Buying a Convertible or Combination Car Seat for Your Toddler
You have two choices in car seats for your toddler or baby over 20 lbs.: a combination car seat or a convertible car seat. This article guides you through the decision of which seat is best for you, and then how to select the right model car seat for your toddler.
Benefits of a Convertible Car Seat
A convertible car seat can be used in the rear-facing or front-facing position, taking your baby from birth to the toddler years. Most convertible car seats hold an infant up to about 20 lbs. in a rear-facing position. At that time, you turn the car seat around so it accommodates your toddler up to anywhere between 40 to 65 lbs. – or more.
The latest trend in convertible car seats is seats that permit babies to stay rear-facing longer. For instance, the Graco MyRide 65 and Sunshine Kids Radian 65SL both hold your baby in a rear-facing position up to 40 lbs. and accommodate toddlers in a forward-facing position up to 65 lbs.
Benefits of a Toddler / Combination Car Seat
Perhaps your child is over a year old and more than 20 lbs. By law, your child can now sit in a forward-facing position. You may have no need or desire for a convertible car seat. You can save money buying a toddler car seat that later converts into a booster seat or belt-positioning booster system, called a combination seat.
Questions to Ask When Considering a Toddler Car Seat
What sort of protection does it offer? All car seats on the market are designed to meet federal crash-test standards, but many seats exceed these requirements. Look for a car seat with:
- Head impact protection
- Side impact protection
- Five-point harness
- EPS foam for added protection
What is the upper weight limit for rear-facing? Forward-facing? As a booster seat?
Are the straps easy to adjust without removing the seat? Does the seat offer multiple harness slots for your growing child? Is the crotch strap adjustable?
Does the seat include a removable infant pillow to fit your newborn more safely and comfortably?
What sort of booster seat does the toddler seat convert to? What is the upper weight limit as a booster seat?
How many car seats and/or passengers do you need to fit in your back seat? Car seats vary in their width; if you need room for three passengers in the back seat, you’ll want a car seat with a smaller profile. Similarly, if you have a compact car, you’ll want a smaller profile seat in order to comfortably fit the car seat and additional passengers.
The Combi Coccoro convertible car seat, for instance, is designed to fit well in compact cars. You can fit three Coccoro car seats across the back seat in most vehicles. Of course, the seat lacks luxury features like cup holders and side wings.
Is the seat washable? Parents know babies are messy. A car seat with a removable, machine-washable cover is best, but even if you can’t remove it, you should be able to wash the seat with soap and water using a sponge or cloth.
Is the seat approved for airline use? If you plan to do a lot of air travel with your baby, your requirements may differ slightly. You may want a lighter weight car seat that folds for greater portability. You will also want to make sure the seat has a smaller profile so it can fit in an airline seat and leave elbow room for adjacent passengers, and that it’s FAA-approved for airline travel.
Is the car seat comfortable to your child? How much padding is there? Is the fabric pleasing to the touch? Would you want to sit in the seat for long periods of time?
How much do you want to spend? Price is not always an indicator of safety or quality, but more expensive seats may have additional amenities and conveniences. Most importantly, evaluate the quality of the fabric, the harness fastening system and of the car seat body itself, especially the points that offer impact protection.
What added features does the car seat include? Amenities may include cup holders, snack cups, attached pillows, toy bags, and even toys that attach to the seat.
Is it easy to place the child in the seat and strap the harness? Features like shoulder belt retainers, twist-free straps, low-profile sides and an ergonomic design make it easier to put your child in the seat and take him out.
Style & design - Do you want a car seat that will match your car’s interior or something more suited to your toddler’s personality? Do you plan to use the seat for future children?
A car seat will be part of your life – and your vehicle’s interior – for many years. While not the most important factor, it’s worth considering the look of the car seat within your car.
What do reviews say about the seat?
Popular Models of Convertible Car Seats
Cosco Scenera
Britax Marathon
Graco MyRide 65
Sunshine Kids Radian 65SL
Combi Coccoro
The First Years TrueFit
Popular Models of Toddler Car Seats
Graco Nautilus 3-in-1
Britax Frontier
Cosco Summit High Back Booster