The Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 car seat is popular with American families but does it comply with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety recommendations?
The NHTSA advice relates to the differing suitability of various seats for a child's age range.
Age 0 to 1 year: Because a very young child still has a delicate spinal cord and neck, a rear facing seat is essential. It will support and move with the child and cut down stress to these fragile areas.
The Graco Nautilus 3-In-1 car seat is not suitable for this age group as the minimum weight of the child needs to be 20 pounds. Unfortunately, you will need a bespoke baby seat until your child reaches approximately 1 year or 20 pounds.
Age 1 - 3 years: The advice is still to keep your child in a rear facing seat for as long as you can but if your child has grown out of his rear facing seat and you don't want to buy a succession of different ones as he gets older than this may be the time to get a Graco Nautilus 3-In-1 car seat.
Age 4 - 7 years: A forward facing seat with a harness is recommended for this age group until your child reaches the weight or height limit permitted by the seat manufacturer.
Age 8 - 12 years: A booster seat will be needed for this age group until such time as a normal seat belt fits your child properly without a booster. In other words, the lap part of the seat belt should fall across the upper thighs and the shoulder part of the belt should fall naturally across the shoulder and chest, without being held. A belt which crosses the face or neck very unsafe and will probably cause more injury than it prevents.
The Graco Nautilus 3-In-1 car seat is suitable for children from age 1 year, weighing in excess of 20 pounds and less than 65 pounds.
The seat has a five point harness and a steel reinforced structure making it extra safe and secure. When your child is too large for the seat, it can be converted to a high-backed booster seat and lastly to a backless booster which can be moved easily to a different car if your child is getting a lift with friends or family.
The Graco Nautilus 3-In-1 car seat therefore does comply with US Government NHTSA recommendations and is constructed in accordance with US safety standards.
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