One of the most important aspects of safety for your child is keeping them safe while traveling in your car. The value of children’s car seats should never be underestimated, and as your child grows, their safety needs change. For many parents, it can be confusing to know when the best time is to move from infant car seats to convertible seats, and then to booster seats. Understanding the limits of your car seats and the safety recommendations you should adhere to will help you identify the best time to change your child's car seat.
Infant Car Seats
Infant car seats are the best option for your newborn baby, and are magnified by their ease of use. Rear-facing positions are the only option for infant car seats, and that is the safest position for young babies. Car seat installations are simple with infant seats. Once the car seat base is installed, the seat itself can be easily removed from the base at the push of a button to allow easy transfer of your baby. There are also plenty of lightweight infant car seat options that don't add too much bulk to your backseat but still provide safety. You can use infant seats from birth until 32lbs or 32 inches in length, depending on the specifications of the brand and model.
Convertible Car Seats
If your child has reached the weight or height necessary to transfer to another seat, convertible seats are the next step. You should have your child in rear-facing convertible seats until they reach the maximum weight or height for a rear-facing seat. Rear-facing weight limits are about 50 pounds. Height and weight limits vary per model and should be followed. Once your child is ready for the next stage, the convertible car seat is turned forward-facing. Forward-facing seat limits are typically 65 pounds.
Booster Seats
Once your child outgrows their convertible car seat, it's finally time for them to take the big step into a booster seat. Boosters help position children with seatbelts, placing them across the chest instead of resting on their belly and neck area, which can otherwise be dangerous in an accident. A booster seat is appropriate for children between 40 and 100 pounds, depending on height, so your child can be positioned safely. Children should also be a minimum of 4 years old to safely use a booster.
When Should I Switch My Child's Car Seat?
Your child should only move seats when they exceed the height or weight designation of their current car seat. Remember that there's no need to rush. Just because your child might meet the minimum standards for the next stage of car seats, they are best protected in their current seat. Your child's safety is what matters most, and if you don't think your child is ready for a major change, it's okay to take a step back and evaluate the height and weight limits of your current car seat.
Rear-Facing Versus Front-Facing Car Seats
Riding in a rear-facing car seat helps prevent a major injury to your child in the case of a car accident. You should use rear-facing car seats as long as possible without exceeding the rear-facing limits. When your child grows past the limit of the rear-facing position, switch to one that's front-facing with a 5-point harness to keep your child safest.
Keep Your Child Safe With a Beautiful Car Seat
Your child deserves all the safety in the world, and that's the backbone of every product sold by Hazel & Fawn. We know the importance of keeping your child safe and protected, and our high-quality car seats give you the peace of mind you need every time you step into the car with your child. Feel free to browse our car seat selection and car seat accessories or discover our wide range of toys — like a Holztiger Dinosaur — that your child can enjoy in the comfort of their new car seat!
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