Growing Up Happens So Quickly
The car seat is one of the only absolutely necessary pieces of baby gear you’ll need, and it seems like there is no shortage of infant and convertible car seat options available. For both new and experienced parents, learning all the ins and outs of car seat guidelines can feel overwhelming. Plus, car seat regulations and best practices evolve as new crash test data yields better car seat safety features and technology (did you know there are car seats that now communicate with an app on your phone to send safety alerts and help you to check on your child without pulling over? The future is now!). To further complicate things, many car seats do not “grow up” with your child, meaning you’ll need to purchase multiple car seats during their childhood.
One of the most popular questions our gear experts hear often is “when do I switch from an infant car seat to a convertible?” Thankfully, there’s a way to sort this out and it starts with understanding the foundational usage of each type of car seat.
Infant and Convertible Car Seats: What’s the Difference?
Parents and caregivers have two options of car seats that can be used for a newborn: Rear-facing infant car seats, and rear- and forward-facing convertible car seats.
Infant Car Seat
An infant car seat is designed specifically for newborns and accommodates preemies and low birth weight babies, especially (achieving the proper fit for a preemie or low weight newborn in a convertible car seat can be challenging). They’re portable, lightweight, and can be used as part of a travel system-you can click your car seat right into a stroller frame and then easily remove it from the stroller and click it back into the car seat base, easy breezy (just be sure that your seat and stroller are “travel system” compatible). Infant car seats are rear-facing at all times, which is safest for your baby. It is recommended that your child remain rear-facing as long as possible within the guidelines of the seat’s height and weight ratings.
An infant car seat is generally outgrown by your child’s first birthday, depending upon your little one’s size and your specific car seat’s height and weight limits. However, if your child reaches their first birthday and is still within your infant car seat’s height and weight limits, it’s still best to transition to a rear-facing convertible car seat.
Convertible Car Seat
A convertible car seat can be used rear-facing or forward-facing (hence the ‘convertible’), and unlike infant car seats, remains installed in your vehicle without a detachable base. While they aren’t lightweight or portable, they do offer flexibility and longevity-many can be used from birth into childhood (typically around age 6, depending on the seat’s height and weight limit).
All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
An all-in-one car seat is a type of convertible car seat designed to work from the newborn stage right up through the big kid years. Like a standard convertible car seat, they can be used rear- or forward-facing, and then later with older children, as a booster (both high-back and backless, depending on the model). Many all-in-one seats have a lifespan of ten years, meaning that instead of purchasing three or more car seats, you’ll only need to purchase one.
What Is the Lifespan of Infant Car Seats?
Typically, infant car seats can be used until your baby reaches 30-32” or 30-35 lbs.
As far as the seat itself, infant car seats typically have a lifespan of about six years from the date of manufacture. This is due to the fact that the materials used in the car seat, such as the plastic and foam, can degrade over time, which can compromise the safety and effectiveness of the seat in the event of a crash.
In addition to the six-year lifespan, there are a few other things to keep in mind regarding the lifespan of an infant car seat:
- Check the expiration date: The expiration date of the car seat can usually be found on a label on the back or bottom of the seat. If the car seat has expired, it is no longer safe to use and should be replaced.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using and caring for the car seat to ensure its safety and longevity. For example, avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaning agents on the car seat that could damage the materials.
- Consider the wear and tear: If the car seat has been involved in a moderate to severe crash, it should be replaced, even if there is no visible damage. The force of the crash can compromise the integrity of the car seat, making it less effective in protecting your child in the future.
It’s important to always prioritize your child’s safety when it comes to car seats, and to replace the seat as needed to ensure that it is in good condition and functioning properly.
Can a Newborn Ride in a Convertible Car Seat?
Yes, it’s likely that your newborn will be able to ride in a convertible car seat, provided your baby’s weight exceeds the car seat’s minimum weight limit, and you can achieve a secure fit (this includes proper harness positioning and car seat angle). Many convertible car seats on the market today come with infant inserts that provide extra support and cushioning for newborns.
Keep in mind that an infant car seat is your best bet for ensuring a proper fit for a newborn. Even if your newborn is within a convertible car seat’s weight limits, you may not be able to achieve a safe and secure fit. That’s especially true if you have a compact car—convertible car seats are larger and bulkier than infant car seats, so reclining the seat at the proper angle may prove difficult in a smaller car.
How Long Should Your Baby Stay in a Car Seat?
Most car seat manufacturers and medical professionals recommend that babies spend no more than two hours in a car seat at a time within twenty-four hours. If your family is going on a road trip, plan for stops along the way so that you can take your baby out of the car seat (even if it involves waking them up).
Additionally, car seats should never be used outside of the car as a nap spot for your baby, particularly if your baby isn’t yet four months old. Young infants haven’t developed head and neck control and cannot change position if their airway becomes compromised (this is called positional asphyxiation). Always follow the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep recommendations: your baby should sleep on their back, on a flat surface free of any loose items, including blankets, pillows, and soft toys.
Once your baby is 6 months old and has full head and neck control, you can talk to your pediatrician about spending longer stretches in the car seat on road trips.
When Do You Switch from an Infant Car Seat to a Convertible Car Seat?
Your child can remain in their infant car seat until they reach the seat’s height or weight limits. And keep in mind this is an either-or scenario: once your child outgrows either the weight or the height restrictions, it’s time to switch to a convertible.
Generally speaking, most children will outgrow the height restrictions first.
And although marketed weight limits—usually 35 lbs—may give you the impression you’ll be able to safely use your infant car seat for 2 years, most children outgrow the height limits well before they max out the weight limits. Once secured into the seat, the general rule of thumb is that if the top of your kiddo’s head is within an inch of the top of your car seat’s shell, it’s time to move to a convertible seat.
What Should You Do If Your Infant Car Seat Has Expired?
You should never use an expired infant car seat, and you should ensure that you’re disposing of it properly. Similarly, we advise against purchasing a used car seat. It’s critical you know a previously used car seat’s complete history (Has it been recalled? Does it need replacement parts? Has it been in a crash? etc.), and with a used car seat, that’s probably not possible.
If you’d like to use your first child’s infant car seat with a new sibling, first confirm that the seat is within its expiration date. And if any of the car seat materials appear damaged or the seat has been in an accident, plan to purchase a new car seat.
If Your Infant Car Seat Is Damaged, Can You Go Ahead and Replace It with a Convertible Car Seat?
Because a convertible car seat can be used from birth, you can replace a damaged infant car seat with a convertible option. Before making any purchase, remember to consider:
- Are you using your infant car seat as part of a travel system? There are no available convertible car seats that give you the option to use with a stroller.
- How old is your child? If your child is out of the newborn stage, it may be worth replacing your infant car seat with a convertible. Because you’ll max out infant car seat usage by your child’s first birthday, you’ll need to purchase a convertible car seat eventually anyway.
- Do you use your infant car seat in multiple vehicles? Convertible car seats are heavier, and do not quickly click into a base that’s already installed in your vehicle. You will need to uninstall and then reinstall a convertible seat every time you move it between cars (not so quick or convenient).
Are Convertible Car Seats Safer than Infant Car Seats?
If your baby is within a convertible car seat’s minimum and maximum height and weight restrictions, and you can achieve a proper fit for your baby, correctly installed convertible and infant car seats are equally safe.
All new car seats must pass federal safety regulations set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), so how you use your seat matters more than what you choose to buy. In other words:
The safest car seat is one that is the right size for your child’s weight, height and age; that fits your car; and that is properly installed each and every time.
When Should You Turn Your Car Seat Forward-Facing?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated its recommendations for rear-facing car seats in 2018. Previously, the AAP had specified that children should remain rear-facing until at least age 2. Their new policy recommends children remain rear-facing as long as possible, until they reach the maximum height or weight limit for their specific car seat model.
Finding What’s Right for You
Albee Baby is the oldest family-owned specialty baby shop in the US, and we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best assortment of baby products anywhere, at fair prices, always. We’re committed to being an inclusive resource for parents, and hope you’re feeling empowered to find the right baby gear for your family. Still have questions? Feel free to contact our baby gear experts at 877.692.5233 or by email at [email protected].