Getting a Convertible Car Seat vs Booster Seat

When you've got a child, it's your job to look out for his safety for as long as he is too young to look after himself. This means taking charge of your child's diet, daily routine, and even his safety equipment. You'll need to think about his security when buying items like cribs, strollers, and even car seats. The buying decisions that you make will have an impact on your little one's well-being, so it's important to choose the right products for your child. For instance, you'll have to know which option is best when choosing between a convertible car seat vs booster seat.

When choosing between car seat vs booster seat, it's important to be well-informed regarding the products that you're thinking of buying. All car seats and booster seats are intended to keep your child safe while on the road, and they work with your car's own safety system in order to provide the needed protection in case of an impact from the front, back, or side.

In the beginning, you'll probably want to get an infant car seat for your baby. An infant car seat is a good first purchase because it's considered safest for babies until they're about a year old. A rear-facing infant seat isn't just a piece of safety equipment. It also functions as a carrier and a recliner for your baby. For instance, when you're dining out you can simple put the baby in the infant seat and keep him close to you while you eat.

Of course, your child will outgrow the infant seat after 12 months or so. When this happens, you'll need to get a convertible car seat, or a forward-facing seat. A convertible seat that can be used rear-facing or forward facing is usually good until he weighs 40 lbs, although some 3-in-1 models can also convert into a booster seat that's good for children up to 100 or 120 lbs in weight.

If you've got a child who is at 20 lbs or more, then you definitely need to upgrade to either a convertible car seat or a booster. Which one you choose depends largely on your child's size as well as the kind of convertible or booster seat that you intend to buy. If your child is on the large side or has been using an infant seat with a weight limit of 30 lbs like the Chicco Keyfit for example, then you won't get much use out of a convertible seat with a weight limit of 40 lbs.

Get a booster seat if your child is already 40 lbs in weight. But if your baby is just 20 lbs, get a convertible model for your next car seat. If you'd like to cut down on expenses, get a convertible car seat that can also turn into a booster with a limit of 100 or 120 lbs.

In the convertible car seat vs booster seat debate, you'll need to go by your child's specific needs and weight.

Related article: Top 3 best booster car seats