Convertible Car Seats

Choosing car seats is not a fun task. There are so many things that have to be considered. You need to think about the future growth of your child, as well as safety, federal regulations, and recalls. There are so many different brands of car seats, and there are just as many kinds of car seats that are meant to be used by children of different ages. Your best option is to choose a convertible car seat to save the extra money and space that is required in buying a separate car seat for each stage of growth.

Convertible car seats are called such because they can convert from one type of car seat into another. Most convertible car seats will convert from an infant car seat that faces the rear to a forward facing car seat, and then to a booster car seat for toddlers. Others will simply convert from a rear facing seat to a forward facing seat, and you will have to purchase a booster car seat when your child reaches the proper age and weight.

When you are checking out the different kinds of convertible car seats that you want to purchase, there are a few standard things that you should be researching.

First, you need to make sure that all federal safety regulations are met. This information is supposed to be posted on the box that the convertible car seat comes in. This is one of the most important things that you should check out.

Second, you need to do a test run with the convertible car seats. You can always return them to the store where you purchased them, but you need to make sure that the convertible car seat fits properly in your particular vehicle. There are some convertible car seats that are made a little larger than others and will not fit properly in smaller vehicle seats. You also have to consider if you have other children that will be in the back seat, and whether the convertible seat that you choose will cause problems.

Third, you need to consider comfort for your child. Does the convertible car seat you are looking at have inserts for infants that will make them feel safe and comfortable? Also, does the convertible car seat have side impact foam? Is there thick enough padding? You want to make sure that the convertible car seat that you choose will be soft and squishy.

Finally, you need to consider how easy the convertible car seat is to maintain and keep clean. Look for models that have removable and washable belts and padding. Scrubbing a car seat is not fun or easy; having removable and washable parts will help you make sure that your child is sitting in a clean car seat.

The major downside to convertible car seats is that there isn't much surrounding support for newborns or premature babies. You may have to purchase additional support inserts for small infants, or you can roll up some towels to put around the sides of the baby. There are many parents who will purchase an infant car seat or a preemie car seat and then when the baby has grown and is able to fit into a convertible seat, they will switch.

	The First Years True Fit Convertible Car Seat, Casino List Price: $199.99 Sale Price: $149.00 Average Rating:
	The True Fit Convertible Car Seat has been given a four-star Ease of Use rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Out of 22 convertible car seats tested, the True Fit was the only one to earn a four-star rating in both the rear- and front-facing positions...

	Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat, Matrix List Price: $179.99 Sale Price: $144.00 Average Rating:
	Once your child outgrows her rear-facing infant car seat, she's still required ride in a car seat or a booster for several more years to come. So rather than investing in a succession of seats and boosters, try the Graco Nautilus 3-in 1 Toddler Car Seat, the only forward-facing car seat your child will need...