Parents want to transition their babies from using a baby car seat to a convertible car seat. That’s why parents like you need to know how long you use an infant car seat. In this article, I will discuss the longevity of the use of an infant car seat and the basic things to consider when transitioning from an infant car seat. Moreover, transitioning from an infant car seat to a convertible car seat is a milestone for babies. This only means that they are growing by the day. If you want to know how long you can use an infant car seat, read on.
What Is an Infant Car Seat?
Infant car seats are typically for newborn babies before they are off to their respective homes from the hospital. Most infant car seats have attachable and detachable features that can be easily installed in a stroller and a car seat. Usually, infant car seats have attachments from the base and easily latches onto your car. This means that the infant car seat can be easily taken in and out of the car without disturbing the baby’s sleep.
How Long Can You Use Infant Car Seat?
Now, we’ll go directly to the point. Depending on your infant car seat, the average age of babies transitioning from infant car seat to a convertible car seat is approximately two years of age. By this time, your baby has outgrown its infant car seat. However, the appropriate measurements when transitioning from infant car seat to a convertible car seat is measured in weight and height.
It is ideal for parents to know the right specifications and details of their purchased infant car seat. Most manufacturer’s manual has its proper weight and height requirement guidelines. So, be sure not to misplace the manual.
To give you a good idea of the average height and weight people transition requirements. I’ll be listing some of the famous car seat manufacturers and their respective requirements. For accurate details, refer to the owner’s manual as well.
- Graco: roughly around 4- 30 pounds/1.8 kilograms to 13 kilograms up to 30 inches tall.
- Britax: roughly around 4-35 pounds/1.8 kilograms to 16kilograms up to 32 inches tall.
- Maxi Cosi: roughly around 4-30 pounds/1.8 to 13 kilograms up to 29 inches tall.
- Chicco: roughly around 4-30 pounds/1.8 kilograms to 13 kilograms up to 30 inches tall.
To answer your question about how long do you use an infant car seat, then get through the various car seats mentioned above. Each of the brands has the appropriate measurements and will help to know about how long do you use an infant car seat.
Rear-Facing Convertible Seat
This is the next step of your baby’s transition. When they are done with the infant car seat, the most-likely route they are going is the rear-facing convertible car seat. This is the next level or stages your kid’s car seat is going to be. These types of seats can accommodate larger and older babies, usually toddlers. One drawback of convertible car seats is that they aren’t quite as portable as infant car seats are.
Generally, convertible car seats are quite heavy and need to be installed directly onto the car’s seat compared to the infant car seat where you’ll need a few clicks here and there.
One good thing about rear-facing convertible car seat is that they are versatile products, they have adjustable features wherein you can either front-face your child or rear-face your child when seated on their convertible seat. According to experts, rear-facing is the safest option for them. It can also prevent unwanted injuries from airbags instantly popping out of nowhere.
Infant Car Seat Tips and Guidelines
To understand well about how long do you use an infant car seat, here are the guidelines and tips that could help.
- Always keep your baby rear-facing at the back seat of your car. It is because a baby’s spine and head are greatly protected from unwanted injuries from facing back. It can also prevent your baby from getting an injury because the airbag popped out of nowhere.
- Always install your infant car seat at a good reclined position. Keep the appropriate reclined angle to keep your baby’s head tilted enough. If they are reclined too upright, their head may be forward-facing and risk having their heads fall forward.
- Having a reclined way to upright may also restrict their airway, and they may have a harder time breathing. To have the appropriate reclining position, there’s always an indicator if it’s quite about right. More importantly, refer to the owner’s manual.
- Don’t hang toys over the carrier handle. It may obstruct the kids’ vision or hard objects like toys may become flying-projectiles when accidents happen. Always keep their toy in their hand or tuck them away if driving.
- Let your baby wear comfortable clothing when they are tucked in their infant car seat. Always remember that it involves tightening of the latches for your kid’s safety. Letting your baby wear excessive clothes might compress with the latch when an accident happens.
- Never use your infant car seat as a substitute for a baby crib. Remember that these are specifically designed to use in a car. Although some other brands may offer additional features, it is best to have a separate crib and infant car seat. Plus, a flat and comfy surface is a greater place for your baby to lay flat on.
- Keep your baby harnessed firmly when maneuvering your way in and out of the car. When going out, make sure that all the harnesses are attached and latched with one another.
Conclusion
Transitioning from infant car seat to a convertible car seat is one milestone your baby will encounter in their journey to become a toddler. Babies tend to grow quite fast, and most of the time, when the baby outgrows their infant car seat, they may have a harder time moving or breathing as these harnesses may restrict their movements. That’s why parents need to know how long do you use an infant car seat. Know more about infant car seats.