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Combination Car Seats

When purchasing a car seat, it’s important for the seat to fit the car and be the appropriate seat for the child’s weight.

Some seats offer the opportunity to make savings on money by lasting longer than just one stage; some go from birth to around 4 years, and others will go from 9 kg around 1 year through to 12 years avoiding the need for a booster seat.

Stage 0+ and 1

These seats are suitable from birth and last until around 4 years, the seat is fitted into the car rear facing for baby until baby weighs a minimum weight of 9kg. The seat is then refitted into the car forward facing lasting until the child weighs 18kg or around 4 years.

Disadvantages

The disadvantage of these seats over a stage 0+ is that the seat is large and bulky when compared to the baby seats available. The combination seat will need to remain in the car with baby lifted in and out of the seat; this can be a nuisance when dealing with bags of shopping.

If your car is fitted with a passenger airbag the seat will have to be fitted into the rear of the car this can be difficult in small or 3 door cars. The sides of the seat are very deep making it very difficult to monitor baby while on the move making an additional mirror essential.

Advantages

A combination seat eliminates the need to purchase another seat when baby reaches 13kg. The seat is large enough for the child to travel in the safer rearward position for longer than some 0 and 0+ seats allow.

Stage 1 and 2/3

These seats are a good investment for grandparents and child minders as they are easily converted from a seat with a 5 point harness to a booster seat complete with a back rest. The harness is used from 9k around 12 months of age until 18kg around 4 years, then the harness is removed to offer a booster seat with side protection the child and seat is then secured in place using the adult 3 point seat belt.

Some of these seats will divide again leaving you with a booster cushion, although the child is much safer and can take a nap without falling out of the safety of the seat belt, when the back is left in place. The booster cushion is useful when travelling abroad as it is easily transported.