When we first looked for a car seat, we had no idea what to look for. Finally, we decided on an infant car seat that could be flexible and portable for the car, flight, and stroller. That’s why we chose the Mesa V2 because we had the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller It was convincing to travel with it on the plane as well. Please note that in Europe, it’s not compatible. There, we had to rent a different seat with the car rental. We continued with the same brand and got the UppaBaby Knox for the 1+ year. However, even if it’s very safe, I’m not happy with it for when the baby falls asleep in it. It stays in the upright position, causing her head to fall forward. So if you plan long car trips, I don’t recommend it. I ordered the Graco one instead, and got rid of the Knox. See Graco review below. For travel by plane, we got the foldable WAYB Pico. It’s great in Ubers, cars, and flights, and you can carry it as a backpack.
Key Car Seat Features Explained
Rethread vs. No-Rethread Harness
- Rethread Harness: Requires manual adjustment by re-threading the harness straps through different slots as your child grows. This involves physically moving the straps to the correct height for safety.
- No-Rethread Harness: Allows for easy adjustments without needing to re-thread the straps. The harness and headrest adjust together for convenience.
Installation Basics
- LATCH System: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) is a standard method of attaching car seats without using seatbelts. It’s designed for easier and more secure installation.
- ISOFIX: A similar system to LATCH used in Europe for easy and secure installation.
Harnessing Basics
- Harness Position: For rear-facing seats, the harness should be at or below the child’s shoulders. For forward-facing seats, it should be at or above the shoulders.
- Chest Clip: The chest clip should be at armpit level to prevent the straps from slipping off the shoulders.
1. Infant Car Seats (0-12 Months)
Installation Basics
Infant car seats are designed for newborns and typically used until your baby reaches 12 months or the maximum weight/height limit specified by the manufacturer. They should always be installed rear-facing to provide optimal protection for the baby’s head, neck, and spine. Secure the seat using either the LATCH system or the vehicle’s seat belt.
Harnessing Basics
Ensure the harness straps are positioned at or below your baby’s shoulders. The chest clip should be at armpit level to prevent the straps from slipping off the shoulders. Always check that the harness is snug enough that you cannot pinch any slack.
Choosing the Right Car Seat
When selecting an infant car seat, look for models with excellent safety ratings, ease of installation, and comfort for your baby. Here are some top recommendations, including which ones are flight-approved:
| Product | Features | Why Chosen | Safety Ratings | Flight Approval | Pounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicco KeyFit 30 | SuperCinch LATCH tightener, well-padded, removable newborn insert | Consistently rated as one of the safest infant car seats, user-friendly installation and comfort | High ratings from Consumer Reports and NHTSA | Yes, FAA approved | 4-30 lb |
| Britax B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit | High side-impact protection, SafeCenter LATCH installation, adjustable harness | Exceptional crash protection, ease of installation, highly recommended by parents and experts | Rated highly for crash protection by IIHS | Yes, FAA approved | 4-35 lb |
| Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 | SnugLock technology, lightweight, rotating canopy | High safety ratings, ease of installation, lightweight design | High safety ratings and recommended by AAP | Yes, FAA approved | 4-35 lb |
2. Convertible Car Seats (1-4 Years)
Installation Basics
Convertible car seats can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing positions, accommodating your child from infancy through toddlerhood. Install rear-facing until your child reaches the maximum weight/height limit, then switch to forward-facing. Ensure the seat is tightly secured using the LATCH system or seat belt.
Harnessing Basics
For rear-facing, harness straps should be at or below the shoulders. For forward-facing, they should be at or above the shoulders. The chest clip should remain at armpit level, and the harness should be snug without any slack.
Choosing the Right Car Seat
Look for convertible car seats that offer extended rear-facing capabilities, easy installation, and high safety ratings. Here are some top recommendations, including which ones are flight-approved:
| Product | Features | Why Chosen | Safety Ratings | Flight Approval | Pounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat or Graco SlimFit 3-in-1, with booster | Extends rear-facing up to 50 pounds, no-rethread harness, 10-position headrest | Praised for its extended rear-facing capabilities and user-friendly features | Highly rated by NHTSA and Consumer Reports | Yes, FAA approved | – 4-50 lb rear-facing, – 22-65 lb forward-facing |
| Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat | ClickTight installation system, multiple recline positions, V-shaped tether | ClickTight installation system makes it easy to install, superior safety features | Consistently top-rated for safety by IIHS | Yes, FAA approved | – 5-40 lb rear-facing, – 20-65 lb forward-facing |
| Diono Radian 3RXT All-in-One Convertible Car Seat | Slim design, steel-reinforced frame, converts to booster seat | Slim profile, durability, and versatility make it popular among growing families | Rated highly for side-impact protection and overall safety | Yes, FAA approved | – 5-45 lb rear-facing – 20-65 lb forward-facing, – up to 120 lb as booster |
3. Booster Seats (4+ Years)
Installation Basics
Booster seats are for children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seats. They ensure the vehicle’s seat belt fits correctly over the child’s body. Most boosters are secured using the vehicle’s seat belt, though some have LATCH connectors for added stability.
Harnessing Basics
Booster seats do not have a built-in harness. Instead, they position the vehicle’s seat belt so that it crosses the shoulder and chest properly. The lap belt should lie flat across the upper thighs, not the stomach.
Choosing the Right Car Seat
Choose a booster seat that provides a proper belt fit, high back support for younger children, and ease of use. Here are some top recommendations, including which ones are flight-approved:
| Product | Features | Why Chosen | Safety Ratings | Flight Approval | Pounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graco TurboBooster LX Highback Booster | Converts from high-back to backless, adjustable headrest, integrated LATCH | Versatility and ease of use, highly rated by parents and safety experts | Highly rated by NHTSA and Consumer Reports for belt fit and ease of use | Yes, FAA approved | 40-100 lb |
| Britax Grow With You ClickTight Harness-2-Booster | ClickTight installation system, side-impact protection, converts from harness booster to belt-positioning booster | ClickTight installation system and superior safety features | Rated highly for overall safety and ease of use by IIHS | Yes, FAA approved | 25-120 lb |
| Clek Oobr High Back Booster Car Seat | Rigid LATCH installation, reclines for comfort, magnesium frame for added strength | Robust construction and ease of installation, standout in the booster seat category | Top-rated for crash protection and safety features by Consumer Reports | Yes, FAA approved | 40-100 lb |
Additional Sections for First-Time Moms
Safety Tips
- Register Your Car Seat: Always register your car seat with the manufacturer to receive important safety updates and recall information.
- Check Installation: Visit a certified car seat inspection station to ensure your car seat is installed correctly. Many fire departments and police stations offer this service for free.
- Never Use Second-Hand Seats: Avoid using second-hand car seats, as they may have been involved in accidents, have expired, or have missing parts.
Travel Tips
- Plan Ahead: When traveling, always plan for car seats. If renting a car, ensure that the rental company provides an appropriate car seat or bring your own.
- Use Approved Seats on Flights: If you plan to use your car seat on a flight, ensure it is FAA approved. Most airlines allow you to use your car seat if you have purchased a seat for your child.
Car Seat Maintenance
- Clean Regularly: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning the car seat. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can degrade the seat’s materials.
- Check for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect your car seat for any signs of wear and tear. Replace it if you notice any damage.
FAQs
1. When to Switch from Rear-Facing to Forward-Facing? Which One is Safer?
- When to Switch: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping children in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer. This is typically until at least age 2, but many seats accommodate rear-facing children up to 40 or 50 pounds.
- Safety: Rear-facing is safer for young children as it provides better support for the head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash. Rear-facing seats distribute the force of a collision more evenly across the child’s body.
2. What is the Difference Between Convertible, 360, and All-in-One Car Seats?
- Convertible Car Seat: Transitions from rear-facing for infants and toddlers to forward-facing for older children. Suitable from birth up to around 65 pounds.
- 360 Car Seat: A type of convertible seat that can rotate 360 degrees, making it easier to switch between rear-facing and forward-facing positions without reinstalling the seat.
- All-in-One Car Seat: Designed to transition from rear-facing to forward-facing to booster seat, accommodating children from birth through booster age, typically up to 120 pounds.
3. Should I get an All-in-One car seat or a Convertible and a separate Booster later?
- All-in-One Car Seat:
- Pros: Cost-effective as it transitions from infant to booster, eliminating the need to buy multiple seats. Convenient as you don’t need to switch seats as your child grows.
- Cons: Bulkier and may not fit well in smaller cars. Some all-in-one seats might not excel in all modes (infant, toddler, booster) compared to specialized seats.
- Convertible Car Seat and Separate Booster:
- Pros: Convertible seats are optimized for infant and toddler stages, providing better fit and comfort. Booster seats are specialized for older children, ensuring a better seat belt fit.
- Cons: Higher total cost as you need to purchase separate seats. Requires switching and installing new seats as your child grows.
4. When Should I Transition My Child to a Booster Seat?
- Children should transition to a booster seat when they outgrow the height or weight limit of their forward-facing harness seat. This typically happens when they are between 40-65 pounds and around 4-7 years old. Ensure the booster seat properly positions the seat belt across the child’s chest and lap.
5. What is a Five-Point Harness?
- A five-point harness is a safety harness with five attachment points: two at the shoulders, two at the hips, and one between the legs. This type of harness is designed to secure the child at the strongest parts of their body, distributing the forces of a crash across a wider area and providing better restraint and protection compared to a three-point seatbelt.
6. How Long Should My Child Stay in a Five-Point Harness?
- Children should stay in a five-point harness as long as possible, typically until they reach the maximum height or weight limit of the car seat’s harness system. Many harness systems can accommodate children up to 65 pounds.
7. Is It Safe to Use a Second-Hand Car Seat?
- Using a second-hand car seat is generally not recommended unless you are certain of its history. Car seats have expiration dates, and a used seat may have been involved in an accident, may be missing parts, or may not comply with current safety standards. Always check the expiration date and ensure it has not been recalled.
8. Can Car Seats Be Used on Airplanes?
- Yes, many car seats are FAA-approved for use on airplanes. Check the seat for a label indicating it is certified for aircraft use. Using a car seat on an airplane can provide a safer and more comfortable experience for young children.
9. How Often Should I Replace My Car Seat?
- Replace your car seat immediately if it has been involved in a moderate to severe crash. Otherwise, follow the manufacturer’s expiration date, typically 6-10 years from the date of manufacture. Also, replace if the seat shows signs of wear and tear or if it is recalled.
10. What Should I Do If My Car Seat Is Recalled?
- If your car seat is recalled, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for addressing the issue. This may involve receiving a repair kit, replacement parts, or a new seat. Register your car seat to receive timely recall notifications.