4 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Tips for selecting the appropriate car seat for your child

When we found out that I was expecting, one of the first purchases that I knew we would automatically have to make was a car seat. At the time, however, I knew little about car seats and what different options were available to us. Since then, I have learned a great deal about choosing the right car seat for your baby. Below are some tips to help you choose the right car seat to fit your needs.

Convertible or not?

I quickly learned that there are such things as convertible car seats. Convertible car seats are seats that accommodate your child as she grows older, serving her needs both as an infant and as an older baby and toddler. Although the benefit of a convertible car seat is that you only have to pay for one seat, there is also at least one disadvantage.

When your baby is just an infant, it is helpful if the car seat can double as an infant seat. If you purchase a convertible car seat, you will find it is much less portable than one of the smaller seats designed specifically for an infant. In our case, we decided that an infant car seat, which would be good for our daughter up until 25 pounds or one year, best suited our needs. When not in use as a safety device, we are able to quickly remove her seat from the car and use it as an infant seat wherever we go.

Travel Systems

These days, you can also purchase a car seat as a part of an infant travel system. Often, these systems include an infant car seat that clips into a stroller, allowing you to seamlessly move from car to stroller should you be out and about and your little one has fallen asleep. These are a good option if you expect to do a lot of walking with your baby, and don't mind the bulkiness of a large travel system.

Toddler sized seats

When your baby reaches the one-year mark, or approximately 25 pounds, it is time to move him into a forward-facing car seat (all infant car seats should be rear facing). If you originally purchased a convertible seat, all that you need to do is follow the instructions with the seat to prepare it for your older child. If, however, you originally purchased an infant car seat, you will need to buy a seat designed for an older child.

Do you need a base?

One of the things that confused me a little when first looking into car seats was whether or not the base was necessary. Most car seats that you buy will come with a base that the seat clips into. This is handy if you want to be able to quickly remove

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Tips on selecting the appropriate car seat for your child?
We want to hear your view. Write now!