Are you wondering when it’s time to part ways with the infant car seat? Here are a few signs to look out for if you’re not sure when to make the switch:
🚩 Baby is approaching the manufacturer's weight limit capacity
🚩 Baby is starting to sit on top of the belt buckle when getting into their seat
🚩 The top of baby’s head is less than one inch from the top of the seat with a fully extended headrest
Shopping for a convertible car seat can be a stressful task, especially if you’ve grown attached to your current model. Vehicle exchanges are a breeze when using an infant car seat that snaps in and out of a base and it may be tempting to keep using this system because of the convenience that it offers. However, it’s important to make the change before baby fully outgrows the infant model so that you have a properly functioning car seat in the event of a crash.
So where do you start? There is a vast market for convertible car seats, with countless different brands and models to consider. To help narrow it down, here are three top choices based on safety, ease of use and comfort.
All three of these car seats boast impressive safety features and rank in the top five of Baby Gear Lab’s Best Convertible Car Seats 2023. They are also highly recommended by The Car Seat Lady who is one of the most reliable sources out there for car seat information and safety. If you’re still not convinced, go ahead and read the thousands of positive reviews they’ve garnered online. You’ll find that parents praise them for their ease of use, and according to The Car Seat Lady this is crucial as, “The safest and best car seat is the one that will install securely in your vehicle and that you can operate correctly every time.” In other words, you can purchase the most expensive car seat on the market but if it is improperly installed or if it is not compatible with your vehicle, then it is NOT a safe option. You should especially keep these points in mind if grandparents or another caregiver will regularly be transporting your child. Check out the pros and cons of each model below to figure out which one may be the best fit for your family!
Nuna Rava
The Nuna Rava is one of the most popular picks amongst parents and it’s no surprise why - From its hassle-free seat belt installation method, spacious leg room for extended rear facing, to its plush GREENGUARD gold certified cushioning (which is naturally fire resistant and free of harmful chemicals) this car seat ticks all the boxes! I purchased the Nuna Rava for my own daughter and am so glad I did. It is on the pricier side but you can occasionally find them on sale.
PROS:
- Offers ample leg space for extended rear facing
- GREENGUARD GOLD certified fabric is free of fire retardant chemicals
- Energy absorbing foam offers outstanding side impact protection
- Rear facing mode up to 50 lbs / Forward facing mode up to 65 lbs
- Free virtual car seat checks
CONS:
- Bulky compared to other slim models
- Expensive
Click here to purchase at Dillard's - ON SALE
Click here to purchase at Strolleria
Click here to purchase at Pottery Barn Kids
At the time of publishing this post, the Nuna Rava is on sale at Dillard’s in the “Refined” gray color for $450. I was at first cautious of the steep discount but Dillard’s customer service confirmed it is the same as any other Nuna Rava model, it’s just a limited time color that is being marked down while supplies last. You'll find certain retailers do this from time to time such as Pottery Barn Kids and Albee Baby, but that said, if you find a car seat on sale you should always confirm that it is in brand new condition. It’s also a good idea to examine the packaging for any tampering and to make sure it comes with the correct manual and a registration card.
Graco Extend2fit
The Graco Extend2Fit seems to be the overall most recommended option across the board when searching convertible car seat rankings online. It is a top pick amongst experts like The Car Seat Lady and Car Seats for the Littles, and it outperformed 31 other convertible car seats in Baby Gear Lab’s crash test analysis, receiving the best crash test score. In addition to its high safety rating, this seat has a slim design to accommodate smaller vehicles and it is both LATCH and seat belt friendly for installation. It may not be as comfortable or have the same bells and whistles as the Rava or the Foonf, but you can bet it will keep your little one safe and at a very reasonable price.
PROS:
- Exceptional crash test results
- Slim Fit
- Rear facing mode up to 50 lbs / Forward facing mode up to 65 lbs
- Affordable Price
CONS:
- Average design
- Fabric contains flame retardants
Click here to purchase at Amazon
Click here to purchase at Target
Clek Foonf
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