Choosing a Convertible Car Seat: When to switch
Knowing when to switch from a rear-facing infant car seat to a convertible car seat is crucial for your child's safety and comfort. Generally, the transition occurs between 6 months to a year, depending on your child's size and development. Some babies can last a bit longer in their Rear-facing Infant Bucket Seat, some outgrow them quicker!
Some key indicators that it's time to make the switch are:
- Your child has reached the maximum height or weight limit of their infant seat depending on the model of car seat (typically 30-32 inches or 30-35 pounds)
- The top of your child's head is less than an inch from the top of the seat when buckled in.
It's important to note that there's no safety difference between a rear-facing infant seat and a rear-facing convertible seat, all car seats in Canada have to make the same safety checklist, all must have the approved safety seal, and as long as your child meets the seat's height and weight requirements.***
***MOST public health care providers (i.e., hospitals,) will require you to have a rear-facing infant bucket seat to take your baby home, as it's the safest method of transport for their height and weight requirements. Your doctor and/or nurse will also show you how to securely strap your baby into their seat!
When choosing a convertible car seat, consider 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 model options.
Typically, 2-in-1 Convertible car seats, like the Britax Poplar S will take from birth rear-facing (5lbs min. - 40lbs max.) up until 65lbs forward-facing.
The Britax Poplar S Convertible Car Seat also has extra features, such as:
- the innovative ClickTight installation system, making it incredibly easy to install securely
- a ReboundReduce™ Stability Bar, made of carbon steel, for added protection against rear-facing impact collisions
A 3-in-1 options like the Britax One4Life All-in-One will take from birth (5lbs min. to 50lbs max.) to 120lbs forward-facing in high-back booster mode! It also includes:
- a carbon steel anti-rebound bar for rear-end collision impacts
- easy ClickTight Installation
- a longer life-span of use from the date of manufacture
The 3 Car Seat Laws in Ontario:
*Please note: Your child can, in fact, stop using a car seat if they meet 1 of 3 of the car seat laws as stated below. Your child must be:
- 80lbs min. OR,
- 4' 9" min. in height, OR
- at least 8 years old
Otherwise, using a car seat for as long as possible is the most secure way to keep your child protected in your vehicle.
Here's a link to the Government of Canada's car seat safety page!
