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Convertible Car Seats

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Rotating Car Seats

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Car Seat Quiz

Confused about Car Seats?

Take our car seat quiz to help choose the best car seat for your little one

car seat recycling

A convertible car seat is a rearward seat (facing the back car window) suitable for newborns to 30 months old (approximately). It also converts to an upright forward seat (facing the driver) from 12 months to 4 years (guide only). The seat has an in-built harness and stays secured in your vehicle. You can adjust the seat position as your child grows (shoulder markers indicate when they're ready for the next height). 

Convertible car seats provide value, flexibility, and convenience to many families. Designed to convert from a rearward-facing position with a baby to a forward-facing mode with a child, these seats are a great option. At Baby Bunting, we offer a wide range of convertibles from trusted brands like Maxi Cosi, Britax, and Babylove.

What is a Convertible Car Seat?

Parents can use convertible car seats with newborns, infants, and up to toddler ages to face the back of the car, before converting to a forward-facing configuration, used with later toddler ages and up to 4. To learn more about convertible car seats, read our guide on or 0-8 convertible seats.0-4 or 0-8 convertible seats.

Convertibles vs Capsules: What's the Difference?

Convertible car seats, like the Infasecure Velocity Caprice are larger and can last longer than baby capsules. This is because of their convertible design. While capsules can

only accommodate infants up to 12 months of age at a maximum (depending on the model) convertibles can accommodate children up to four years of age. Both kinds of car seats have their own benefits.

Capsules can be used with prams. They generally have a stay-in-car base, so the capsule can be taken out of the car and adapted to a compatible pram frame. Manufacturers design convertible car seats for long use. You can use convertible car seats from birth to 4 or with some fewer variants, up to 8 years old. It is a budget-friendly option if you want to avoid the added expense of a baby capsule.

What to Look for in Convertible Seats?

When choosing a convertible car seat, here are some things to consider:

Ease of Installation and Use

Is the convertible seat easy to install and maintain? Since you’ll be using the seat for a long time, knowing how to install, troubleshoot, and maintain its features is important. Baby Bunting also offers car seat installation services to help you with fitting and installing.

Safety

Car seats, capsules, and other child restraints, legally, must be compliant with Australian safety standards so you don't have to worry about your child's safety.

Value and Price

Convertible seats often have a ton of features that can make your life easier. These features include:

  • Adjustable harness heights
  • Easy recline options
  • Washable covers
  • Rotating seat
  • Separable base
  • Harness buckle tongue holders
  • Correct installation indicators
  • Headrests

To find the best value, compare different convertibles based on your budget and desired features.

Rearward Facing vs Forward Facing Car Seats for Infants and Toddlers

According to RCH Melbourne, newborns, infants, and toddlers must be rearward facing.

What to Do When Your Child Has Outgrown the Car Seat

A convertible seat, such as the Maxi Cosi Nero, can accommodate your child for up to approximately 4 years, but they will eventually outgrow it. What happens then?

Well, there are several things to do when using their convertible car seat:

  • Replace the seat with one suitable for their new age and height, such as a booster or extended forward-facing car seat.
  • Dispose of the seat responsibly
  • Store the seat for another child in the family, donate the seat if it is in good condition and has not been involved in a car accident or dispose of the seat responsibly by cutting the harness straps and arranging for hard rubbish or recycling it with an appropriate organisation.


Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend replacing your seat when any of the following occur:

  • Your child has exceeded the maximum height limit.
  • Your seat has been damaged in an accident or other.
  • Your seat no longer meets safety standards

All models can accommodate children 0 to 4 years of age.

If your car seat is configured correctly, if forward facing, it is advised to recline the seat as much as possible to provide greater support. If this doesn't help, consider putting them back into a rearward facing position if they've not hit the maximum height marker for that mode. If finding this issue rearward-facing, consider using the supplied seat inserts to offer greater support. 

The best convertible car seat is one that addresses each of your unique needs. Consider what is most important to you, be it size, ease of use, comfort or budget and select an option that provides the best balance.

While we understand that it’s not the best option for every family, we recommend purchasing a new car seat. Second-hand car seats may have unseen wear and tear damage, which can impact its use and safety

If going secondhand is the best option for your family, it’s important to check for the following:

  • History of use
  • Visible damages or modifications 
  • All components are attached and provided.

When you buy a car seat from Baby Bunting, it comes with automatic guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law.  If the car seat isn’t up to standard and the problem isn’t major, you have the right to get it fixed or replaced. If the issue is serious, you can ask for a refund. You might also be able to get compensation for any other reasonable loss or damage. 

Your car seat may also come with a manufacturer’s warranty - it is best to check with the manufacturer for their warranty coverage and specifics. At Baby Bunting, the manufacturer usually covers convertible car seats under warranty, unless otherwise stated.