everything_you_need_to_know_about_child_safety_seats

The Fundamentals

The Basics of Child Safety Seats
2b - Convertible Seats/Rear-Facing

A convertible seat is a seat that can be used for children who need to be rear-facing or forward-facing. If you are using, or need to use, a convertible seat rear-facing, please first read "Infant seats." All of the information stated there applies here. However, there are a few things you need to know, primarily convertible seats that are bigger than infant seats and infants tend to not fit very well in convertible seats even though they are rated for children 5 lbs. and up.

One of the considerations when selecting a child safety seat for your child is how your child fits in the seat (see "How Your Child Fits in the Car Seat 4b - Rear-Facing Seat"). With a smaller child and a bigger seat, some of the factors that you need to pay attention to can't be met. However, a big child tends not to fit in a small seat either. Most infant seats have lower weight limits than most convertible seats, so just as much as you need to pay attention to how small children fit in convertible seats, you also need to pay attention to how bigger children fit in infant seats.

Once your child fits well in a convertible seat and you don't need and/or want to carry your child in an infant seat, switching over to a convertible seat is a good choice. Using a convertible seat also lets you keep your child rear-facing for a much longer period of time, because convertible seats tend to be bigger. With weight limits upwards of 30+ pounds (and most infant seats max out at 22 lbs.) your child can stay rear-facing longer.

Note: Please read the information provided about the convertible seat(s). Convertible seats have different weight limits for rear-facing and forward-facing. Misunderstanding the information may cause misuse of the seat.

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