Car Seat Safety Month: Convertible Car Seats for Toddlers (Safety First Always)

Car Seat Safety Month is the perfect reminder that car seats aren’t just a baby registry item—they’re life-saving devices. If your child is outgrowing their infant seat, it’s time to upgrade to a convertible car seat that offers long-term use and next-level protection.

At Galt Baby, we’re all about pairing style with safety, and we carry only the safest convertible car seats from trusted brands like Nuna, Babyark, Clek, Peg Perego, UPPAbaby, and Cybex.

So let’s talk about what really matters: safety.

What Makes a Convertible Car Seat So Safe?

Unlike infant seats that are quickly outgrown, convertible car seats are designed for extended rear-facing and then transition to forward-facing. This allows your child to stay in the safest position for years—a major win for their spine, neck, and head in the event of a crash.

Rear-facing reduces the risk of serious injury by over 70%. That’s why most convertible seats now allow rear-facing until 40–50 lbs.

Every car seat purchased from Galt Baby includes a complimentary install appointment with one of our certified car seat safety technicians. Because the right seat means nothing if it’s not installed correctly.

Let’s dive into what makes convertible car seats the gold standard—and what makes each of these top brands stand out for safety.

Nuna RAVA — Simple. Strong. Safe.

Rear-facing limit: Up to 50 lbs
Forward-facing limit: Up to 65 lbs

Safety Features:

  • All-steel frame ensures top-tier structural strength

  • Side Impact Protection pods absorb energy from crash forces

  • Energy-absorbing foam lines the seat for full-body protection

  • True Tension™ system makes belt-path installation super secure

  • No added fire-retardant chemicals, yet fully flame resistant

Why we love it: Easy to install correctly using your vehicle’s seatbelt (no LATCH required). We’ll walk you through it during your complimentary install.

Babyark Convertible Car Seat — Innovation Meets Ultimate Safety

Rear-facing limit: Up to 55 lbs
Forward-facing limit: Up to 65 lbs

Safety Features:

  • Carbon fiber frame: lightweight and ultra-strong

  • SafeCoil™ shock-absorbing technology disperses crash energy

  • 360° safety shell surrounds the child in every direction

  • Smart sensors monitor installation and child presence

  • Connects to a companion app for real-time alerts and diagnostics

Why we love it: Babyark’s tech helps ensure a proper install every time—but we’ll still walk you through it to build your confidence and peace of mind.

Clek Foonf — The Safety Tank (That Still Fits in Your Backseat)

Rear-facing limit: Up to 50 lbs
Forward-facing limit: Up to 65 lbs

Safety Features:

  • Steel and magnesium frame reinforces seat structure

  • REACT™ Safety System reduces forces in forward-facing crashes

  • Anti-Rebound Bar stabilizes the seat during rear-facing collisions

  • Rigid LATCH system for forward-facing; belt install for rear

  • GREENGUARD Gold Certified with no added flame retardants

Why we love it: It’s one of the most solid builds available. Need help understanding that anti-rebound bar? We’ll show you how to install it step-by-step.

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Convertible Kinetic — European Engineering, American Safety

Rear-facing limit: Up to 45 lbs
Forward-facing limit: Up to 65 lbs

Safety Features:

  • Kinetic Pods redirect crash energy away from your child

  • Anti-Rebound Bar adds rear-facing stability

  • Shock Absorbing Device (SAD) in the base reduces G-forces

  • 10-position Side Impact Protection for a custom fit

  • Dense EPS foam for full-body energy absorption

Why we love it: Peg Perego’s advanced design works best when properly aligned—so don’t worry, we’ll make sure every piece clicks into place.

UPPAbaby Rove — Everyday Safety with Advanced Impact Protection

Rear-facing limit: Up to 50 lbs
Forward-facing limit: Up to 65 lbs

Safety Features:

  • Active Support Headrest with EPP foam for layered protection

  • Side Impact Pods deflect crash forces

  • SMARTSecure™ install system with visual indicators

  • Naturally flame-resistant Merino wool fabric, no added chemicals

Why we love it: UPPAbaby’s install system is super intuitive—but we’ll still guide you through it and show how to check tightness with confidence.

Cybex Callisto G 360 — Rotates. Protects. Repeats.

Rear-facing limit: Up to 50 lbs
Forward-facing limit: Up to 65 lbs
Rotation: 360° swivel base

Safety Features:

  • 360° swivel base allows easy and safe rear-facing access

  • Linear Side Impact Protection (L.S.P.) absorbs crash forces

  • Energy Reduction Technology (ERT) limits movement in a collision

  • SensorSafe chest clip alerts your phone to unsafe conditions

  • Steel-reinforced frame for serious durability

Why we love it: The Callisto G 360 is high-tech and highly protective. We'll show you how to secure the base and rotate it safely in your car.

Car Seat Safety Month: 5 Must-Know Installation Tips

Whether you're a first-time parent or on your third car seat, these are non-negotiable:

1. Rear-Facing As Long As Possible
All of these seats support rear-facing up to 45–55 lbs. This position offers the best protection for your child’s spine and neck.

2. The “Inch Test”
Once installed, your seat should not move more than 1 inch at the base. Not sure? We'll check it with you during your install.

3. Chest Clip Placement
The chest clip should always be at armpit level—too low and it can be dangerous in a crash.

4. Harness Height Rules

  • Rear-facing: straps go at or below the shoulders

  • Forward-facing: straps go at or above the shoulders

5. Avoid Guesswork
Installation isn’t always intuitive—and that’s okay. That’s why we offer complimentary car seat installation appointments with every purchase. Our certified techs will show you the safest method for your vehicle and your seat.

Why Shop Convertible Car Seats at Galt Baby?

At Galt Baby, we care about more than the products—we care about peace of mind.

  • We only carry top-rated car seats with proven safety records

  • We help you compare models based on your vehicle and your lifestyle

  • And when you buy your car seat from us, we install it with you—free of charge

Our certified car seat technicians are here to guide you through your first install, answer your questions, and give you the confidence you need every time you buckle up.

Shop online at selection of convertible car seats.
Visit us in-store to see these seats in person
Or schedule your complimentary install appointment with your purchase.

 

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