What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
Parents have two options when selecting a car seat for their baby: infant car seats and convertible car seats. Car seats for infants offer an enticingly short time of use as they are only used with rear-facing.
Infant carrier seats are commonly compatible with strollers (adapters available separately) to create a traveling system. This allows parents to take their baby from the car into the stroller without disturbing them.
Safety
Many parents are worried about the security of an infant’s carrier seat, especially when they purchase one for their first time. As with all car seats, the infant seat was designed to safeguard your child as safe as it is possible in the event of a collision. They are usually placed rear-facing, making them the best infant car seat choice for infants that are at greatest chance of being injured in an accident.
These seats also have additional padding for head protection, as well as lower anchors that hold the seat to the vehicle’s chassis in the event of an accident. This is particularly important for young babies with necks that are large and heads that could be easily injured in the sudden stopping or collision. Most infant carrier seats can be used in conjunction with strollers, creating a system which allows you to effortlessly transfer your child from your car to your stroller without disturbing them.
In addition, many infant car seats come with bases that can be installed in other vehicles, allowing you to take your child with you wherever you go. This is ideal for parents who take taxis or ride sharing services often. It also makes travelling with a baby on planes a lot easier.
Some models of infant carriers are suitable for use on strollers without the base, which allows you to ensure your baby’s safety throughout all sorts of excursions and trips. This is a great choice for grandparents who want to help you out with the transportation of your child!
It is also important to remember that a baby car seat should never be left unattended in a vehicle, as infants may roll or tip them over on soft surfaces, leading to injuries or even suffocation. It is crucial to follow the instructions prior to using an infant seat in a new location.
Portability
Many infant car seats are offered as part of a “travel system”, which is an amalgamation of the car seat base and frame for the stroller. They snap together to allow for seamless transitions. Travel systems are perfect for infants since they permit parents to move their child from the car to the stroller and vice versa without having to get them up. This alone is a huge reason more than 80percent of Babylist parents sign up for a baby seat!
Many infant car seats on sale car seats work with the majority of strollers. The stroller compatibility feature allows parents to take their child from their car and place it on a stroller frame so they can walk through a park or a grocery store. This is a great option to consider when you’re considering using a ride share or taxi service, as the majority of these services require the child be in a car seat.
Car seats for infants are typically lighter and smaller than convertible car seats. They are a great option for families who prefer to be on the go. Additionally, some models of infant car seats come with the option of a handle that parents can use to carry the seat around on their own. This is especially helpful for those planning a trip you don’t want awake your baby for.
Car seats for infants only last until your baby is a toddler and they have outgrown the height and weight limits Some convertible car seats can be used as a rear facing baby car seat, then converted to a forward facing car seat for older children. These seats all-in-one are great if you’re looking to keep your child in a safe seat for as long as is possible. There is a convertible car seat that can be converted into a high-back booster seat when your child outgrows its harness (or is over the limit on weight and height). Be sure to look for this when browsing options!
Simple to Use
A rear-facing infant car seat is a car seat that snaps into the base of your car. They are designed to keep newborns and babies safe until they meet the height and weight requirements for the booster seat. Many good infant car seats car seats are also compatible with strollers, which will allow you to easily transfer your baby from the car to the stroller and continue your journey without disrupting their nap schedule.
Find an infant car seat that has a detachable carrier that easily clips onto the base or a stroller. This will make it easier to get your child into and out of the vehicle particularly when their nap is about to end or they are hungry, thirsty or bored. It’s also important to check the slots on the shoulder straps and position them properly to fit your child’s height. If the straps aren’t high enough or too low, they’re not safe. high, they aren’t properly used and could cause injury in a crash.
Some infant car seats have lower anchors which can be used with or without the base. This is perfect for taxi rides, or when traveling by plane. It is essential to confirm that the lower anchors have a European routing path and are easy to set up and remove and look for an audible click to ensure the seat is properly secured. It is essential to select a seat that comes with an easy-to use harness and a carrier adjustment system. Examples include Graco’s click connect or UPPAbaby’s SmartSecure.
Convertible car seats are the next step following an good infant car seats carrier. They can be used up until your child is at the weight or height requirements for a booster. They can be used in combination with a stroller but they don’t provide the convenience or fit for a newborn of an infant carrier. Some convertible seats can be converted into boosters, but they are typically bigger and more difficult to transport and therefore difficult to maneuver in small cars or when transporting children in busy areas.
Installation
Car seats, specifically infant car seats, are difficult to install. It is crucial to install car seats safely and correctly. This can be affected by the position of your seat and the angle of the base, and how you use the handle.
Most infant car seats are made to be attached to a base that is in the vehicle, a combination often called a travel system. These seats are designed to be used rear-facing, which is safer than forward-facing. Many car seats come with an integrated angle indicator that can be read to ensure the seat is placed at the right semi-reclined angle for your baby. The base could include an adjustable angle.
It is also important to determine if the seat permits you to adjust the shoulders’ height without needing to unthread and repeat the process. This could be a huge time saver, since it will probably need to be done multiple times during an infant’s car seat use.
Some cars have a hard spot in the back seat that is specifically designed to hold baby safety seats for cars. These are usually hidden in the crease between the cushion in the back of the seat and the bottom cushion. These hooks should snap into place easily as they are custom-made for the specific seat. Once they are attached, you may hear a distinct noise.
It’s an excellent idea to test the car seat with a toddler to be sure it will work well for your family. If the car seat doesn’t connect to the base or your child is not at ease, it’s time to look for a different alternative.
Some car seats are able to be installed without the base. This is a great option for those who use public transportation or taxi services such as Uber. You can usually remove and install the seat without a base by pressing a lever or button. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. Many will give you the “click” to signal that you’re safe.