Make sure you get the right seat for your baby’s age and weight, that it fits in your vehicle, and that you use it every single time. Remember to check both your vehicle and your car seat owner’s manuals to make sure you’re installing and using your car seat correctly. The infant car seat can also double as a carrier. (Don’t place the car seat in the grocery cart—even if it clicks, it’s not designed for that and is very dangerous. Instead, consider a sling or other carrier.) Many models of this infant car seat can either be strapped into the car directly or into a base that stays strapped into the car seat. Multiple bases can be purchased for multiple cars. An infant car seat can last you six to 24 months, depending on the growth rate of your baby and the size of the car seat. Some babies outgrow the infant car seat faster than others. Once your child reaches the maximum weight OR height limit for the seat, it’s time to switch to another type of car seat designed for older babies and toddlers. Getting a new car seat doesn’t necessarily mean that you should turn the car seat so it’s facing forward. You’ll want to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible because it’s safer. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends keeping your child in a rear-facing position until they are 3 years old or has reached the height or weight limit designated by the car seat manufacturer. Premature infants under a certain weight may need to use a car bed prior to riding in an infant car seat. The downfalls to convertible car seats are that they are not portable and cannot be used as an infant carrier. They do not have bases and are not easily moved from one car to another. Some parents find these bigger seats more difficult to use for smaller infants, though their bulk often promotes a feeling of safety. As infant car seat laws change and vary from state to state, many states are going with higher weight requirements for children in car seats. This type of car seat can have its own set of buckles or harness or it can use the seat belt already found in your car. Your child’s height will dictate which is most comfortable. If possible, try the car seat out with your child prior to purchasing it.
