I can’t help but check out all the cute babies when I’m waiting on line for my splurge latte at my local Starbucks. But lately, my thought process has been something like this: Oh, what a cute baby. But, hm, he’s definitely outgrown that infant car seat. Should I tell his mom that it’s time to trade up?

Fit Tip

Infant car seats are generally meant for babies 30 inches in height or less. But unless you’ve just been to the pediatrician for a well-child check-up, it’s tough to get a read on your baby’s height. Nonetheless, here’s an easy way to gauge if your baby is ready for the next-stage car seat: Look at your baby’s head when he’s sitting in his infant car seat. If his head is at the top or less than an inch from the top of the car seat, it’s time to get a convertible car seat. Use it in the rear-facing position until it’s safe to turn it forward facing, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. (Keep the instruction manual handy.)

Your baby will outgrow his infant car seat before you know it. Most do by the time they’re 6 to 9 months old.