One of the biggest concerns parents have is ensuring their children are safe in a car. And with so many different car seats on the market, it can be hard to know which one to buy for your 1 year old. In this blog post, we will take a look at what size car seat your 1 year old will need and recommend the best option for them. From convertible seats to booster seats, we’ll cover everything you need to make an informed decision.
Types of Car Seats
There are many types of car seats available to fit different ages and sizes. Understanding the different types will help you choose the right one for your child.
The three main types of car seats are convertible, forward-facing, and booster seats.
Convertible car seats can be used from birth up to 40 pounds. They have a harness that fits over your child’s shoulder and waist and is easily adjusted to fit their growth. The seat can also be converted into a high-back chair for when your child is older.
Forward-facing car seats should be used from birth until your child is at least 1 year old and weigh 25 pounds or less. These seats have a harness that fits around your child’s shoulders and hips, as well as a headrest. They are meant to keep your child safe in a crash by preventing them from being thrown forward. Some models have a built-in chest clip so parents can bring their baby with them in the car without having to remove the seat or use a carseat cover.
Booster seats should only be used if your child will not fit in any other type of seat. These seats usually have an adjustable harness that fits infants between 18 months and 4 years old, as well as a height and weight range (50-220 pounds). Some models include an extra base for use when travelling, making it easier to set up in new locations
How to Measure Your Child’s Age
There are many age-specific car seats on the market. Here is a guide to help you choose the right one for your child:
1. If your child is less than 1 year old, use a rear-facing car seat.
2. If your child is between 1 and 2 years old, use a convertible car seat that can be used in either a rear- or front-facing position.
3. If your child is 2 years old or older, use a front-facing car seat only.
4. Check the weight and height of your child before selecting a car seat.
5. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual for installation of the car seat into your vehicle.
What to Look for in a Good Car Seat
When shopping for a car seat for a child, it is important to consider their age, size, and weight.
To find the right car seat for your year old, you’ll need to determine their weight and height. You can do this by taking your child to the doctor or using a household scale. Next, measure their shoulder width and depth (across the shoulder). Finally, compare these measurements to the charts below to see which car seat is best for them.
For babies younger than 1 year old who are not overweight or tall, the Chicco Key Fit 30 Shoulder Belt Seat (SOLD OUT) is a great option because it has an adjustable harness that ranges from 5-40 pounds and fits children up to 30 inches in height.
If your child is between 1 year and 2 years old, the Safety 1st Grow & Go 35L Safe & Secure Car Seat – Blush is a good option because it has a five point harness that ranges from 4-35 pounds and fits children up to 35 inches in height.
For children 2 years old and taller, the Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat – Grape is a good option because it has an adjustable harness that ranges from 25-65 pounds and fits children up to 50 inches in height.
The 10 Best Car Seats for 1 Year Olds
Size matters when it comes to car seats. And while there are a few convertible seats that work for babies from birth to about 12 months old, the vast majority of seats conform to standard car seat sizing guidelines. That means if your 1-year-old is between the weight and height ranges for a size 3 or 4 car seat, they’ll likely fit in most models.
Here are the 10 best car seats for 1-year-olds:
1. Graco SnugRide 30 somethings
2. Chicco Keyfit 30
3. Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Convertible Car Seat
4. Britax B-Safe 35 Bundle with Base and Harness
5. Nuna Puma Q4 90% Recycled Plastics Frame Car Seat
6. Chicco Keyfit 60
7. SafeRide 5000 Elite Infant Restraint System + Base (Black)
8. Maxi Cosi Mico Max Universal Car Seat (Blue)
9. Kiddy Comfort Dream Lite Carrier Car Seat (Grey)
10. UPPAbaby Mesa Rear-facing Car Seat – Gray
Conclusion
It can be really tough to figure out what size car seat your one-year-old should be using. Not only are there a lot of different options on the market, but each one is designed for a different age group. To make things even more complicated, some car seats change their dimensions as your child grows! Thankfully, our team here at The Mommy Files has put together this comprehensive guide on figuring out which car seat your one-year-old needs. Just read through the article and we’ll take care of the rest!