As your baby grows, so does the need to transition their car seat to keep them safe and secure on the go. One common question we hear from families at Imagnination Station is: When should I move my baby out of their infant (bucket-style) car seat?
We’re here to help guide you through this important milestone in your child’s development and safety.
Understanding Infant Car Seats
Infant car seats — often called “bucket seats” — are designed
specifically for newborns and younger babies. They’re portable, typically snap into a base in your car, and are rear-facing, which is the safest position for little ones. However, these seats do have weight and height limits, which vary by model (often around 30–35 pounds or up to 32 inches tall).
Once your baby approaches either the maximum height or weight limit listed in your car seat’s manual, it’s time to transition them to a rear-facing convertible car seat.
Signs It’s Time to Transition
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- Your baby has reached the weight limit of the infant seat.
- Your baby is getting too tall — if the top of their head is less than an inch from the top of the seat, it’s time to switch.
- They are beginning to outgrow the seat in shoulder width or overall comfort.
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Even if your infant hasn’t maxed out the size limits yet, some parents choose to transition sooner if their baby is especially long or heavy, or if the convenience of the bucket seat is no longer a priority.
Moving to a Convertible Car Seat
A rear-facing convertible car seat is designed to accommodate larger infants and toddlers and will typically allow children to remain rear-facing until 40–50 pounds, depending on the model. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children rear-facing as long as possible, ideally until at least age 2 — or even longer, based on your seat’s limits.
Rear-facing convertible seats are not portable like infant seats, but they provide excellent protection as your baby grows.
Car Seat Safety and Childcare
If you’re switching to a convertible seat and planning to leave it at our daycare or move it between cars, please let us know. It’s important that all seats are properly installed and labeled, and we’re happy to offer general guidance or refer you to certified child passenger safety technicians in the community. Our staff are not able to install carseats at this time.
Keep Safety a Priority
As with all things in early childhood, transitions happen quickly — and safety comes first. Check your car seat manual for specific guidelines, and make sure to register your seat so you receive updates or recall notices.
If you’re unsure whether it’s time to make the switch, feel free to reach out or consult with a certified car seat technician. We’re here to support you every step of the way in your parenting journey!