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How to Choose the Best Convertible Car Seat for Your Child

Making the decision to buy the best convertible car seat among a list of prospective infant safety seats may be a real challenge for the practical parent. Good convertible car seats usually come at a higher cost than ordinary infant or booster seats, but you get a major return on investment because they stay in service longer. Instead of buying booster seats one year later, then changing booster seats as the need arises (in case your baby gets larger, faster than normal for his age), buying a single reliable convertible seat would save you enormous amounts of time and trouble.

And deluxe seats even make matters worse, because even if they are slightly more expensive than regular convertible safety chairs, each one promises to be the best convertible car seat for your baby. When choosing convertible seats, take into consideration the reputation of the company that made the seat: does it have a good track record for providing quality seats? How about warranty? What are the features offered by the company for each convertible seat model?

Britax, Evenflo and Graco are among the most widely-patronized child safety seat manufacturers in the United States. The convertible seats offered by these companies could be considered top of the line, and thus a discriminating parent's first prospects. The Britax Roundabout convertible car seat, for example, is one of the most expensive seats in the market (currently priced at $200), but it also comes packed with features, and is one of the most durable models out there. Initially it can be used as a rear-facing seat for infants who could come up to 33 pounds, instead of the normal 20 or 22, making it an ideal choice for babies who may grow heavier than the limit of most ordinary baby seats, faster than expected. Once your baby becomes big enough, it could be used as an ideal forward-facing booster seat.

The Evenflo Triumph is another popular choice. Its current estimated price of $120 makes it very economical, and its ability to match up to the Britax Roundabout in terms of durability and protection is well worth the cost. A setback, however, is that it is only forward-facing, unlike the Roundabout that may be a rear-facing infant security seat - definitely safer, especially if you plan to consistently keep your baby in the backseat.

The Graco ComfortSport is ultimately a practical choice. It's priced considerably less than the previously-mentioned models at $80, and on top of this it's lightweight and easy to carry around. Some parents have praised its usability on various trips, such as plane rides. Graco has made more than 15 models using the ComfortSport design, some with "extras" like cup holders and overhead shields - you decide which accessories your baby would need more.

But when choosing convertible car seats, always bear in mind that there is no such thing as an all-around "best convertible car seat," there is only the one seat that best suits your child's needs and yours.