Convertible vs. infant seat

Unregistered · Jul 24, 2003

I need a little help...

On another board, a poster posted that putting an infant in a convertible carseat was not as safe as putting them in an infant seat.

I have never heard that before, and I actually thought a convertible, or an infant seat used without the base were the two most secure options.

I'm sure I'm probably wrong on that, but is there any literature that would support the contention that a convertible is unsafe for an infant?

Thanks for any help you can offer...

Jessica, mom to 4

CandCfam · Jul 24, 2003

Infants are SO tiny that...

Convertible seats TYPICALLY do not fit them as well, and it is because of the fit that makes them *less* safe than an infant seat. Often times on a covertible, even the lowest harness position is still too high to fit an infant correctly. Here is some info that I hope helps ya!

Car Seat Basics: Selection and Use

Infant Carseats and Carriers:

Use rear-facing to 20 pounds. Some models go to 22, 30 or 35 pounds.

A 5-point harness is preferred, keep chest clip at armpit level and not on the neck or tummy

Harness strap slots should be at or below the shoulders

A front adjuster to tighten the harness makes it easy to use

Newborns and infants should have a 45 degree maximum recline

Built-in angle indicators and adjusters may help get the correct recline

You must put the handle down while traveling on most models

A rear-facing tether, rebound bar and impact foam found on some models may improve safety

Infant seats may fit newborns better than convertible models

Some models include a complete stroller and base system, while others may include just the convenient base that installs in the car

SafeDad · Jul 25, 2003

More-

All things equal, an infant will be very safe in either type of seat. Since both are rear-facing, both provide excellent crash protection. A few convertible models do have relatively low bottom slots, and will fit infants and newborns fairly well.

Similarly, a few infant seats also aren't the best choices, some have bottom slots that are relatively high, or only have one slot.

While infant seats may typically fit a bit better on average than a convertible, either type is acceptable if you find one that fits your baby well.