According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 91 000 children were injured due to car accidents last year. 38% of them were not correctly seated in Infant Car Seats and were not buckled up properly.
It is essential to have an appropriate newborn seat for safety and health concerns as per your kid’s height and weight.
Most infant car seats come with 30 pounds and 30 to 32 inches as weight and height limits. Babies outgrow infant seats at the age of 18 months. But, you can still use it until your child fits in properly. Never compromise on weight limit under any circumstances.
We have done a lot of research to provide you with complete information, so in the meantime, you can spend more time with your little angels.
When Do Babies Outgrow Infant Car Seats?
The rule of thumb is to switch to a toddler car seat from an infant cot once your little genius hits the maximum weight limit.
Weight Limit: 13kg to 15kg.
Height Limit: 75cm to 80cm.
Usually, 83% of newborn babies hit 13kg at 15-18 months.
A safety seat with a height limit of 80cm is considered the best seat for a tall baby.
Is Infant Car Seats Nessecray By The Law?
Car safety seats are mandatory in every state in the U.S.
Car Seat Law (Title 21 Section 4803) emphasizes that “Kids should be properly secured in a federally approved child safety seat suitable for their age, weight, and height.”
What Are The Infant Car Seats?
An infant car seat is known as a safety seat. It is specifically designed to protect babies from any injury or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Such cots are designed with a rear-facing view.
They are more comfortable as compared to the toddler front view cot.
When is my newborn too big for a rear-facing infant car seat?
When the child’s head is level with the seat top, the seat is not suitable anymore.
We advised you to check the user manual information to be more sure. There is no one size fits all, so make sure that the weight limit won’t exceed.
Do I Need To Purchase An Infant Safty Seat?
Even though you’re probably going to use it for only the first 15 months, it is mandatory law of every state “Babies need to be seated in the car seat when they leave the hospital.”
The Maximum Limit – Ideal Switching Time.
Manufacturers have their cautions and limit for different products. Here is the list of the most prominent baby car seat brand and the maximum limits.
| Brand | Height Limit | Weight Limit |
| Chicco Keyfit | 76 cm | Up to 13.6 kg |
| Graco Snugride | 76 cm | Up to 13 kg |
| Maxi Cosi Prezi | 73.6 cm | Up to 13.6 kg |
| Britax B-Safe | 81.2cm | Up to 15.8 kg |
Parents can still use an Infant Car safety cot until the baby fits appropriately. Once the weight limit hits the maximum, consider it an ideal time to upgrade an infant car seat.
What Should You Consider Before Switching to the Toddler Car Seat?
Before rushing toward the panic buy, we recommend you measure the height and weight of your baby. If it is within the limit of the Infant safety cot, then you are good to go. Otherwise, consider the following instructions before buying;
- Make sure that your toddler car seat is suitable according to your child’s needs.
- Must confirm the safety standers mark.
- Look for the UN standard, ECE regulations (44.04 or R-44.03), or R129 i-size regulations.
- There must be an “E” mark on the seat.
- Never buy a second-hand toddler car seat.
Never compromise on the safety standards.
When Should I Upgrade My Kid’s Car Seat Cot?
Once your kid hits the maximum limit by manufacturer, upgrade the seat as soon as possible.
American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping your little angel in a rear-facing cot as long as possible.
According to the research data by NHTSA, a kid can stay in a rear-facing car seat till the age of 3 years.
Toddler Car Seat – Making The Next Move.
Toddler car safety strollers are usually convertible and front-facing.
Children who are more than 18 months old can use them. The height limit is a maximum of 56 inches. Convertible toddler seats are the more comfortable and best option for tall children.
We recommend switching from infant to toddler cots when your baby can sit themselves.
Make sure that you buckle up your child correctly. Ensure that the shoulder belt is not crossing the neck.
What is the Difference Between an Infant and Toddler Safty Car Seat?
The main difference is the weight and height limit. Apart from it, infants’ seats are rear-facing, and toddler cots are forward or front-facing.
Convertible seats are bulkier and can recline more. Usually, a convertible toddler seat is not considered suitable for small cars.
Toddler Car Seat Facts – All You Need To Know!
- If it is UN R129 approved, stop using it once the weight limit exceeds.
- ISOfix-installed toddler seats also have limitations.
- The ECE R44-04-approved products have the maximum capacity.
- It is not OK to let your baby asleep in them.
- Remember, even though you upgrade, but still, a toddler car seat should be placed at the back passenger seat of your car.
How Long Your My Baby Will Be Toddler Car Seat?
Up to 3 years of age.
Once you transition to the toddler safety seat, you will need for the next two years until the baby reaches the maximum weight Limit.
How Long Can Your Baby Sit in a Car Seat?
Maximum Two Hours per day.
Car seat cot manufacturers recommend the two-hour rule. The prolonged period can damage the still growing spine and may cause breathing issues in babies.
Wrapping It Up!
The state law may vary, but it is mandatory to have a baby car seat. For the first 18 months, your little genius will stay in a rear-facing infant safety seat. Once the baby hits the maximum weight limit, upgrade to the toddler car seat.
Even if your baby is growing, you still need to place the cot in the back passenger seat. And, don’t let your kid sit in a car seat for more than 120 minutes
