My child’s safety is of upmost priority. She is the best thing that has ever been mine and I want to do everything in my power to protect. That being said, can a mama catch a break on these drastic rule and regulation guideline changes for carseats?! I absolutely want to keep my child safe but it can be so hard to stay up to date with the correct usage of infant seats, rear facing seats, forward facing seats and booster seats! Laws in our state have changed three times in three years and each time I find myself scouring the internet trying to figure out exactly what changed. It’s no wonder that most parents don’t know they’re using the wrong carseat.
For me, the scariest transition was from forward facing to booster seat. Unlike the other transitions, there is such large age overlap between the two that it really makes it up to the parents descretion. Personally, I think it a large part of has to do with the needs of your child. I love my niece, but she is a tiny terror. Even though she will soon “lawfully” be able to use a booster seat, she needs more restraint than a simple seat belt or she will rain down havoc. In fact, most children under the age of 5 arent mature enough for a seatbelt restraint. On the other hand, my daughter is well over the lawful limit for a booster seat and craves the freedom of movement and indepence they offer.
As a parent, I prefer a 3-in-1 combination booster. They offer far more support and structure than a single function booster and often come with extra amenities that make them more convenient. For instance, the new KidFit Booster by Chicco offers saftey features like LATCH attachment with SuperCinch one-pull tightener to help keep the seat in place for easier in/out for kids. It a boast armrest and head rest that aid those backseat sleepers and a removable cover for easy cleanup. Bonus, it features space-saving cup holders for easy reach and they fold away when not in use.
[infobox]If you’re unsure of what type of car seat your child should be in, or if you have trouble installing your seat, seek out help from your local child passenger safety technician.[/infobox]
I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Chicco. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.
This is really a good article. We often wondered about Davey – he was small. This info would of really helped! Thanks sharing with family that have small children!
Great info. There always seems to be such misinformation and drama surrounding car seats and boosters. I love seeing posts like this helping people truly figure it out!
I was unsure of the age requirements for a booster seat. My son is in the convertible seat and I know we’ll keep him in this for several more years. I love the graphic here – so helpful!!
Very good info. Important info to know.
What impressive information on car seats for children and which stage is proper for which ages and levels of maturity. I can see how well your daughter fits in her Chicco booster – it even looks safe! The selling point for me is the convenient cup holder on the side of the seat. Thanks for sharing this informative, well-written review.