Many car seat manufacturers recommend that a baby should not be in a car seat for longer than 2 hours, within a 24 hour time period. This is because when a baby is in a semi-upright position for a prolonged period of time it can result in: 1. A strain on the baby's still-developing spine.

Parents using an infant seat generally switch their kids to a larger, convertible seat anywhere between 9 months and 2 years, depending on their child's size (bigger kids will likely move on faster). But they can opt to do so sooner as long as the convertible seat is rated safe for their child's height and weight.

However, infant healthcare professionals, safety experts and most car manufacturers recommend that babies should not be in a car seat for longer than 2 hours at a time and they should be taken out frequently. If your trip involves driving for long periods of time, you should stop for regular breaks.

A child has outgrown their infant seat when either of the following happens: they've reached the maximum height or weight limit, which is typically 30 to 32 inches or 30 to 35 pounds. The top of their head is less than an inch from the top of the seat when buckled in.

Newborn usually refers to a baby from birth to about 2 months of age. Infants can be considered children anywhere from birth to 1 year old. Baby can be used to refer to any child from birth to age 4 years old, thus encompassing newborns, infants, and toddlers.

Car seats and booster seats typically expire after six years, however, check under the seat or on the frame of your particular model to find the specific expiration date. Try to always buy new a car seat when your current model has passed its expiration date or after any car accidents.

Graco defines “useful life” as 10 years for belt-positioning boosters and for steel-reinforced belt path car seats and 7 years for plastic-reinforced belt path car seats.

Parents and caregivers should feel confident that using an infant car seat is essential in a car, but a baby shouldn't be left unattended in a car seat, and it shouldn't be your baby's primary sleeping place, thomas says. Neither a car seat nor an inclined sleeper is an appropriate substitute for a crib or bassinet.

Parents and caregivers should feel confident that using an infant car seat is essential in a car, but a baby shouldn't be left unattended in a car seat, and it shouldn't be your baby's primary sleeping place, thomas says. Neither a car seat nor an inclined sleeper is an appropriate substitute for a crib or bassinet.

Every car seat brand is different, but many manufacturers set an expiration date of six years. Therefore, you shouldn't use or buy a car seat that's older than six years, or one past the date specified on your particular model.

Infant-only seats fit newborns and smaller infants best. You'll need to buy another seat when your baby outgrows it. Infant-only seats are designed to protect babies from birth until they reach up to 35 pounds (about 16 kilograms), depending on the model.

The next step after outgrowing an infant seat, is a convertible seat, which should be purchased no later than your child's first birthday. It can be installed rear- or forward-facing. The harness system, similar to an infant car seat's, has a higher rear-facing weight limit.

Car seats can be used safely only for a defined period of time, typically 7 to 10 years. Think about it: your car seat goes through a lot during its useful life.

A child has outgrown their infant seat when either of the following happens: they've reached the maximum height or weight limit, which is typically 30 to 32 inches or 30 to 35 pounds. The top of their head is less than an inch from the top of the seat when buckled in.

Children must ride in a booster seat until they are a minimum of 4 feet, 9 inches (145 cm) tall, or a minimum of 9 years old. Children must ride in a car seat until they are a minimum of 6 years old or over 40 pounds (18 kg.