What Is A Convertible Car Seat?

 

A convertible car seat is a car seat that can install both backwards and forward in a vehicle. Sometimes convertible car seats can even be used from birth. However, convertible car seats are not portable like infant car seats and do not attach to strollers (with the exception of the Orbit Baby system). They are much larger, heavier, and generally take more time to install. Most families find having a convertible car seat in each car the child regularly rides in to be best as moving and reinstalling them isn’t the easiest.

Convertible car seats typically last a lot longer than infant car seats. Most children will use them until about 5 to 6 years old. Best practice is to rear face until the child outgrows the rear facing limits of the seat, ideally around age 3-4. This can happen by weight, height, or head height - whenever the first limit is met, the seat is outgrown. Once the child has maxed out the rear facing limits, the seat can be flipped around and installed forward facing. Note that all states have laws about when you can forward face your child, so make sure you are aware of your state’s law and not flipping too early. It is safest to keep your child rear facing as long as possible as it protects their developing head, neck, and spine.

Typically convertible car seats are outgrown forward facing around 65 pounds or 49” or when the straps come from below their shoulders and cannot be raised any higher. Every car seat will have its own limits so be sure to check on our website prior to purchasing or in the manual! Once the convertible car seat has been outgrown, it’s time to upgrade to a booster seat - if your child is mature enough to handle that big step! You can always do a harness to booster seat so they can stay harnessed a little longer.

Click here to read if your child is ready for a booster seat.

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Have more questions? Contact us at customercare@strolleria.com or chat with us today!