Main photo credit: Britax
If you have a new addition to your family on the way, it’s probably time to research car seats. Convertible car seats are a great investment, as they’re designed to last for years since they can change from a rear-facing seat for infants to a forward-facing seat as your child grows. Not all parents will start with a convertible car seat however, although many can accommodate toddlers as little as 4 lbs, so they are capable. Other parents may want to start with an infant car seat before switching over to a convertible car seat, once their child reaches the seat’s minimum weight and height recommendations. Unlike infant car seats, convertible car seats are designed to be installed into your vehicle and aren’t ideal for portability and transport outside the car.
So how do you shop for a convertible car seat? There are several factors to consider, with the most important being safety. Start to make sure a seat meets or exceeds certain safety standards, although many of the options from reputable manufacturers have gone through all requisite tests. Observe the weight limits recommended by the manufacturer, especially the upper limit for rear-facing configurations. Many parents feel safer when their child is sitting rear-facing, so you will want a seat that can accommodate a rear-facing configuration for as long as possible.
You will also want to consider how adjustable a seat is and how easy it is to install in your particular vehicle. Every car out there is a different size and some are harder to enter and exit than others. Make sure you get a seat that is easy to adjust, so that you can get a good fit in your car. Fabric material is also another factor, since messes are inevitable when it comes to a child sitting inside a vehicle. You’ll want a seat that has machine washable and dryer-safe fabric.
For more information on the best convertible car seats, refer to our table of contents.