Convertible Car Seat – Things to Consider
While pondering upon how to take your baby with you in your car, you have two options, viz. a convertible car seat or an infant car seat. While an infant car seat is exclusively rear-facing and carries kids weighing up to 35-40 pounds, a convertible car seat can be converted from rear-facing to front-facing and carries kids weighing up to 40 to 80 pounds and are 40 to 57 inches tall. There is another type of convertible seat too known as all-in-one or 3-in-1 car seat which can be converted from rear-facing to front-facing and then can be turned into a booster seat for kids weighing up to 120 pounds.
Buying a convertible car seat is cheaper than buying an infant car seat first and then buying the convertible. According to some experts, an infant car seat keeps babies safer. Several parents are of opinion that their newborn appears to be overwhelmed in a convertible car seat. If you want the best convertible car seat 2017, make sure that it has padding in which your baby can fit comfortably.
Convertible car seats are weightier than infant car seats and normally need to be installed rather than being clicked into a bottom that stays in place in the car. This makes it difficult for you to place this seat in or remove from the car, carry it with you or snap it in a stroller.
Points to Check Before Buying
Ease of Use: Check the 5-star rating system of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration; the more number of stars a car seat has, the easier it is to use. They rate the seat by considering how easily the seat can be installed in the car and children can be secured in it. They also check clarity of user’s manual.
5-strap Harness: Though this is present on all modern car seats, you better check for it. It consists of one strap for each shoulder, one for each buttock and one going between the two legs of your baby and is essential for safety.
Protection from Side Impact: Features like energy-absorbing foam offer a better protection for baby’s head and chest in case of a side-impact accident.
Ease of Adjustments: As your baby grows, you will have to adjust the harness. This adjustment should be easy from the front. Some models allow adjustments with one hand with quick-release buckles.
AwesomeCarSeat.com provides comprehensive reviews of major brands of convertible car seats. Don’t forget to visit their site before shopping for a convertible car seat for your baby.
