Which Type of Infant Seat to Buy?

Many people are confused by the different types of infant seats out there.  And unfortunately, many parents go ahead and buy the wrong type of infant seat without researching, placing their loved ones in unnecessary danger.  Childseat Center wants to make sure you know which type of infant seat is right for your baby.

Below are the four basic types of infant seats for babies and children.

1. Infant Infant Seats

Infant infant seats are the smallest.  They are intended for newborns up to 12 months and 20 pounds, although a few (more expensive) models can support children up to 35 pounds.  All infant infant seats are rear-facing, as required by law.  It has been shown that rear-facing infant seats protect babies better.

Infant infant seats are usually used to carry babies around, and most have a companion travel stroller.  The manufacturers design them to make them convenient for new baby parents, in getting in and out of vehicles and getting babies around.

2. Convertible Infant Seats

Convertible infant seats are bigger.  In rear-facing installation, they can generally support children from 22 to 35 pounds.  In forward-facing installation, most models can accomodate children to 40 pounds, although some (again, more expensive models) can go as high as 65 pounds!

You can use a convertible infant seat for your newborn baby, but it may not fit very well.  When possible, delay using a convertible infant seat until your baby grows out of the infant infant seat.

3. Forward-facing Infant Seats / Combination Infant Seats

Forward-facing infant seats and combination infant seats are both forward-facing only, so they cannot be used for infants and newborns.  They are intended for babies 20 pounds or more and at least 1 year old, and can support up to 35-40 pounds.

Combination infant seats have the extra feature of converting into a belt-positioning booster seat when the child exceeds 40 pounds, and because of that they are somewhat more expensive.

4. Booster Seats

Once your child grows out of your forward-facing infant seat, you can use a booster seat.  The belt-positioning booster seats are recommended over the shield booster seats.

Keep your child in a booster seat until s/he is at least 80 pounds and at least 4 feet 9 inches tall.

Final Word

Except for the booster seats, it is best to have an official inspection to make sure that the infant seats are installed correctly.  An incorrectly installed infant seats may actually do more harm to your child!  Contact your local police department or highway patrol for the nearest inspection facility.