Deciding When It's Time to Upgrade Your Child's Car Seat
There are plenty of car-seat deals and trade-in events out there, but be careful about making the switch too soon
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cf-images.us-east-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/1078702682/bb7023f9-a6b0-4718-b36c-3752d3fa384c/de55d877-6618-4271-b44e-48f427e82961/652x366/match/image.jpg)
Moving your child through the various stages of car seats can be expensive, especially with the average price of a new convertible seat right about $250.
The key question for parents, of course, is when to upgrade. There are various factors to consider, but parents should be careful about making the switch too soon. The child’s safety should always be the primary goal.
Try CR's Infant Car Seat Finder
This interactive tool will help you find a car seat that fits your lifestyle, vehicle, and budget.
When Should You Upgrade Your Child's Car Seat?
When your child is too big for an infant seat. Many rear-facing infant seats have weight limits of 30 pounds or more, but most don’t have matching height limits. So don’t be surprised if your child outgrows the infant seat long before he or she reaches the weight limit.
Your safest bet is to trade up to a convertible or all-in-one seat, which can face either the front or the back of the car, and continue to have your child face the rear.
Illustration: Consumer Reports cr
Shopping for a Car Seat?
See our car seat ratings and buying guide.
@consumerreports There are plenty of car-seat deals and trade-in events out there, but be careful about making the switch too soon. Learn more through the link in our bio. #carseat #parentsoftiktok #carsafety #cartok #carcommunity
♬ original sound - Consumer Reports