As a new parent, you may feel like you're constantly facing decisions about what's best for your child. One of those decisions is when it's time to transition from an infant car seat to a convertible car seat or booster seat. It can be confusing and overwhelming with so many options available in the market today.
But fear not, we've got you covered! In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about what car seats come after the infant ones.
When should I switch from infant car seat?
Let us begin by discussing when it's appropriate to make the switch from an infant car seat. Generally speaking, infants typically outgrow their rear-facing-only seats by 4-6 months old or once they reach the maximum weight limit allowed by their specific model.
Once your baby exceeds these limits, it's time for them to move up to another type of car seat that provides more support and protection as they continue growing.
Convertible Car Seats
The next type of car seat on our list is the convertible one. As the name suggests, these versatile seats offer both rear-facing and forward-facing modes which makes them flexible enough to accommodate different stages of growth for a longer period than an infant carrier would last.
Pros
- Saves money in future purchasing (as no multiple purchases are required).
- Offers extended rear-facing option that can adjust well past toddlerhood.
- More comfortable padding can provide superior comfort.
Cons
- Usually bulkier than Infant Cars.
- Lacks portability sometimes where any adult has convenience feelings and could share alleviation among themselves easily going around distances with less fatigue if needed!
So if your goal is long-term value rather than immediate savings by buying separate buckets-type seating solutions at each stage of childhood development; then convertible might just suit all budgets no matter how tight they seem!
Booster Seats
The booster seats are meant for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seat, yet they may not be tall or mature enough to use the regular seat belt restraints properly.
These seats boost the child's position so they can safely use the adult-sized seat belts. According to the AA, this is usually when your child reaches 135cm in height or when they turn 12 years of age.
Pros
- Lightweight and reasonably cheaper.
- Can easily adjust with your growing kid size (unlike convertible ones).
Cons
- No extra harnesses means less secure than other options.
- Not suitable for all types of motor vehicles e.g SUVs etc..
Those looking for a budget-friendly option that still provides adequate protection should consider a booster seat. They provide added cushioning and support while also ensuring that the vehicle’s already-installed restraint systems line up perfectly with the child passenger.
Combination Car Seats
As parents, you might want a multi-functional car seat product designed specially to accommodate both babies and toddlers rather than buy separate items for each one separately which could get expensive over time. That's where combination car seats come into play!
Combination car seats combine features of infant carriers, convertibles, and boosters in such style way as to ease out parents from the hassle factor during transportation needs throughout kids stages at whichever point needed per parent/caregiver(s) choice without having concern on high expenses every few years maintaining safety along junior adventures through road tripping joys countrywide across borders even!
Pros
- All-in-one solution saves money long term instead purchasing multiple times by different stage phases growth; no worries on buying new ones after every few months/years itself gives financial reassurance!
- Ensures appropriate baby-driver interface adjustment due large range available;
### Cons - On heavier side making portability harder compared others reviewed above. - Might be too costly to buy when covering both stages.
While combining features of multiple different car seat types does make them more versatile than any other option which would again prove itself as an all-in-one solution without worrying up excessive costs; they can sometimes be bulky and overpriced leading not best fit for everyone budget wise.
Final Thoughts
When it comes down to it, your decision will depend on your individual needs and circumstances, while needing anything did we miss today mention here or in future articles remember always check labeling/makers instructions. Be sure to consider the age and weight of your child as well as their height-levels , fitting compatibility with the car you drive frequently so that you get a product that is safe, comfortable, convenient-for-all-travel-planning formats & affordable!
We hope this guide has been helpful in steering you towards what type of car seat comes next after infant carriers / restrain systems!