Question: Do I Have to Buy an Infant-Only Car Seat for My Newborn?
Answer: Many parents assume that the only car seat option for newborns is the infant-only car seat carrier. These car seats only face the rear of the vehicle, and usually have a weight limit of 22 lbs, though some new models have a 30 lb weight limit. Most infant-only car seats feature a stay-in-car base that makes it easy to carry baby around in the car seat while outside the vehicle. Often, infant-only car seats are sold as part of a travel system, with a stroller.
While an infant-only car seat is a good choice for a newborn, it is not the only choice. Convertible car seats are available that will accommodate a baby from 5 lbs to 30 lbs or more rear-facing, and then can be turned to use forward-facing to 40 lbs or more. Each car seat's weight limits are posted on the car seat side labels, so you can easily find out whether a convertible car seat would be suitable for your baby. Convertible car seats are larger, so it may be difficult to find a good fit if your baby is on the small side. However, many average to larger newborns can fit in a convertible car seat and be perfectly safe. If your baby fits a larger car seat, it is OK to use a convertible car seat instead of buying an infant-only car seat and then moving to a convertible car seat when the infant seat is outgrown.
If your car seat budget allows the purchase of two car seats within a year or so, an infant-only car seat is likely to provide a better fit for newborns, and these car seats do offer a measure of convenience that some parents find invaluable. Some infant car seats provide additional side-impact protection and anti-rebound features, as well as a deeper shell to nestle baby inside the car seat, so infant-only car seats are not without their advantages.
Regardless of whether you start with an infant-only car seat or a convertible car seat, the most important thing is to choose a car seat that fits your baby and your vehicle. Check the car seat labels to be sure your baby fits within the weight guidelines for that seat. Learn to install the car seat tightly and properly, using the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle owners manual. Finally, keep your infant in a rear-facing car seat, whether that is an infant-only car seat or a rear-facing convertible car seat, until your baby has reached at least 20 pounds and one year of age. Rear-facing beyond one year and 20 pounds provides even more protection in a vehicle crash, so finding a car seat that rear-faces to 30 or more pounds is a wise investment.
