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Convertible Car Seats, Infant Car Seats, Toddler Car Seats

An infant-toddler car seat, also known as a convertible car seat, may be just what you need.

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Convertible car seats are designed to be used for infants or for toddlers. They are called convertible because they can be installed as a rear-facing infant car seat or they can be installed as a forward facing toddler car seat. They will hold children up to 40 lbs depending upon the brand and model. If you have a big baby that is likely to outgrow a infant car seat before they’re ready for a toddler car seat then a convertible car seat might be the answer. It will hold large babies while still being rear facing.

Infant Use

For infant use make sure the convertible car seat will recline. This is very important. Your baby’s head and neck must be fully supported. This is achieved by reclining the seat. Infant car seats are designed with an incline to provide this support. A convertible car seat, however, has to be adjusted and installed correctly to achieve the proper recline. The proper angle is between 30-45 degrees. Never more than 45 degrees. If you can’t get the convertible car seat to recline to the proper angle you can try propping up the car seat. A rolled towel or section of “pool noodle” slipped under the car seat along the back of the vehicle seat cushion will work.

Harness Systems

You have a choice of three point or five point harness systems. Baby car seat safety experts recommend the five point harness system. The five point harness takes a bit more time to fasten but is the safest. Look for convertible car seats with a five point harness that you can tighten after fastening by pulling a strap sticking out from the front of the car seat. Make sure the strap is easy to grasp and pull. The strap should lock automatically to prevent the harness from loosening. Usually a small lever adjacent to the tightening strap will unlock the strap to allow you to loosen the harness.

Comfort

Look for convertible car seats with good padding along the back, head and especially on the seat. Some convertible car seats have surprising little seat padding on quite uneven and rough plastic seat bottoms. Make sure there is a soft head pillow which provides support and cushioning for your infant's head.

Usability

When installed as a rear-facing car seat realize that you may have to climb into your vehicle with your baby and place them into the car seat. This is especially true if you have installed the car seat in the center of your vehicle’s rear seat - as experts recommend. Some parents find this awkward and difficult to do, especially when your baby gets larger and heavier. This is one of the advantages of infant car seats. See our infant car seats page for a full description of infant car seats benefits.

Want to Know More?

	Click here for information about Booster Car Seats.
	Wondering about your state's child safety seat laws? Click here for child safety seat law information.
	Would you like to see the NHTSA ratings? Check our Useful Links page for the location of child safety seat law information.