When Is My Baby Too Big For An Infant Car Seat?

What is an infant car seat?

An infant car seat is a specially designed child restraint for infants and toddlers up to about 18 months old.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that all children younger than 12 months old be in a rear-facing child restraint until they reach 44 inches tall, and that children between 12 and 18 months old should be in a forward-facing child restraint until they reach 50 inches tall.
Infant car seats are available in a variety of sizes and styles, with or without an integrated harness system. Many models also come with a removable canopy to protect your baby from the sun or weather.

When is my baby too big for an infant car seat?

There is no definitive answer to this question since it depends on your infant’s height, weight, and build. The NHTSA recommends that infants be in a rear-facing car seat until they reach 44 inches tall, and that children between 12 and 18 months old should be in a forward-facing car seat until they reach 50 inches tall. However, some parents may choose to keep their infants in an infant car seat beyond these recommended ages if they feel their child is safe and comfortable using it.

When should my baby start using an infant car seat?

Ideally, you should use an infant car seat as soon as your baby can sit up and pull themselves to a seated position. However, this depends on your baby’s age and weight. If your baby is between 4 and 7 months old and weighs less than 20 pounds, they may be able to use a forward-facing car seat until they reach maturity (around 12 months). If your baby is older than 7 months old and weighs more than 20 pounds, they should use an infant car seat or rear-facing convertible car seat.

How do I know my baby is big enough for an infant car seat?

If you have a baby that is around 12 pounds or less, they should be able to use an infant car seat. If your baby is around 13 pounds or more, they should be moved up to a convertible car seat.

What to do if my baby is too big for an infant car seat?

If you have a baby that is too big for an infant car seat, there are a few different things you can do. You can try to find a convertible car seat or a booster seat. If those options are not available, you can try to find another way to keep your baby safe while you are driving.

Conclusion

Congratulations on becoming a parent! It can be an overwhelming experience, and one that is full of new discoveries and adjustments. One of the first things you’ll want to do is find a car seat for your baby. Unfortunately, it can be hard to know exactly when your baby is ready to use an infant car seat. There are several factors to consider, including how big your baby is relative to their vehicle’s safety restraints, as well as the weight and height of the carseat itself. If you don’t have any other questions about when your baby is ready for an infant car seat, our guide should help you get started.