Ultimate Guide: When to Upgrade Infant Car Seats?
Thinking of upgrading your child’s car seat? Changing often or prematurely can quickly turn into a costly affair for you because of how fast your child can outgrow their infant car seat. As a parent, you need to avoid making the switch too soon or too late. Your child’s safety is the primary focus.
Luckily, some stores allow you to trade in your car seat. You can upgrade to a bigger infant car seat, or a convertible one, without having to break the bank.
Picture: Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat
Factors Determining When You Should Upgrade the Car Seat
When your child outgrows the car seat
Most car seats have a weight limit of about 30 pounds. Your child can grow in height and end up outgrowing the car seat even without reaching the maximum weight limit.
When your child turns a year old
These test results show that switching to a rear-facing convertible from a rear-facing infant seat is safer. The tests involve simulating what would happen in the event of a car crash. Results showed that it was highly likely that a one-year-old would hit their head on the back of a rear-facing infant seat. So, based on the tests, a convertible rear-facing seat is a safer option for your child once they turn a year old.
When the car seat expires
Many parents don’t know that their infant car seat does, in fact, expire. The expiration date is important, especially if you have several kids who all use the same seat. The manual that comes with the car seat indicates when the expiration date is. Usually, you should not be using the car seat after six years. The expiration dates help ensure that the essential components of the car seat are not overly worn and torn.
When the car seat has been in an accident
Most car seats can still function after some minor damage. However, if the impact was severe and affected the car seat, you need to replace it immediately.
When the car seat has significant wear and tear
Daily use and poor storage techniques affect the strength and durability of a car seat. Make it a habit to check the car seats for damaged or loose parts, cracks, and worn fasteners. It doesn’t matter whether you’ll trade-in for the exact same model because it is better to have stronger and less worn components.
When it’s time for an upgrade
If you notice your child is close to outgrowing their car seat, it may be time for an upgrade. You do not want to wait until your child is suddenly big for you to scramble to look for a car seat replacement.
Ideally, rear-facing seats are always safer than forward-facing ones. On the flip side, a booster seat is also less secure than a front-facing seat. Do not wait until it’s too late to upgrade. A damaged, expired and overused car seat puts your child in danger. Upgrade at the right time to ensure your child is always protected as you drive.
If you’ve decided to upgrade your children’s car seats, be sure to check us out. Our team at PolyTopProducts has written an article about the best infant car seats in 2021. So that you can have the best infant car seat for your children.
