Below are descriptions of some of the more common car seat types. Remember, each of these terms is a subcategory of the more general phrases described in the previous article; they are all specific types of ‘car seat’.
Capsule
A capsule is designed to carry newborn children during their first 6-12 months of life, in a rear-facing position only. Capsules consist of two main parts—a base plate which is permanently installed inside a vehicle, and a detachable carrier. Usually, the base is relatively small and flat, while the carrier is shaped like a stylised bassinet or cocoon. The primary advantage of a capsule is that babies can be lifted into and out of a vehicle while remaining strapped inside the carrier. Many manufacturers take advantage of this feature by providing attachments that connect to specially designed prams.
Common capsule models: Safe ‘n’ Sound Unity, Maxicosi Mico
Convertible Car Seat
Some seats have two ‘modes’ or configurations—rear facing for babies and toddlers, and forward facing for older children. These seats are appropriate for newborn babies in the rear-facing position, and then when the child reaches the appropriate height marker should be taken out, converted to a forward facing position, and reinstalled into the vehicle. A child of average height will fit this type of seat until approximately 4 years of age. Alternative names for this seat type are ‘0 to 4 years Car Seat’, or a ‘Type A/B Car Seat’.
Common convertible car seat models: Safe ‘n’ Sound Graphene, Maxicosi Vita, Infasecure Attain, Babylove Ezyswitch.
Booster
Boosters are appropriate for children aged 4 years or older. They are a forward facing seat only, taller and lighter than convertible car seats. Boosters do not have an internal harness, but guide the vehicle seatbelt around the child’s body so that it is correctly positioned on their smaller frame. Larger boosters require rear anchorage to the vehicle, while smaller travel or foldable style boosters do not.
Common booster models: Safe ‘n’ Sound Hi-Liner, Maxicosi Rodi, Babylove Ezymove.
Harnessed Booster
A harnessed booster is designed to provide older children with greater security than a traditional booster, by retaining a built-in 5-point harness for all ages up to 8 years old. These are typically bigger and heavier seats, but they also allow children to face forward from a younger age (12 months or older), providing a useful alternative to convertible car seats. Also called a ’12 month to 8 year Car Seat’, or ‘Type G Seat’.
Common harnessed booster models: Safe ‘n’ Sound Maxiguard, Maxicosi Luna, Infasecure Emerge.
Convertible Booster
Convertible boosters combine a traditional booster with a harnessed booster. They have an internal 5-point harness for use by small children (12 months or older), but once a child grows taller the seat is reconfigured as a traditional booster using the vehicle’s own seatbelt to restrain taller children. This type of seat is therefore an alternative (and often cheaper) option to both traditional and harnessed boosters.
Common convertible booster models: Safe ‘n’ Sound Maxirider, Mother’s Choice Prime.
All-In-One Car Seat
Although not as common, there are a number of car seat models designed to carry children from birth to 8yrs. These begin in rear-facing mode, are turned forward for preschoolers, and are then converted into a booster for older children. The all-in-one design helps consumers save money, but because these seats cater for a wide spectrum of children’s ages and heights, they are not always appropriate for all children, or fit well inside every vehicle.
Common all-in-one models: Infasecure Grandeur, Infasecure Luxi
Up next: Car Seat Anchorage