Carseats

MillerMama13

I know this probably varies by area but I'm really confused about what car seat to use when and how long they stay rear facing. B is still rear facing in her infant seat and it says its good until 22 lbs and 27". She's only 13 lbs and 23". I'm just wondering when and how you decide to move to the convertible. Also what level or stage would be next? I'm just too confused when I go shopping for this stuff.

PhieryBFly

We actually bought our convertible just in case I needed my husband to pick us up from a different airport than where I left my car/carseat. We now have one per car which is nice. There's no really need to go shopping until you get within a couple pounds or inches on the limit. Perhaps research a few and watch for sales?

Mrs.Castaldi

Our hospital had a carseat class you could take for free that explained all the differences and stages of carseats. The way it was explained to us was you wanted LO rear facing as long as possible, so in most cases until the carseat you get says to turn it around. We still have him in his infant seat, but are keeping an eye on convertible ones and will get one when a good one goes on sale. But we won't switch him over until he's closer to the limits.

stephrodgers07

https://www.hausofgerz.com/2012/09/car-seat-mistakes-you-didnt-know-you-were-making/

I just read this article about car seats. Educating! It's recommended to keep them rear facing for 2 years

MrsWindyCity

You can switch to a convertible any time you want, as long as it's RFing. So whenever you get sick of lugging the infant seat, they outgrow it, etc.

You should RF as long as possible. It's safer. My 3.5 year old is still RFing.

Angela814

I prefer to use the infant seat as long as possible because it's so convenient to move them in and out.

The next step would be a rear facing convertible seat. The AAP recommendation is to rear face until at least 2 years. (My 3 yo is still rear facing at 35 lbs and 40.5".) The seat is outgrown rear facing when there is less than 1" above the top of the head (check the seat manual - some seats are 1.5") OR when the child is over the rfing weight limit.

Once you switch to forward facing, you can use either a harnessed convertible or a harnessed booster seat. Both are equally safe. The harness is outgrown forward facing when the shoulders are above the top harness slot OR the top of the ears are above the seat shell.

Next step after harnessing would be a high back booster with the seat belt. Minimums for this are 4 years AND 40 lbs, but your child has to be mature enough to sit correctly in the seat the entire time. Once the high back is outgrown, you can move to a backless booster. Then minimums for seat belt alone are 8 years AND 4'9".

Blondie1212

We have a convertible already. Our LOs feet were hanging off the edge and just started seemingly uncomfortable so we switched at 4 1/2 months. It was a pain at first because babies can't really sit up on their own until 6m so when we would go to the grocery store I would use a travel boppy, my purse, and a gallon of milk to keep LO upright! Now though for the most part we have a good system.