Babies & Kids Blog

We have already discussed infant car seats and now it’s time to dig into the topic of convertible car seats and booster seats. A convertible car seat can be used rear facing for infants under the age of 1 and forward-facing when a child weighs at least 20 pounds and is 1 year old. Some convertible car seats now hold children up to 65 pounds.

A booster car seat can be used once a child weighs at least 40 pounds. An increasing number of state laws require booster/youth car seats until a child reaches a certain age and/or weight, such as 7 years of age and 80 pounds. Although the age and weight requirements vary from state-to-state, it’s a safe move to opt for a booster car seat even if it’s not mandatory in your state.

When you are looking at various car seats, check out the safety features. Many reasonably priced car seats now have energy-absorbing foam linings similar to those found in bicycle helmets. These linings are comprised of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam or Expanded PolyPropylene (EPP) foam. Be sure the foam lines the entire car seat.

Look for a convertible car seat that uses a five-point safety harness rather than a molded plastic T-bar. Most convertible car seats cost about $100, although they can be purchased for $250 and up.

If you are shopping for youth/booster seats, avoid shield boosters. These car seats have a plastic shield that swivels and is held in place by a car’s lap belt. While the price tag may be tempting (shield boosters typically cost about $25), the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t recommend using this type of car seat. When selecting a plan to spend about $70, although pricier models can be purchased for more than $200.

Do not purchase a used car seat. Unless you know the history of a car seat, and can confirm that it has not been in a moderate or severe crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that you buy a new one. Plus, when you purchase a new car seat, it comes with a warranty. Most major manufacturers offer a limited 1-year warranty; others promise to replace a product for a lifetime. Always return the product registration card enclosed in the product packaging. This card lets the manufacturer know where to notify you in case there is a recall.

Image: memphisparent

Yesterday I gave you some ideas on how to choose an infant seat. Today I want to share with you my list of the top 5 infant seats. You’ll see that all of these seats have a lot of important features and cover all price ranges.

Britax makes some of the best car seats that are being sold today. The reviews for Britax are almost always outstanding The Britax Chaperone Carrier comes with tons of advanced features such as:

*Tangle Free, 5 Point Harness with 7 harness heights and 2 buckle positions for a snug and secure fit
* True Side Impact Protection shields from vehicle intrusion, contains head and body, and keeps head, neck and spine aligned to limit injury and distributes crash forces
*Anti-Rebound Bar stabilizes child seat by minimizing rotational forces associated with front and rear collisions
* Ergonomic Carry Handle allows comfortable carrying of child in carrier by contouring to forearm and body
* Extra Large Canopy protects baby from rain, harmful UV rays and blocks wind
* Front Harness Adjuster provides easy front adjustment when loosening the harness system
* Easy to Install Seat-to-Base design self-guides carrier into proper locked position
* LATCH with Premium Push-Button Lower Connectors for a fast, effortless, and tight installation
* Height Adjustment Knob for proper seat angle and positioning
* Easy to Read Level Indicators provide quick reference for proper angle of recline
* Built-in Lock-Off secure the vehicle seatbelt so that the child seat does not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path
* Premium Push Button Lower LATCH Connectors for a quick, simple and tight installation

The chaperone will fit babies rear-facing from 4-30 lbs and up to 32 inches tall.

The SnugRide infant car seat is very popular among parents because of it’s many features and decent price, it will serve you and your baby well. Some of the Features of the Snugride are:

* EPS, Energy Absorbing Foam Liner
* Deluxe canopy!
* Infant head support to cradle baby
* 5-Point harness
* Click-in-carrier and stay-in-car base allows for a smooth transition from car to stroller
* Ergonomic handle for added carrying comfort
* LATCH equipped

The SnugRide infant car seat is to be used rear-facing only and is for infants 5 to 22 lbs and less than 29 inches tall.

2009 Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Car Seat: The Viaggio infant seat is the ultimate in luxury! The interior of this car seat is designed with Side Impact Protection to provide ultimate safety for baby in case of an accident. The reinforced frame provides added security. Instantly attaches to any Peg Perego stroller and conveniently features one-hand unlatching from stroller, chassis or car seat base. The Viaggio is for babies weighing up to 30 lbs. or up to 30″ tall.. It has many great features:

* Exceeds the most stringent Side Impact Protection safety tests
* Harness buckle provides secure, quick-release
* Stylish, easy to use rubber grip handle
* For use with or without base
* Unique five-point “Freedom of Movement” restraint belt system
*Adjustable base installs in car with LATCH system or seat belt
*Indicator level shows correct installation angle
• Adjustable hood
• Certified for use in automobiles or aircraft
• Complies with federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards
• Removable, breathable plush seat pad made of Comfort-Dry™ fabric that’s gentle on baby’s skin

The Evenflo Embrace Premier Infant Car Seat has all of the important features but comes with an affordable price tag! If boasts these features:

*2 Buckle positions
*3 Harness positions
*3-Position adjustable base
*5-Point safety harness
*Adjustable canopy is removable
*Approved for aircraft use
*Car seat features a base position indicator window
*Central track ball angle indicator ensures proper angle for your infant
*Ergonomic EZ-Carry handle
*Includes Evenflos warranty
*One-hand harness adjustment
*Rear-facing only designed for babies weighing between 5 and 22 pounds and measuring no longer than 29 inches
*Removable infant head support
*Removable washable padding

First Years Via Infant Car Seat: The Via is a great infant seat! It features a multi-beam back frame for added reinforcement and triple-layer padding that will give your baby superior comfort. The Via Infant Car Seat also has deep side wings for side impact protection and a full EPS foam liner. And for mom and dad’s comfort, there is a uniquely designed comfort carry-right handle. More features such as:

* For infants 4 to 22 pounds and up to 30” tall
* Uniquely designed comfort carry-right handle
* Deep side wings for side impact protection
* Two separate LATCH attachments points making for a safer installation in your car
* Built-in lock-off for secure installation

Shop for car seat accessories at Smarter.com.

An infant car seat is probably the most expensive and definitely the most important thing you will buy for your baby. Not only protect your baby in the car, you will find that you use it for naps and carrying your baby around out in public. There are so many to choose from and it’s important to study the various models and features beyond the color and pattern.

Check the ratings:

Check out Consumer Report’s ratings and even online reviews from other parents. User reviews are often the most enlightening.

Stay-in-Car Bases:

Most infant car seats have a base system that can be left in the car, which makes getting the seat in and out easier.. If you have more than one car, or a grandparent that baby sits, etc. find out how many bases come with the car seat and how expensive extra bases are if you’ll need them. Some infant seats can be installed without a base. Make sure you can easily get the seat in and out of the base easily as you‘ll often have your hands full.

Five-Point Harness:

Look for an infant car seat with a five-point harness, with straps that go over baby’s shoulders and hips. This will protect baby better, especially in side impact accidents.

Weight and Height Limits:

Check the weight limit on any infant car seat you’re considering. Many infant car seats will accommodate a baby up to 20 pounds, but some infant car seats have a slightly higher weight limit. By the time your baby reached the weight limit, you may be ready to have him or her in a convertible car seat. Pay attention to the height limit and watch your baby carefully in the infant car seat, as it is outgrown by height when the top of baby’s head is within an inch of the top of the shell. Legs hanging over the bottom is not a safety issue, so don’t worry about that.

Check the Harness Adjustment:

Check out how the harness is adjusted on infant car seats. It will need to be tightened and loosened regularly, based on what your baby is wearing and also on frequent growth spurts. Some infant car seats are designed in a way that puts the harness adjustment in an awkward spot once the seat is installed in a vehicle. Try the car seats out in your vehicle and make sure you can reach the harness adjustment easily, and that it works smoothly.

Image: Squidoo

If you’re in the market for a new car seat and don’t want to spend a crazy amount of money, this one by Safety 1st is perfect.  Your child can use this car seat for a few years as it adjusts to fit a child 5-35 lbs, 22-40 lbs & 40-80 lbs (or up to 52” tall).  It is a “3 in 1″ car seat & has a cup holder that can be switched to either side.

SAFETY 1ST 22-453-BCT Convertible Car Seat: $129.99 Now: $69.99

*If you decide to order from BabyAge.com they offer free shipping over $99 when you sign up for their newsletter.

Albeebaby.com offeres free shipping on orders over $100.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more convertible car seats. 
                                       Shop through all car seats.