Everything You Need to Know About Convertible Car Seats for Newborns
Are you shopping for a baby car seat but feeling overwhelmed by all the options?
Maybe you’re wondering if a convertible car seat is suitable for a newborn.
Well, read on and we’ll discuss the pros and cons of convertible car seats for newborns so that you can make an informed decision.
When Do I Need to Get a Newborn Car Seat?
First things first—when do you need to get a newborn car seat?
The answer is simple—right now!
Having an infant seat installed in your vehicle will give you peace of mind when it comes time to transport your bundle of joy home from the hospital.
Plus, it’s always better to be safe than sorry; it’s important that your baby is secure in her car seat when traveling in the car.
Are Convertible Car Seats Safe for Newborns?
The short answer is yes!
Convertible car seats are just as safe as infant-only seats; however, they should be used with caution and according to the instructions provided.
Generally speaking, most convertible seats must never be used in the rear-facing position until your child weighs at least five pounds or has reached age one or older (whichever comes first).
So if your baby is under 5 pounds or less than 1 year old, then using a rear-facing infant-only seat may be best.
However, if your baby is over 5 pounds and/or more than 1 year old, then using a convertible car seat should not be an issue.
What Are Some Benefits of Using a Convertible Car Seat?
Unlike infant-only seats which can only be used until about 22 lbs or up to 32 inches, convertible car seats can grow with your baby and last until she weighs 65 lbs or more (depending on the model).
This means that you won’t have to purchase multiple types of car seats as your baby grows; instead, you can simply adjust the settings accordingly and reuse the same convertible seat throughout her growth spurts.
Additionally, many parents find that their babies are more comfortable in these types of seats due to their larger size and extra cushioning.
Conclusion
The bottom line is this: while both infant-only car seats and convertible car seats are perfectly safe for newborns, it really depends on how much weight or height your baby has gained before making a decision about which type of seat will work best for them.
If your little one meets the weight requirements for using a convertible seat (5lbs+), then go ahead and give one of those bad boys a try!
But if not, feel free to stick with an infant-only model just until he or she reaches that milestone.
No matter what type of seat you choose for your newborn though, remember—safety always comes first!
Make sure that whichever option you decide on fits correctly in your vehicle according to manufacturer instructions before using it every time you get behind the wheel.
Today’s convertible car seats are safe, comfortable, and easy to install.
Whether you’re looking for a seat that will grow with your child or one that’s specifically designed for infants, there’s a great option out there for you.
And we’ve compiled a list of the five best convertible car seats on the market, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your family.
Just click the button below to check out our list.