Versatility and adaptability for small passengers

A car seat is one of the most important pieces of gear you are ever likely to buy for your baby; not only does it allow them to travel in comfort, but it keeps them safe while in the most dangerous of all vehicles, the car. A good car seat can be considerably expensive however, and babies do tend to grow at startling rates so a car seat that lasts your child as long as possible is definitely a good thing. Convertible car seats are designed to adapt as your baby grows so are a good car seat model to consider.

Current regulations state that a baby should ride in a rear facing car seat until they reach the age of one year. After this, they are permitted to travel in a forward facing seat but only if their weight exceeds 20 pounds. Convertible car seats allow for this transition by having the ability to be fitted in both the rear-facing and forward-facing positions hence eliminating the need to buy a new car seat once your baby is old enough to travel in this new way. Some convertible models such as the Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1 can even be used as booster seats once your child exceeds 40 pounds. If a seat is to be used for a newborn, it should include adequate infant positioning support features such as a neck cushion.

A convertible car seat is likely to be with you for many years so it is worthwhile investing in a high-quality model which offers optimum safety and protection as well as a good range of comfort features to keep your child happy. Essential safety features to look out for include adjustable five-point safety harnesses and a good amount of side impact protection especially to the upper-body and head region. Most higher-end models will incorporate an energy-absorbing foam within their structures and some even have this material in their bases e.g. the Britax Decathlon.

Top tethers are also good safety features to look out for in a convertible car seat, particularly if it is to be used in the rear-facing position as these give more stability to the top part of the seat and reduce the risk of head injuries. Some convertible seats that offer this feature are the Recaro Como and Signo models and the Britax Roundabout.

Comfort features to look out for in a convertible car seat are reclining seats, plush or breathable seat-fabric and a well-padded foam seat. Padded harness straps are desirable and some models such as the Eddie Bauer seats have adjustable head-rests.

Choose a convertible car seat that is easy to fit and is compatible with the size and make of your car. Seats made after September 2002 will be LATCH equipped which means that they are extremely simple to fit in a car with compatible LATCH connectors. Correct installation is paramount to a car seat’s safety so make sure that you are comfortable with how it attaches in both the forward-facing and rear-facing positions and always follow the manufacturers instructions for installation.

Most importantly, do not rush to seat your child in the front-facing position even if they are of the correct age and weight to travel in this way; the rear-facing position is the safest and offers the most all round protection so keep your seat in this orientation for as long as possible.

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