
A baby/infant capsule is rearward-facing with an inbuilt harness, which is the legal requirement for babies under six months. Capsules can be used for babies up to about six months of age or slightly older if they still fit into the seat. Unlike other types of car seats, capsules can be easily taken in and out of the car and used as a carrier or attached to a pram to mimimise disturbing your baby.
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Whether Your Car Has Isofix Points
Isofix is designed to make installing your car seat quick and easy, and all new vehicles feature the system. You simply click the Isofix connectors on the base of your seat into the Isofix anchor points in the car.
These anchor points are metal bar connectors built into the chassis of your car. They are often hidden behind the car’s seat padding.
Once the Isofix connectors are clicked together, the car seat is secured by a third point either a support leg that comes built-in into the seat or seat base, or a top tether . Both of these work to stop the car seat tipping forward in an accident.
Find out more about the differences between Isofix and i-Size car seats.
Federal And State Laws
All US states have child safety seat laws that require the use of car seats for kids under a certain age. For infants younger than a year old, that means a rear-facing car seat. The laws vary by state when it comes to the age and size at which a child can legally move to a front-facing seat. Many states now require all children younger than 2 to be in a rear-facing child seat.
It is becoming increasingly common for caregivers to keep their children rear-facing beyond the age of 2 because research indicates that children are safer in rear-facing seats. And policy experts believe that the longer a young child remains rear-facing, the safer they are. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration recommend that children remain rear-facing for as long as possible, ideally until they reach the rear-facing height or weight limit of their car seat.
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What Is The 2
This is the established safety recommendation endorsed by safety experts and manufacturers, that suggests babies shouldnt sit in a car seat for longer than 2 hours at a time, with the exception being a lie-flat car seat. Thats because children can experience breathing problems if placed in a seated or scrunched position for too long.
This 2-hour rule includes babies seated in car seats on their prams. A car seat is not an alternative to a cot or crib but dont worry if your baby falls asleep in your car, as most babies do! You just dont want them sleeping or sitting for more than 2 hours in the same position.
Infant Car Seat Safety Notes
It’s safest to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible until your child reaches the maximum rear-facing height and weight limits for your car seat.
We don’t recommend used car seats. They could be missing important parts, have been involved accidents , fall short of current safety standards, or have been recalled due to faulty designs. Also, plastic gets brittle over time, so an old seat could break in a crash.
It’s harder than it sounds to install a car seat correctly, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , many car seats are improperly installed.
For safety’s sake, have your car seat and its installation checked by a professional. To arrange an inspection in your area, use the NHTSA’s car-seat-inspection-station locator.
For advice on avoiding the most common car-seat-installation mistakes, see our article on installing a car seat. You can also talk to parents in our Car Seat Questions group.
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How Long Does A Baby Stay In An Infant Car Seat
Your baby can use an infant car seat until she exceeds either its height or weight limitwhichever comes first. Typically this happens between 10 and 13 months, says Choi, but every child is unique. Its likely that your child will outgrow the height limit before the weight limit.
While its now definitely possible for a child to use one seat for their entire car seat journey, most families can expect to use three to four seats over the time their child is in a car seat or booster seat, says Choi.
NHTSA recommends keeping your child in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat for as long as possible because that is the safest place for her to travel.
Who Should Get This
Amid all the lengthy lists of baby must-haves, the one item thats not up for debate is a car seat. If youre going to ride in a car with your baby, you need one. And most hospitals, in compliance with guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics , will not discharge newborns until a staff member has visually confirmed the presence of a car seat to transport the baby safely home.
Several qualities distinguish dedicated infant car seats from larger convertible and all-in-one car seats, many of which have been designed to accommodate a wide range of weights and heights . For starters, while convertible and all-in-one seats start out in a rear-facing position for younger passengers and then eventually get turned around , an infant seat is designed to be used only rear-facing. And with good reason: This position is the safest, and it provides the most protection for small children.
Babies outgrow most infant car seats by the time they reach 30 to 32 inches in length or weigh 30 to 35 pounds . The average baby will reach that height range sometime between 12 to 19 months. But theyll probably be over 3 years old before they hit 35 pounds, so for most people the height limit is more relevant than the weight limit.
Rear-facing car seats are the safest and provide the most protection for small children.
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Best Infant Car Seat Travel System
Amazon
Weight of car seat: 9.9 pounds | Childs height maximum: 35 inches | Childs weight max: 32 pounds | Seat width: 17 inches | Washable cover: Yes | Stroller compatibility: UppaBaby Cruz and Vista adapters for Minu, Ridge and others | Special features: Greenguard Gold certified Flame retardant free fabric storage pockets for harness buckles single button base and stroller release
When my husband installed our UppaBaby Mesa car seat, he said, I think this thing is nicer than our car. Thats not a knock on our Subaru, either: This car seat and its complementary strollers and accessories are just really well designed. We love how it pops out of the base with a single button push, clicks right into the stroller and is easy to lift out again with one hand. I also love the pockets on either side that hold the buckle out of the way so you can get baby settled in without putting her on top of them. Install easily with the LATCH system and base or on its own without the base in a pinch. Its one of our little nuggets favorite places to nap. The adjustable headrest likely helps with naps but is designed extra cushy for better side-impact protection. The canopy is rated at 25+ UPF and the seat is FAA certified for flying.
Choosing A Convertible Car Seat For A Newborn
Cybex Aton 2 installed with the base
Skipping the rear facing only car seat and using a convertible or multimode car seat for a new baby is a totally valid choice. It makes sense instead of purchasing a car seat that will only be used for the childs first year, a convertible or multimode car seat can be used for four or five years, or even longer! Choosing a convertible car seat for a newborn can be tricky.
Newborns are teeny little creatures with a unique set of needs, and not all convertible or multimode car seats are created equal when it comes to fitting a brand new baby.
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What Customers Are Saying
Amazon Review Score: 4.7 out of 5 based on over 20 ratings
Amazon has only a few customer reviews for the Bugaboo Turtle Air, but they are mostly positive. Google also rates this seat highly, awarding it an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 120 reviews.
Users are happy this seat is easy to install, includes useful safety features, and is made from quality materials. Among the most common praises users heap on the Turtle Air is that its exceptionally light.
The polyester fabric looks and feels amazing, and it seems like it can withstand some wear and tear. The cushions around the handle feel sturdy yet comfortable, and I love the option to customize with accessories. Julian via Amazon
One of the few common complaints we found pertains to the attached sun visor. Some people believe its bulky and difficult to tuck away when not in use. We didnt have any issues with the visor during our testing.
What Is An Infant Car Seat
An infant car seat is a seat made specifically for infants and younger babies. These seats always face the rear of the car and are designed to attach to a base. The base stays installed in your car and the seat clicks in and out, making it easy to get your baby into and out of your car.
Other types of car seats:
- Convertible car seats: These grow-with-your-child seats transform from rear-facing seats for babies and toddlers to forward-facing seats for older children up to about 65 pounds. Some convertible seats can be used from birth, but theyre not designed to be easily popped out of your car and are much too heavy to be carried around so youll lose some of that convenience factor if you decide to use a convertible seat from day one.
- Booster car seats: Booster car seats: For kids at least four years old and at least 40 pounds, boosters do just what the name impliesboost your child up higher in your cars seat. This ensures that your cars regular lap and shoulder belts cross over your childs body at the correct points to securely hold them.
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