When you become a parent, there are a million things to think about and it can be overwhelming. One of the most important things you'll have to do is choose a car seat for your baby. How do you know which one is the safest? What's the difference between all of the different types? Keep reading for a crash course in choosing a car seat for your baby. Definitely no pun intended.

Different Types of Car Seat


There are three main types of car seats for infants and toddlers: rear-facing only, combination seats and i-Size car seats. Here's a quick overview of each type:


Capsule / Rear-Facing Car Seats


These seats are meant for babies who weigh between 2.3kg / 5 pounds and 18kg / 40 pounds and are up to 40 inches / 101 cm tall which is around the first year of their life. If your baby was premature or on the small side, it's a good idea to start out with a Capsule Car Seat as a Combination seat may be too large so that you can't secure baby safely.

Combination car seats should be placed in the back seat of the car in the middle or behind the driver. Rear-facing only seats must always be used in the rear-facing position—never turn them around to face forward until your child reaches the weight or height limit for that particular seat.

There are Capsule Car Seats you can buy that have a rotating base, making them super easy for getting baby in and out of the car. If you've ever tried to get your baby into the car seat in a compact car, you'll know this is a life-saver! Check out my Buyers Guide if you are interested in learning more about the specific best brands for Capsule Car Seats and rotating seats.


Combination Seats


These seats are meant for children who weigh between 9kg / 20 pounds and 30kg / 65 pounds (depending on the seat) and are up to 65 inches / 165 cm tall. They, too, must always be used in the rear seat of the vehicle. Once your child reaches the weight or height limit for this type of seat (around 12 years old), he or she can graduate to a booster seat.

Combination Seats usually have an insert to allow them to grow with your child from birth to 12 years of age. This makes them extremly economical as you only need to purchase one car seat for the duration of your childs life. The back of the seat then usually is removeable to turn it into a Booster seat.

Booster seats are a subsection of combination seats and are intended for children who have outgrown their Combination Seats but are still too small to use an adult lap/shoulder belt safely. Booster seats raise a child up so that the lap/shoulder belt fits correctly—across the upper thighs and shoulder, not across the stomach—and they must always be used with both lap and shoulder belts. Children usually remain in booster seats until they reach 4 feet 9 inches / 145 cm tall and weigh between 80 pounds / 36 kg and 100 pounds / 45 kg.

i-Size Car Seat

i-Size car seats are a new type of car seat that have been specifically designed to provide superior protection for infants in the event of a car crash. i-Size car seats are based on the latest research and safety standards and are made from high-quality materials that offer superior protection. In addition, i-Size car seats are much easier to install correctly than traditional car seats, which is an important safety consideration for any parent.

Why Should You Consider an I-Size Car Seat?
There are many reasons why you should consider an i-Size car seat for your child. First and foremost, i-Size car seats offer superior protection in the event of a car crash. In addition, i-Size car seats are much easier to install correctly than traditional car seats, which is an important safety consideration for any parent. Finally, i-Size car seats are stylish and comfortable, and your child will love riding in one!

What Are the Disadvantages of I-Size Car Seats?
There are a few disadvantages of i-Size car seats that you should be aware of before making a purchase. First, i-Size car seats can be quite expensive, so they may not be within everyone's budget. Second, i-Size car seats can be heavy and bulky, which may make them difficult to transport from one vehicle to another. Finally, i-Size car seats may not fit in all vehicles, so you'll need to make sure that your vehicle is compatible with an i-Size seat before making a purchase.


Conclusion


There's a lot to think about when choosing a car seat for your baby, but following these guidelines will help you narrow down your options and choose the best possible seat for your little one.

If you want more information on What To Consider When Buying a Car Seat, check out my blog. And remember—always read both the instruction manual that comes with the car seat AND your vehicle's owner manual to ensure proper installation before hitting the road!

Thanks for reading!