Choosing a Car Seat for Grandparents (and Why It Matters)
Here at phil&teds®, we’re parents too, so we know that one of the biggest challenges in the parenting day-to-day is childcare. And when it comes to trusted, loving (and often free) childcare, grandparents are your greatest asset.
They’re the go-to babysitters. The ones who want to help. The ones who jump at extra time with their grandkids. And honestly? Giving them the freedom to safely transport your child makes life easier for everyone.
One of the simplest ways to support that independence is by choosing a car seat specifically for grandparents’ cars. This article explains what to look for — and how our current phil&teds® car seat range is designed with exactly this kind of real-life use in mind.
Parenting Has Changed - But the Need for Help Hasn’t
A couple of hundred years ago, parenting was communal. In many cultures, grandparents played a central role in raising children, while parents worked to provide essentials. Wisdom, care and childcare lived under one roof.
Fast forward to today, and most families don’t live in villages — they live in cities, suburbs, or even different regions entirely. That means if grandparents are helping out (and thank goodness they are), they need a safe, reliable way to get your child from A to B.
That’s where the right car seat makes all the difference.
What to Look for in a Car Seat for Grandparents
Everyone’s lifestyle is different, but when you’re choosing a car seat for grandparents, longevity and ease of use should be top priorities.
Grandparents want something:
- Simple to install
- Easy to adjust
- Comfortable for the child
- Safe, of course, but also intuitive
This is where a convertible car seat really shines.
Why Convertible Car Seats Make Sense
A Group 0/1/2 seat (often called a convertible car seat) is ideal for grandparents because it grows with your child.
Convertible seats are designed to:
- Start rear-facing for newborns and infant
- Transition to forward-facing with a harness
- Convert again into a booster seat as your child grows
That means one seat can last for years, making it a smart, once-only purchase for grandparents.
Across the current phil&teds® car seat range, our convertible options are designed with real caregivers in mind not just parents, but anyone installing, adjusting, or using the seat regularly.
Features that matter most for grandparents:
- Easy-to-adjust harness systems
- Rear-facing for longer, supporting best practice
- Clear, straightforward installation
- Comfort features like newborn inserts
- Easy-clean fabrics (because spills happen)
Rear-Facing for Longer: Why It’s Important
It’s widely accepted that children are safest when rear-facing for as long as possible.
While regulations vary by standard, best practice in New Zealand strongly encourages extended rear-facing where the seat allows. Convertible seats make this easier by supporting rear-facing beyond the early months, without needing to upgrade straight away.
If you’re ever unsure, a Certified Child Car Seat Restraint Technician can:
- Check your installation
- Confirm correct usage
- Help grandparents feel confident fitting the seat every time
That confidence is key.
When to Move to Forward-Facing and Booster Mode
Once a child has sufficient head and neck control and outgrows rear-facing limits, convertible seats allow a smooth transition to forward-facing with a harness typically up to 105cm.
When the harness no longer fits correctly (for example, when it sits 1cm or more above the shoulders), it’s time to move into booster mode using the vehicle’s seatbelt.
A well-designed convertible makes this transition intuitive, no guesswork, no stress.
One Size Never Fits All (And That’s OK)
Children grow at different rates, and weight markers are only part of the picture. Always prioritise:
- Proper fit
- Correct installation
- Best practice guidelines
If you’re in-store and unsure, try the seat with your child. And remember, not every seat fits every car, which is why expert advice is so valuable.
Car Seat Tips & Tricks -Just for You
Using your child’s car seat safely and comfortably makes all the difference. Whether you’re a parent or a grandparent, these simple tips help ensure your child is properly supported every time you head out.
Clothing Matters More Than You Think
What your child wears in the car seat can directly affect how safely they’re restrained. Bulky clothing can create hidden slack in the harness, reducing its effectiveness in a crash.
Best practice:
- Dress your child in thin, snug layers, cotton onesies, leggings or thermals work best
- Add fleece jackets or blankets over the harness, not underneath
- Use hats, mittens and blankets to keep your child warm without interfering with harness fit
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Avoid bulky outdoor coats, puffy jackets, snowsuits or heavy jumpers
these can create dangerous gaps between your child and the harness - Always place a blanket over the car seat after your child is buckled in
Seasonal tips:
- Winter: Pre-warm the car if possible and avoid relying on thick clothing
- Summer: Choose light, breathable fabrics to help prevent overheating
Headrest & Harness Position
Correct positioning helps keep your child comfortable and properly supported.
- Headrest: Loosen the harness and lower the headrest to the correct position. The top of your child’s head should sit just below the headrest
- Shoulder pads: These should sit flat on the shoulders, not against the face. If they’re touching the face, the harness may need tightening
Harness Safety Checks
A quick check before every drive goes a long way.
- Pinch test: At the shoulders, try to pinch the harness fabric. If you can pinch it, the harness is too loose
- Harness twists: Straighten any twists in the lower straps this improves both comfort and safety
Pro tip:
Don’t loosen the harness “for comfort.” Always recheck harness fit after adding or removing layers even small changes can make a big difference to safety.
Indicator Checks
Many modern seats include visual indicators to help confirm correct use.
- Green indicators on the sides help confirm correct installation
- Don’t forget to check the footrest indicator, which also turns green once bub is correctly seated
Time Limits Matter
- The two-hour rule: Avoid keeping your child in their car seat for more than two hours at a time
- Regular breaks allow for a cuddle and stretch, helping with comfort, posture and circulation
Grandparents Are Gold
Grandparents give children time, stories, patience, and love, things that can’t be bought. Giving them the right car seat gives them freedom, independence, and more opportunities to be part of everyday family life.
And that’s a win for everyone 💛
