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 installtion 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.