When you’re expecting a baby, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is whether or not to change your infant car seat. But what makes a good infant car seat? Is it one that can be easily converted for older kids? One with a lot of features? Or one that’s affordable? In this blog post, we’ll answer all of these questions and more. We’ll also share our advice on when exactly you should change your infant car seat, based on your child’s age and weight. We hope this will help make the decision process a little bit easier for you!
When Should You Change an Infant Car Seat?
Parents should always check their car seats for proper fit and replace any worn or broken parts. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that car seats be replaced every five years, regardless of whether the child is using the seat. Here are some other factors to consider when deciding when to change a car seat:
-The weight and size of the child has changed since the carseat was last used.
-The safety features of the car seat have been upgraded or replaced.
-The fabric material has faded or become torn.
How to Check If Your Infant Car Seat Needs to Be Changed
When should you change your infant car seat?
Parents often update their car seats as their children grow. Check the expiration date to make sure that your infant car seat is still up to date. Infant car seats can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more, depending on the model and whether it’s a convertible or a rear-facing seat.
If you notice any of the following, it’s time for an update:
-The padding in the shoulder straps has shrunken significantly
-The fabric is thinning or coming away from the foampadding
-The harness no longer fits snugly around your child’s body
What to Do If Your Baby Is Too Large for a New Car Seat
If your baby is larger than the recommended weight or height for a car seat, you’ll need to find a new one. There are many options available that will accommodate babies from 10 pounds up to 50 pounds.
Before choosing a car seat, be sure to read the car seat manual and compare it to the weight and height chart provided by the manufacturer. Be aware that some car seats come in multiple sizes, so be sure to choose the correct one for your baby.
Once you have chosen a car seat, make sure to install it properly. Check that the straps are tight and level across your baby’s back, and make sure there is enough room between your baby and the front of the seat. You may also want to adjust the headrests so they’re comfortable for your child.
When Should You Consider a Convertible Seat?
When Should You Consider a Convertible Seat?
As your child grows, you may find that their car seat no longer fits in your car’s rear-view mirror. A convertible seat allows for more growing room and can be used from birth until your child is 8 or 9 years old. If you’re considering a convertible seat, here are some things to think about:
-Will my child grow out of the seat before their 8th birthday? If so, it may be time to move up to a more suitable seat.
-Is my car’s rear view mirror large enough to fit the seat properly? Many convertibles require plenty of space behind the front seats; if your car doesn’t have that much room, it may not be feasible to buy or borrow a convertible.
-How comfortable do I believe my child will be using the seat for long periods of time (in both forward and backward directions)? Some seats are quite compact and easy to move around; others are quite large and require more space in the car.
What to Do if Your Baby Has TroubleS Applying a New Car Seat
If your baby has trouble applying a new car seat, follow these guidelines:
-Check to make sure the car seat is properly installed in the vehicle. The installation should be within your baby’s reach and the lap belt should fit snugly around your child’s waist.
-Attempt to put the car seat in a different location in the vehicle. Sometimes babies need to be moved around within the carseat to find a position that works for them.
-Make sure the headrest is positioned correctly so that your baby’s head is not tilted more than 15 degrees backwards or 25 degrees forward. This will help reduce the risk of injuries from accidental falls.
-Check that your baby’s weight is evenly distributed across all seating positions in order for him or her to be as safe as possible during a crash.