Convertible Car Seat (rear and/or forward facing)

This seat is definitely the most versatile and tends to be the seat your child will stay in for the longest period of time. The convertible car seat is for children birth to around 40 lbs. Infants can use this seat as long as it is rear facing (most parents prefer the convenience of an infant-only seat first). When using this seat your child should be rear facing until they reach 20 lbs.

Here are some suggested for properly restraining your child in a convertible car seat in the rear-facing stage:

• Place harness straps at or below infant's shoulders (lower slots) and keep them snug.
• Place chest clip at infant's armpit level to keep harness straps in place.
• Do not put heavy clothing or jacket on child. This prevents harness straps from being snug.
• If using a convertible seat rear facing for a newborn/infant, place rolled towel or light blanket around baby's head and neck for support. Never place any extra cushioning under or behind the baby.
• Shields are not recommended for newborns. When selecting a convertible seat for a newborn, choose one without a t-shield (roughly triangular or “T” shaped pad that is attached to the shoulder harness straps, fits over the child's abdomen and hips and buckles between the legs) or tray shield in front of the baby. A 5-point harness strap is said to be the safest for all ages. The shield comes up too high on the newborn and may make proper adjustment of the harness difficult and unsafe.

Suggestions for proper restraint in a convertible car seat (forward facing):

• Place harness straps at or above child's shoulders. (For most seats, harness straps should be in the uppermost slots. Read manufacturer's instructions.)
• Place chest clip across the chest at armpit level to keep harness straps in place.
• If you don’t have a chest clip because you have a tray shield remember some tray shields are adjustable, the tray shield should be as close to the child as possible. (T-shield and tray shield car seats are usually not deemed as safe as 5-point harness seats with a chest clip; check with your Pediatrician or the Consumer Safety Council for suggestions and advice)