Car Seats

Don't Know Where to Start?

What type of car seat should you look for?

• Rear-Facing Only (Infant Car Seat):
  
  Infant car seats are made to cradle and protect the smallest children, from newborn up. They’re often designed with a base that stays buckled in the vehicle while the seat snaps in and out to use as a carrier. Many parents enjoy the conveniences of the infant seats, as the child can stay in the seat and with the parent or caregiver whether inside or outside of the car.
  
  This car seat should be facing the rear of the vehicle at all times. Your baby’s head must fit under the top rim of the seat, with at least an inch to spare. One thing to consider is the handle; read the manufacturer’s instructions to learn what position the handle needs to be when it’s in your car. When a child has reached the maximum weight or height limit of their infant car seat, it’s time to move to a convertible seat.
  
  
• Convertible (Rear or Forward-Facing):
  
  

  Convertible car seats are convenient because they can be used for both the rear-facing and then the forward-facing position as your child grows. Read the manual carefully and remember that children should continue to ride rear-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight limit before you move them to the forward-facing position.

  Use a convertible seat as long as you can until your child outgrows it. When your child’s ears hit the top of the seat, or their shoulders are above the top slots of the seat, it’s time to move to a combination or booster seat.

• All-In-One:
  
  These seats are called "All-In-One" or “3 in 1” because they can be used as: 1. a rear-facing car seat, 2. A forward-facing car seat with a harness and then 3. a booster seat. You can use these seats forward-facing with a harness and tether after your child reaches the top rear-facing height and weight limit allowed by the manufacturer.
  
  
• Forward-Facing Only:
  
  These seats are designed to be used as a forward-facing car seat with a 5-point harness, and then as a high back booster seat. Children should reach the maximum height or weight limit of their rear-facing car seat before they are moved to a combination seat. Check the car seat manufacturer’s height and weight requirements before using with your child.
  
  
• Booster:
  
  Once your child has outgrown a seat with an internal harness, it’s time to move to a belt-positioning booster seat. Booster seat use is extremely important because most children do not fit properly into an adult seat belt until they are about 4 feet, 9 inches tall. And, during a car crash, an improperly positioned seat belt places a child at increased risk for certain injuries, which can be severe.
  
  

  No-back booster seat
  These can be used by children that are at least 40 pounds. Older children may prefer a no-back booster seat. A child must use a lap/shoulder belt anytime they are riding in the car with a booster seat, as they need both protection over their chest and hips. Never use a lap only belt with a booster seat.

  High-back booster seat
  High-back booster seats are a good choice for vehicles, such as sedans or coupes, that have a low head rests in the back seat. They are also a good choice for children who meet the height and weight requirements to be in a booster seat, but may need additional head and side support in the vehicle. In addition, some high-back booster seats have the option to remove the back if/when the child no longer needs that added support. A child must use a lap/shoulder belt anytime they are riding in the car with a booster seat, as they need both protection over their chest and hips. Never use a lap only belt with a booster seat.

Use the filters below to make your car seat search easier. If you still have questions about what is right for you, stop by the store and chat with one of our associates, or contact us.