- Nursery Articles -
Types of Car Seats and How to Pick the Perfect One
Instagram: @sakuraconsidine
Buying a car seat is a big decision. Each of the main car seat styles has different weight and height limits, portability and safety requirements. Your child’s size and age will impact which type of seat you’ll need, and when it’s time to upgrade.
Here are a few basics you’ll want to keep in mind when determining which type of car seat is best for your child:
• The type of car seat you choose will largely depend on your child’s size and age.
• Typically, your child is ready to transition to the next car seat when they’ve reached the weight and/or height limit of their current seat.
• While there are recommended age requirements for each seat type, children grow at their own pace — so be sure to adjust the seat accordingly!
Below, we’ve compiled a list of car seats and their main attributes to help you find the perfect fit for your family.
Types of Car Seats
There are two basic car seat styles: front facing and rear facing. However, the main types are broken down even further depending on how much support the seat provides and how much weight it can hold.
1. Infant Car Seat
Infant car seats are rear-facing seats that double as carriers. They’re typically used for infants up to age 1, at which point your child will need a larger seat that can support their increasing height and weight. Though infant car seats may hold children up to 24 months, most children outgrow these seats by their first birthday, so it’s important to monitor height and weight restrictions.
Infant car seats are either strapped into the car directly, or via a base. A benefit of these car seats is that multiple bases can be purchased for multiple cars, meaning the car seat can be easily moved between vehicles. Babies are required to leave the hospital in a rear-facing car seat. Make sure to read the instructions to assure the seat is properly installed.
Best for: Newborns and babies under 32 pounds, with parents who want the ability to carry the seat around or move it between cars.
2. Convertible Car Seat
Convertible car seats are rear-facing seats that can be converted to forward-facing once your child outgrows the need to face backwards. Since these seats can be converted to forward-facing seats when your child is big enough, they’re more cost effective than purchasing an infant car seat, only to have to upgrade within a year.
Convertible car seats are bulkier than infant seats and are installed permanently in the vehicle, making them less portable than infant car seats. They also can’t be used as carriers, so if you’re looking for something lightweight and portable, a convertible car seat may not be the best choice for you .
Best for: Children 4-65 pounds with families who want to use the seat from infancy to early childhood, and who are okay with buying separate seats for each vehicle or moving the seats as needed.
3. Booster Seat
Booster seats are used in the transition period from using a car seat to not needing one. They’re solely forward-facing seats that can be used until the child is big enough not to need a car seat at all.
Booster seats can either use the car’s seat belt, or come equipped with their own harnesses or belts. Currently, it’s recommended that children ride in a booster seat in the back seat of the car until they are 8 to 12 years old.
Best for: Kids 40-120 pounds, who are ready to transition from needing a car seat to not needing one.
4. 3-in-1 Car Seat
The 3-in-1 seat can be converted from a rear-facing car seat to a forward-facing car seat and high-back booster seat. The perk of these seats is that they can be used the entire time your child needs a car seat, so you can cut costs and adjust to your growing child’s needs.
These seats typically aren’t able to be used as carriers as they don’t have handles. The rear-facing position can typically support babies as small as 5 pounds, and the car seats can be converted as your child grows.
Best for: Babies and children 4-100 pounds, with families who want to use the seat from infancy until the child no longer needs a seat at all.
5. Combination Car Seat
For kids who are getting older and who need a front-facing seat, combination car seats are forward-facing car seats that can be transitioned to a booster seat when the time comes. They have a harness that can be strapped in when using the seat as a front-facing seat. The harness can be removed to use the seat solely as a booster.
Best for: Children 22-100 pounds who are getting older and need a front-facing seat that can transition to a booster seat when the time comes.
Tips for Buying a Car Seat
Purchasing a car seat — especially your first one — can be overwhelming. There are several things to factor in before committing.
1. Consider Your Child’s Height and Weight
Each type of car seat has specific height and weight restrictions that must be followed. Similarly, each state has different car seat safety laws about how old, heavy and tall a child must be before they can transition from a car seat to a regular seat belt. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that children use booster seats until they are 12 or have exceeded height and weight limits.
General guidelines for different types of car seats are found below. However, note that each seat has its own height, weight and age limits that will be found in the seat’s instruction manual.
• Infant car seat: 4-32 lbs, 0-1 years
• Convertible car seat: 4-65 lbs, 0-5 years
• 3-in-1 car seat: 4-100 lbs, 0-12 years
• Combination car seat: 22-100 lbs, 4-12 years
• Booster seat: 40-120 lbs, 4-12 years
2. Consider The Cost
Car seats vary in cost depending on type and brand. Generally, seats that serve multiple purposes such as combination, 3-in-1 and convertible seats come with a higher price tag, but they last longer than infant seats. First, determine your budget and the amount of time you’ll need the seat. This will help you decide what type of seat to buy.
3. Don't Buy Used
Though there are many benefits to thrifting, car seats should be purchased new. A car seat that has been involved in an accident, is missing parts or is recalled can pose serious dangers for its new owner. It’s a safer bet to buy a car seat that is new to your family and will only be used by your child.
Car seats also expire. As the seat is used, it gradually experiences wear and tear that makes it less safe for use. That, coupled with ever-changing industry regulations and standards for safety, means the seat won’t hold up forever. As a general rule, your car seat will last you six to 10 years after manufacture. When you buy a used seat, there’s no way to tell how old it is or what it’s been through.
4. Gauge Available Space
The size of your car will impact the type of car seat you can feasibly purchase. 3-in-1 and convertible seats are typically bigger than infant car seats, so those with smaller cars will most likely need to purchase an infant seat. Make sure to gauge how much room you have in your car’s back seat so you won’t run into an issue once you’ve made a purchase.
5. Make Sure to Register the to Available Space
Once you’ve picked out your car seat and installed it, it’s time to register it with its manufacturer. Registering the car seat will help keep you up-to-date with recalls and guide you through the repair process, making sure your seat remains safe for your kid.
6. Have the Seat Properly Installed
It is important that every car seat be installed correctly. Consult your car owner’s manual and the car seat’s instructions for additional information and view helpful information here: https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats
Many local police or fire stations offer car seat installation or inspection, so you can always search for these programs if you require assistance.
The car seat style you choose will help your child remain protected and comfortable during car rides, long or short. By doing your research and learning more about each type of car seat, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that will fit your child’s needs and your lifestyle.
To start searching for the perfect car seat, visit Pottery Barn Kids for a wide selection of options. Please note that Pottery Barn Kids is not an expert resource on car seat installation or safety, so please check with state guidelines for your state.