I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Chicco. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating. #IC #ChiccoKidFit

Our first experience with Chicco was my son’s Chicco Keyfit Infant Car Seat. I picked the KeyFit because it is the #1 rated infant car seat, and I wanted to have the safest option for my baby. I loved how simple this car seat was to install. It was also easy for me to keep clean – and looked nearly as good as new even after two years of heavy use. If anyone asks my opinion on infant car seats, I am happy to recommend the Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat. Ours did a great job keeping my baby comfortable and safe.

Big Kids Need Car Seats, Too. 

My kids are growing up! My youngest is now 3 years old. His safety while we are on the road is a top priority. I know every parent feels the same way about their own kids. That’s why we need to be sure our children are using the right type of car seat for their age and life stage. According to the Ages and Stages Infographic below, my 3-year-old is almost ready to make the transition from his convertible car seat to a booster seat.

Car seat safety guidelines recommend that kids from ages 4 to 12 years old use 3-in-1 seats, convertible car seats or booster seats. Since seat belts are designed for adults to use, not children, a booster seat makes your vehicle’s seat belt safe for your child.

3 Tips: Choosing a Car Seat For Your Older Child

1. Check out booster seats from a brand you trust.

For me, that brand is Chicco. They have introduced the new KidFit Booster Seat, a booster seat that grows with your child while keeping them safe.

2. Check out the safety features.

My favorite safety feature on the Chicco KidFit is the DuoZone® head and shoulder side impact protection. It is adjustable to 10 positions for growing children. The KidFit also features SuperCinch® LATCH attachment and one-pull tightener to keep the seat in place for easy in and out.

3. Check out the “extra” features.

I know my son will appreciate the double foam padding and contoured ErgoBoost seat – he’s old enough to complain if he is not totally comfy in his seat!

Cup holders are also a must have on car seats for kids at my house – and the KidFit has 2 of them that can be easily folded out of the way when not in use. I like that the seat covers and arm rests are removable and machine washable. My kids do a lot of eating and drinking in the car – especially on long road trips – which usually equals spills and messes on their seats. I have to be able to clean their car seats without a hassle.

Other extras on the KidFit include easy-to-use vehicle belt guides, which I think are helpful no matter how many times I have to install the booster seat. I always like to follow the directions when I put a car seat into the car.

The KidFit seat is a reclining seat. It has a removable backrest so it can be used as a backless booster seat. Once my kids start school, they like to use their booster seat without the backrest. I think it helps them feel more like a “big kid.” Plus, we often have to move their booster seats to other parent’s vehicles for field trips and play dates – and a backless booster seat is convenient for those times.

Are You Using the Wrong Car Seat?

I hope not! But many parents don’t know they are using the wrong car seat. Take a look at this helpful infographic showing the Ages and Stages of Car Seats. Make sure your child is riding in the safest seat possible. If you are still unsure about what kind of seat your child needs, ask a child car seat safety technician. You can find a local expert by searching online.

Visit Chicco to learn more about their baby, toddler and child safety gear.

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Did you look at the Ages and Stages infographic above? Is your child using the correct car seat for his/her age and stage? Is your child ready to transition to a booster seat?