Convertible Car Seats
This safety device may save you a bit of money and storage space. If you want your car seat to go from infancy to toddlerhood along with your baby, try a convertible car seat. 
In Summary
About.com rated these as the top 6 convertible car seats:
Make sure the seat is easy to configure for both infants and toddlers and is durable. This seat is meant to last for a few years.
Kids Grow Up Fast
Convertible car seats meant to save parents a shopping trip for that in-between car seat. These car seats are will accommodate a growing baby from infancy through his or her early toddler years, but remember fitting a car seat depends on weight and height not age. Check AAA's guide to car seats for more information. If you like driving more than you like shopping, these might be the right idea for you and your newborn. If you haven't yet learned the basics on car seats, read up.
Convertible car seats switch from a backwards-facing for infants to forwards-facing for toddlers.
A car seat has to fit three things:
- Your child.
- This may not be the only seat you'll need. Small newborns may not be secure in this type of car seats. Large toddlers (more than 30 pounds) outgrow these seats quickly and need a larger-sized car seat.
- Your car.
- If buying in a store, take it to your car first and attempt to install the seat. If buying online, make sure you can return it if it doesn't fit.
- Check with a local fire department or DMV to make sure the seat is properly installed.
- Your skills.
- If you think too many fancy options will overwhelm you and you won't use the seat properly, get a simpler seat. Using your seat incorrectly endangers your child. Make sure you know how to work it.
| Types of Seats |
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Five-Point Harness - Good idea.
- Rated the safest type of seat.
- Straps over child's shoulders, hips and between the legs.
- Fits children as they grow.
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T-Shield - Not recommended for small children.
- Two shoulder straps attaching to a webbed shield or a shield itself.
- Can hurt your child in a crash.
- Doesn't fit as snugly.
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Fit Your Kid
For many children, buckling into a car seats is part of a daily routine. Make sure it's easy to use and properly fitting.
- Two Piece Clips are more sturdy than paperclip joiners.
- Padding is essential for safety and comfort. That is, the baby's safety and your comfort.
- Seat Height determines the longevity of your seat.
- Rear-facing seats are outgrown when there's only one inch of shell above the child's head.
- Forward-facing seats are outgrown when the child's ears are even with the top of the seat.
- Harness Slots should be in three places to maximize your car seat.
- Epinions tells you that, "You want to find a seat that has one set of low harness slots, middle slots that are an inch to two inches higher, and very HIGH top harness slots."
- Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible, up to 18-24 months and 35 lbs. Car seats label the weight guidelines for each direction.
Fit Your Car
Buying a seat online doesn't allow you to install the seat in your car before you pay, but take these considerations into account.
- Smaller Footprint on a seat will increase the chances of your seat fitting your car.
- Easy Belt Paths mean that you'll be able to strap your seat snugly into your car. Make sure the paths are straight and wide enough for your hand to work with.
Fit Your Skills
- Rear-Facing Belt Paths Under Child's Legs or else you'll have to reinstall it every time.
- Built-In Locking Clips keep you from wrestling with free-for-all metal clips.
- Wide Straps that won't twist and cut your child in a collision and will actually keep them from twisting out of the seat.
- Use your seat belt as a role model.
- Easy Harness Adjuster so that everything is snug quickly. Front-facing adjusters are highly recommended.
- Clear Directions with color coding or big signs to help you properly assemble the seat.
- Washability in the fabric is always nice. Spills will happen, be prepared.
Price
Price generally correlates with quality in car seats. They average around $80.
Safety Notes
- Never use a car seat that's been through a collision.
- Never put a child in a seat with an airbag.
- Make sure your seats haven't been recalled (check the National Highway Safety site).
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