Convertible car seat

The short definition

A convertible car seat is a child restraint that stays in the car and turns to face forward when the child is old enough.

What it actually means

It converts, which is where the name comes from. It starts rearward-facing for a newborn and later faces forward.

It does not lift out of the car, so bub gets buckled in and out of it each trip. The trade is that one seat lasts years instead of months.

Where Dadda will hear it

In the shop, as the alternative to a capsule, usually with a bigger price on it.

Not to be confused with

A capsule. A capsule lifts out with bub still in it and is outgrown sooner. Both are built and approved to do the same job, so the choice between them is about convenience, not safety.

Also look at

• Read the full item: capsule or convertible car seat
• What a child restraint is