Gone are the days when kids were able to roam the car and only had mom’s arm to stop them from sudden impact.
Cars are faster and there are more cars on the road. We’ve got to keep our kids safe and finding the best convertible car seat is part of that.
With so many baby and toddler car seats on the market, it can be frustrating to try to figure out which one is going to protect your little angel best. Continue reading this article as we talk about what you should look for when you’re trying to find the best rear to a front-facing car seat.
The 411 on finding the Best Convertible Car Seat
If you want a car seat that can grow with your baby like the Graco Nautilus, that’s what we’re going to help you learn about more in the information below.
Review Car Seats Online Before Going to Shop
It’s easy to get into the “just pick something” phase when you’re at the store. Doing your research before you go to the store will help you avoid the burned-out feeling from looking over car seat after car seat.
If you get tired of looking at car seats online, you can close your laptop and come back later.
While you might want to see the model in person before you buy it, you can still read all of the information and reviews online to help you narrow down the prospects.
Make Sure It Will Grow With Your Child
When you’re looking for a convertible car seat, make sure it is going to last throughout the stages. Not only should that be the idea that the car seat will be able to convert but you need to make sure it is well built so it will stand up to the test of time as your child grows.
Don’t Buy a Used Car Seat
If you want to save a few bucks, you might consider buying a used car seat. Buying a used car seat isn’t safe for your child since even unseen damage can have a negative effect on how the car seat functions.
Besides the fact that older car seats might have previous damage, there is another reason you should opt for a new car. New car seats are up on the latest technology and up to date with the latest safety standards.
All car seats have to pass testing before they’re put on the market but the newer the car seat model, the more likely it is up to the latest standards for car seat safety.
Know What Features Are Most Important to You
You might not need a tricked out car seat. Some of the gidgets, gadgets, and doodads might not make sense for you and your baby.
No matter how much you’re willing to spend on the car seat, it’s best if you get a car seat that has a 5-point harness. The 5-point harness will keep your baby safely in their seat if there was a wreck with minimum strain on their little body.
Find out what type of side-impact protection the car seat has. Some car seats have extra foam around the baby’s head while others have air pads for the extra protection.
Check to make sure the car seat is compatible with the LATCH system as well. The LATCH system allows you to fasten the base tightly without using the seat belt.
Make Sure It’s Easy to Clean
If your car seat has too many cracks and crevices, it can be difficult to clean. Most car seat manufacturers don’t make car seats out of materials that stain easily but make sure to check just in case.
Look for car seats that are made from smooth fabrics vs. textured fabrics.
Choose a Car Seat With Easy to Follow Installation Instructions
Installing the seat correctly can mean the difference between life and death with your precious cargo. Give yourself the best chance at doing it right by making sure the instructions are clear.
Not only should the instructions include written instructions but there should be an easy to read diagram as well. When you have words and pictures working together, it makes it much easier to get it right.
Make Sure You’re Using a Car Seat That’s Right for Your Child
When you buy a convertible car seat or any other type of car seat, you still need to make sure you know the regulations for your child.
If you turn your child around in the seat too soon, you can get in serious trouble and put your child in danger. Keeping your child in the rear-facing position until age two is a must but if you can do it even longer — that’s even better.
If the seat belt doesn’t fit your child correctly — they need a booster seat. The booster seat should be in use until there are around eight to twelve years old. Around 57 inches in height is enough to allow the seat belt to fit them properly.
Learn More About What Matters to You
Now that you know more about the best convertible car seats, why not continue learning about more things that are important to you? We have many articles that cover various women’s topics so you can stay in the know.
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