Choosing the right car seat is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make for your child. Not only will it protect them in the event of a car accident, but it also sets the tone for their entire ride home. That being said, choosing the wrong car seat can be a huge mistake that can have serious consequences. In this blog post, we will explore when you should change your car seat and when you shouldn’t. This information is key to making an informed decision about which car seat is best for your family.
When to change car seat
There are a few general guidelines to keep in mind when deciding when it’s time to change your child’s car seat:
-Your child should be able to sit up unaided and be able to lay down without having their head touching the floor.
-Your child should be using the back seat of the car for maximum protection in a crash. If they’re using an infant carrier or a convertible car seat, they can use the front seats if they’re supervised by an adult.
-Your child’s weight and height should also be taken into account when making the decision on when to switch seats. A child who is too heavy for their current car seat or who has outgrown it will need to use a booster seat until they reach the appropriate weight and height for their new car seat.
When not to change car seat
When not to change car seat:
There are a few times when it’s ok to skip a car seat change.
If your child is younger than 1 year old and is sitting in their own approved seat, you don’t have to change their car seat.
If your child weighs less than 20 pounds, you can keep them using the same car seat as long as it’s properly installed and meets all safety requirements.
And finally, if your child is older than 1 year old but still weighs less than 40 pounds, you can use a rear-facing car seat for up to 12 months (or until they turn 2 years old).
When to use a rear-facing car seat
When to use a rear-facing car seat:
If your child is between 1 and 2 years old, you should continue to use their rear-facing car seat until they reach the weight or height limit for their car seat. If your child is 2 years old or older, you can begin using a forward-facing car seat.
In some cases, your child may be able to remain in a rear-facing car seat until they are 4 years old or taller (depending on the model).
When to use a forward-facing car seat
When to use a forward-facing car seat
Forward-facing car seats are designed for children who are at least 18 months old and weigh 40 pounds or less. They’re also suitable for children who will be 4 years old by the time they reach the maximum weight and height for their car seat. Forward-facing seats are not recommended for children who are younger than 18 months old or who weigh more than 50 pounds.
Some factors to consider when choosing a forward-facing car seat include: your child’s age, height, and weight; the weight of the car seat and child; how you plan to use the seat; and your vehicle. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children ride in a rear-facing car seat until they’re at least 1 year old, and then switch to a forward-acing car seat.
Before using a forward-facing car seat, check whether your vehicle has a rear-facing only option. If not, look for one that has an advanced seating position (ASP), which can accommodate larger infants. If you have a convertible SUV, look for an infant carrier that converts to a rear-facing car seat (like the Cosco Scenera NEXT). The AAP also advises parents to keep their child buckled in as much as possible while driving; this will help reduce the risk of injury in case of an accident.
Conclusion
When can you change a car seat? There are a few different things to consider when making this decision, such as the baby’s age, weight and height. You should also take into account how often the car seat is used and whether it’s time for an upgrade. Check out our guide to find out when you should change your car seat, based on the information above.