How to Choose the Best Convertible Car Seat – All car seats in the United States must meet the same government safety standards. While more expensive car seats may include features that go above and beyond what’s required, the safest car seat is the one that fits your child, fits your vehicle and can be installed correctly by you every time.
Safety indicators: Some car seats come with built-in leveling systems and indicators to signal they’ve been correctly installed. Ease of installation: Many car seats can be installed using the regular seat belt or the LATCH system, which is an easier way to secure the car seat using built-in anchors and tethers (available in cars made after 2002). Just be sure you’re still within the weight limits of your car seat’s LATCH restrictions and remember to switch over to a seat belt install once you exceed them. How it fits in your car: Car seats range in size and shape. Some are wider or narrower than others. Higher rear-facing weight limits : There’s a growing body of research that proves riding rear-facing is safer for babies and children than riding in a forward-facing car seat. If possible, always choose a convertible seat that has a high rear-facing weight limit so you can extend the opportunity to rear-face for as long as possible. Fabric: Besides looking for a style of fabric that matches your style, consider its durability and how easy it’ll be to wash when messes happen. Safety extras: Some car seats include additional shock absorption, padding and materials that are higher quality. New vs used car seats: Used car seats might be damaged and may not be up to snuff when it comes to current safety regulations. While we recommend new car seats, if you do end up selecting a used car seat, get it from someone you trust. Be sure to look up the seat’s expiration date and research if that particular model has ever been recalled, If the seat is dirty, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s strict rules around how to clean it, Each car seat has a specific set or rules around how to clean it while maintaining its safety and integrity.
For more tips about car seats, check our How to Choose a Car Seat guide,
Which seat in car is safest for baby?
It’s the one place that no one ever (knowingly) wants to sit. Stuck smack dab in the middle like a human sandwich where there is no such thing as personal space. Even worse if you find that dreaded middle seat has a hump like a camel.talk about uncomfortable! But, as it turns out, the middle seat is statistically the safest seat in the car! Why is the middle seat safest? Simply stated, the middle seat is the furthest from impact during a collision, as well as the furthest away from air bags.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that all children under the age of 13 ride in the back seat, ideally in the center. The rear center seat is also recommended as the best place for kids’ car seats. In fact, the AAP found that children in the rear center seat have a 43 percent lower risk of injury than children in the rear window seats.
But, what if I have more than one child? Who goes in the middle then? Your favorite child. No, no, no, we are only kidding. The safest seating position for each occupant varies by a lot of factors, like age, weight, height, type of car seat, type of seat belt, etc.
When you have more than one child, it is typically recommended to place the child needing the most protection in the center. How do you determine that? Reach out to a local Child Passenger Safety Technician, They will be able to work with you and help provide education and recommendations for your particular needs, taking all passengers (front and rear) into account.
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How long do you use an infant car seat?
Infant seat – Photo: Michael Hession An infant seat is the rear-facing, bucket-style car seat that most parents opt to use through the first year of their baby’s life, and sometimes up to age 2. (No matter where you live in the US, an appropriate car seat is required when you’re driving with an infant.) All dedicated infant seats are rear-facing-only, and the most common type snaps in and out of a base that typically stays installed in the car.
- So if you’re a two-car family, it’s likely that you can get just one seat and two bases.
- Some parents may decide to forego the infant-specific seat and rely on a convertible car seat rated for newborn use; they usually come with an added infant insert cushion for extra support.) All infant seats have a five-point harness, and they include a newborn insert to use from birth until a child is between 11 and 15 pounds.
(Check the manual for exact guidelines, but generally if the baby’s shoulders don’t reach the straps without the insert, you should use the insert.) Most infant seats have more than one recline option. For newborns, you want the seat in the most reclined angle possible.
Are infant car seats safer than convertible?
Bottom line: Tests show that rear-facing convertibles provide better head protection for children age 1 year and older, compared with rear-facing infant seats.
Are all in one car seats worth it?
What are the pros and cons of an all-in-one car seat? – There are both pros and cons to all-in-one car seats, so you’ll want to think them through before deciding on the seat that’s right for your family. The biggest pros of an all-in-one seat are cost and convenience.
- Depending on which car seat models you choose, it’s often much more economical to purchase one more expensive all-in-one seat than it is to buy three or four separate seats over the course of 10 years.
- An all-in-one also eliminates the hassle of having to research and purchase a new car seat every few years—and we’re always down with anything that eases decision fatigue and makes parent life that much easier.
The biggest cons of an all-in-one seat? Portability—or lack thereof. All-in-one seats are cumbersome and heavy. Once they’re installed, you’re not going to want to deal with moving them around all that much. And speaking of moving them aroundif you’re planning on using an all-in-one seat with your infant, you’re going to lose some portability there too.
- An infant bucket seat is easily snapped in and out of a car, and then often right into a stroller, meaning you won’t have to disturb baby every time you get out of the car.
- You’ll lose that luxury if you’re using an all-in-one seat from day one.
- One other thing to consider in the con category is how the seat will hold up over time.
Ten years is a long time to keep any piece of baby gear, let alone one that’s probably going to endure a lot of spills and wear and tear. You’ll want to keep that in mind while you’re trying to make your decision.
When can you take newborn in public?
When is it OK to take a newborn to public places? What about letting other people near my baby? I’m worried about infections. – Nancy There are no set rules about how long to wait before taking a newborn out into the world or when to let people near the baby.
Some doctors recommend that parents wait until their baby is a few months old before going to crowded public places (like malls, movie theaters, and airplanes). If the weather is nice, you should feel free to take your baby outside whenever you feel up to it — you both would both probably enjoy a stroll outside and some fresh air! Just be sure your baby is dressed for the weather.
Note: During the COVID-19 pandemic :
It’s best to limit visitors, indoors and outside. A newborn’s immune system is still developing and might not be able to fight off infections, including the coronavirus (COVID-19). At home, limit visitors to immediate family. To help protect your baby, everyone in your household who can get a COVID-19 vaccine should do so. Ask anyone who holds, touches, or feeds your baby to wash their hands first. You may also want them to wear a mask, especially if they are not vaccinated. Do not put a mask on your baby or other children younger than 2 years old. When you are out and about, avoid crowds and keep at least 6 feet from other people.
Also, make sure your baby’s vaccines are up to date. Your doctor may advise you to take extra precautions if your child was born early or has a condition that affects the immune system, like HIV, If you have any questions, talk to your doctor. Date reviewed: September 2021
Is Evenflo a good brand?
Keep It Strolling – Evenflo is a comprehensive brand with an almost 100-year history. Today, it’s a subsidiary to Goodbaby International. Evenflo manufactures all types of strollers for affordable prices. You can expect good quality with small, useful features such as cup holders and pockets. Feedback: Was This Article Helpful? Thank You For Your Feedback! Thank You For Your Feedback!
