In preparing for new baby choosing between baby car seats will prove to be one of the most difficult decisions. This choice is most difficult because, unlike many baby product choices which you can choose simply on style, baby car seats must be safe. There are several different types of baby car seats on the market. We will explain the major differences between these car seats as well as offer some insight as to which choice might be best for your baby.
Three Types of Baby Car Seats
There are three basic types of baby car seats:
- Infant car seats
- Convertible car seats
- Booster car seats
Those car seats that are strictly intended as booster car seats are not meant for newborn babies at all, we will therefore focus on explaining the differences between infant car seats and convertible car seats.
InfaInfant car seats are designed to provide safety for babies from birth. Generally these car seats are meant either for babies 4 – 30 pounds or 5 – 35 pounds. Infant car seats are always rear-facing as it is recommended that babies in this weight range are always positioned rear-facing in the car. These baby car seats will have adjustable five point harness belt systems, removable padding, and a lockable base.
The five point harness system is generally considered as the safest for babies and young children. These belts fit over both shoulders, clasp in the middle at the baby’s chest, and buckle in between the baby’s legs. On most infant car seats the shoulder height of the five point harness can be adjusted by re-threading the belt through access points of various levels. Padding provided in infant car seats ensures comfort, snugness and support for even the smallest of babies. Padding material and design varies greatly by manufacturer, check out [the baby shop] to see the many options available.
When determining which padding you prefer, consider the reasons for the padding; the padding should effectively hold baby’s head in place when they cannot support their own head, the padding should protect baby’s delicate neck and shoulder from irritations of the belt, the padding should also be comfortable. Infant car seats are designed to be easily removed from and replaced into their bases. The advantages of this design are that you may lift your sleeping baby from the car using the handle of the car seat and easily replace the car seat when it is time to go out again. It is important to consider how the car seat base will fit in your specific car. It is a widely held belief that some baby car seats adapt easier to certain cars’ seats than others.
Convertible car seats can often offer more value than baby car seats designed strictly for rear-facing infants. Convertible car seats convert from rear-facing infant seats to forward facing toddler seats.
If you purchase a rear-facing infant seat, you will find yourself looking for a new seat when your child outgrows the seat in terms of height and weight. A convertible infant seat can accommodate your growing child with its ability to turn into a forward facing seat. These seats are recommended for babies from 5 pounds to toddlers up to a varying range of from about 45 pounds to 70 pounds depending on the seat. Convertible baby car seats are fastened directly into your car and, although they may include a base, are not designed to be removed from the base.
Baby Car Seats – Infant or Convertible?
Review this checklist to determine which baby car seats you should focus on:
- I want a car seat that I can easily remove from my car without disturbing baby
- I want a car seat that is designed to fit into a stroller
- I want a car seat that includes a sun/weather canopy
- I want a car seat designed specifically for babies only
- I know I am having multiples or have another reason to believe that my baby may weigh less than five pounds
- I want to get the most value for my car seat
- I want my car seat to grow with my child
- I prefer a car seat without a base that will maximize space in my car
- I do not wish to use my car seat as part of a stroller system
- I know that my baby is already way more than five pounds!
If you checked any of the first five in the above list, then an infant car seat is the best choice for you. If you checked more of the last five, then consider a convertible car seat as your best option.
So Many Styles
After you have determined whether infant or convertible baby car seats are the right choice for your baby, the fun comes in choosing a style. Options are nearly endless when it comes to the style of baby car seats.
Before checking them out, you should probably make two decisions: is it possible that this car seat will be handed down to a second baby and is it important to you that the car seat match they style of your car? If you intend to use this car seat for your second child, then you should consider a gender neutral style. If you are determined to only have one child or know that you will buy a second car seat for your next child, then gender specific styles can be super cute.
Some people prefer that baby car seats coordinate with the interior style of their car. If this is you, then keep your car’s style in mind while shopping.
Online shopping has made it so much easier to gain access to all of the popular baby car seats styles that are offered, you can see many of these styles at Amazon.
Don’t fret if you are torn between a gender neutral seat and baby car seats that reflect your baby’s gender and your style. Car seat covers are available from many popular baby car seats manufacturers allowing you to dress up your car seat however you prefer. Bonus when using covers – easy removal when it’s time to throw it in the wash.
Read through our checklist and the general descriptions of the difference between infant and convertible baby car seats. Put a little thought into your opinions of our checklist considerations.
Deciding on which baby car seats are best for you and your baby may not be easy but, by breaking it down in this way, we hope that you will be able to make an informed decision. After that, have fun shopping for an adorable style that will be just-right for your new baby!
