Convertible Car Seats - Car Seat Reviews
- Shop by BrandConvertible car seats are one of the best designs on the market today for your child if he or she is within their first year and a half of life. Providing easy maneuverability of the child without disturbance, and also providing the security of an infant car seat, the convertible car seat is an excellent investment.
A convertible car seat is intended for:
- A rear facing infant weighing between 5 and 25 through 35 pounds
- A forward facing child weighing between 20 and 40 pounds
Some convertible car seats available on the car seat market today can even hold up to 65 pounds. Most convertible car seats do not hold such weight, but once your child is above the 40-pound weight limit cut-off, it is a good decision to look into a booster seat. This will be more comfortable for your child, and he or she will feel more independent.
Rear facing convertible car seat requirements:
- Child must be rear facing under one year of age for safety
- 45 degree recline is suggested to ensure proper head and neck support during travel
Forward facing convertible car seat requirements:
- Over one year of age child may sit forward facing
- Reinstall car seat base for upright positioning (refer to manual for reinstallation directions)
- Readjustment of harnesses may be required- varies from child to child
When installing your convertible car seat, make sure that the car seat is always in the rear of your vehicle- never in the front seat. Also, make sure that the car seat is always securely installed.
Positioning your child for your convertible car seat:
- Harness position should be on or above your child's shoulder
- There should be no more room than the size of one finger between the harness and your child
- Chest clip should be at arm pit level for your child
If your child's ears have finally reached above the back of the convertible car seat or the shoulders are above the harness position, your child has outgrown their car seat. The next step to look for in traveling safely with your little one is looking into a booster seat.
What to look for in Convertible Car Seats:
1. Easy Installation
· If an instruction manual is too difficult to figure out, look into a different manufacturer's product. Always remember to keep it simple and safe.
· If your convertible car seat is not installed correctly your child is not properly restrained.
2. Adequate Restraints
· A five-point harness system is best to ensure your little one's safety. A five-point harness has a harness strap for each shoulder and thigh, and also between his or her legs.
· Anything less than a five-point harness system is risky, including plastic shields and T-bar restraints.
3. Belt Adjustment
· Avoid designs where adjustment of straps in from the back
· The most sought after design is the infant convertible car seats with front adjustments and raised belt slots
4. Tethers
· LATCH system in most models on the market (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). Secure and reliable design.
· Hooks into bolt in your car providing the utmost stability of your car seat base.
5. Washability
· Always look for a design where the cover of the car seat in detachable and machine washable. Some manufacturers do not provide this feature, but it makes your life so much easier when clean-up time arrives.
6. Comfort
· Make sure the design that you end up choosing is well padded and confortable for your child
Plenty of head and neck support is also a feature that is extremely important to the overall design of whichever infant car seat you choose.Some popular convertible car seats on the market today include:
- Graco ComfortSport (color- Drayton)
- Evenflo Titan (color- York)
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