Types of forward-facing car seats

There are four kinds of forward-facing car seats, each having its specific advantages and disadvantages.

1: Infant-Child Seat

This seat can be used for rear-facing and forward-facing position. Most seats can accommodate children up to 40 lbs. (18kg) and 40 inches (102 cm). Remember, in the forward-facing position, the law requires that these seats be secured by a tether strap.

       Disadvantages

• Some seats have a height limit of 40 inches (102 cm) in the forward-facing position. So if your child weighs less than 40 lbs. (18kg) but is over 40 inches (102 cm) tall, this seat can’t be used and you’ll need to move your child to a child-booster seat that will accommodate his or her height.

2: Child-Booster Seat

This seat can be used as a forward-facing car seat and later as a high-back booster seat.

As a forward-facing car seat it can be used until the child weighs at least 40 lbs. (18kg) - as long as it has a 5-point harness system. Some newer models have higher height/weight limits. When used as a forward-facing car seat, the law states that a tether strap must secure these seats.

       Advantages

• Many of these seats have a higher height limit so they can be used for taller children who are too light for a booster (less than 40 lbs [18 kg]).
• In the forward-facing position, some child-booster seats can hold a child who weighs up to 65 lbs. (29.5 kg) and up to 53 inches (134.6 cm) tall. (This child will still have to be harnessed.)

       Disadvantages

• Some child booster seats have a height limit of 40 inches.

3: Infant-Child-Booster Seat

This seat can be used in the rear- and forward-facing positions, and later as a booster seat. As a forward-facing car seat it can accommodate children who weigh 22-40 lbs. (10-18kg).

       Advantages

• This seat is cost effective as it can be used through three stages of your child’s life.

       Disadvantages

• Some seats have a height limit of 40 inches (102 cm) in the forward-facing position. So if your child weighs less than 40 lbs. (18kg) but is over 40 inches (102 cm) tall, this seat can’t be used and you’ll need to move your child to a child-booster seat that will accommodate his or her height.

4: Built-In Car Seats

Built-in or integrated car seats are an option offered by some vehicle manufacturers. It’s built right into the vehicle’s seat and comes with the harness mechanism attached.

       Advantages:

• Since they are attached to the vehicle, you don’t have to worry about installing them yourself.

       Disadvantages:

• Built-in car seats can’t be moved to another vehicle. And when you don’t need them any more, you can’t remove them from your vehicle.
• These seats can often be uncomfortable for the child.
• This feature in a car may add extra expense to your vehicle purchase.