What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
When choosing a car seat, parents have two options either infant car seats or convertible seats. Car seats for infants offer a shorter duration of use as they are only used with rear-facing.
Infant carrier seats are commonly compatible with strollers (adapters sold separately) to make a travel system. Parents can get their baby out of the car to the stroller without disturbing them.
Safety
Many parents have concerns about how secure an infant carrier seat is, especially when they purchase one for the first time. Like all car seats, the
infant carrier seat was created to safeguard your baby as safely as it is possible in the event of a collision. They are most often positioned to the rear, making them the ideal choice for infants who are at the most risk of injury in a vehicle accident.
These seats also have extra padding to provide additional head protection, as well as lower anchors that secure the seat to the chassis in case of an accident. This is particularly crucial for infants with large necks and heads that are easily injured in a sudden stop or crash. Most infant carrier seats can be used in conjunction with strollers, creating a system that lets you easily move your baby from your car to your stroller without disturbing them.
Additionally, most infant car seats have bases that can be installed in other vehicles to permit you to take your child along with you wherever you go. This is great for those who take taxis or ride sharing services often. It can also make travelling with a baby on planes much easier.
Some infant carrier seats can be used on strollers that don't have an base. This allows you to keep your child safe throughout all sorts of trips and adventures. This is a great option for grandparents who wish to help with the transportation of your child.
It's also important to keep in mind that an infant carrier seat is never meant to be left unattended outside of a vehicle, as infants may roll or tip them over on soft surfaces, causing injuries and possibly death. This is why it is important to be sure to read the safety guidelines carefully prior to using a car seat for your infant in a different area.
Portability
Many infant car seats are offered as part of a "travel system" that is made up of the car seat base and the frame of the stroller. They snap together to allow for seamless transitions. Travel systems are great for infants, since they allow parents to transfer their baby from a
best car seat for newborn uk to a stroller without having to wake the baby up. This alone is an important reason why more than 90% of Babylist parents register for an infant seat!
Many infant car seats work with strollers. The stroller compatibility feature permits parents to take their baby from the car and put it on a 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 that a child be in a car seat.
In comparison to convertible car seats, which must remain in the vehicle baby car seats are often smaller and lighter making them a great choice for families on-the-go. Additionally, some infant car seats have the option of a handle that parents can use to carry the seat around by themselves. This is especially useful if you are planning a trip you don't want to awake your baby for.
Infant car seats last until your baby becomes a toddler and they have outgrown the height and weight limits Some convertible car seats can be used as a
rear facing infant car seat-facing baby car seat, then changed to a forward-facing car seat for older children. These all-in-one seats are great if you're looking to keep your child in a safe seat for as long as it is possible. You can find a convertible car seat that converts into an high-back booster seat once your child has outgrown its harness (or is over the limit on weight and height). Be sure to search for this when browsing the options!
Easy to Use
A
rear facing infant car seat-facing infant car seat is car seat that snaps onto the base of your car. They are designed to keep newborns and infants safe until they meet the height and weight requirements for a booster seat. Many infant car seats are also compatible with strollers, which can allow you to easily transfer the baby from the car to the stroller to continue your journey without disturbing their nap schedule.
Find an infant car seat with a detachable carrier that easily connects to the base of a stroller. This will allow you to quickly get your child in and out of the car, particularly when their nap is about to end or if they're thirsty, hungry or bored. Check the shoulder strap slots to ensure that they are placed correctly for your child. If the straps are too low or high, they aren't used correctly and can cause injury in a crash.
Some infant car seats also have lower anchors that can be used in lieu of the base, which is ideal for taxi rides as well as when traveling on airplanes. Be sure that the lower anchors are easy to install, have a European routing and are easy to release. We also listen for an audible "click" when the seat is properly secured. It is also beneficial to find a seat that has an easy-to-use harness and adjustment system, such as the Graco Click Connect or the UPPAbaby SmartSecure option.
Convertible car seats are the next step from an infant carrier and can be used until your child has reached their height or weight requirement for the booster seat. They can be used in conjunction with a stroller but don't provide the newborn fit and convenience of a car seat for infants. Some convertible seats can be converted into boosters. However they're generally heavier and less
portable infant car seat. This makes them difficult to maneuver in small vehicles or in congested areas.
Installation
Installing car seats, particularly infant car seats, can be difficult. It is vital to install car seats safely and correctly. This can be affected by the position of the seat and the angle of the base, and also the way you handle the handle.
Most infant car seats are made to be connected to a base which remains in the vehicle, a system often called a travel system. These seats are designed for rear-facing use which is more secure than forward-facing. The majority of car seats have an angle indicator that you can use to check whether the seat is at the right semi-reclined position for your child. The base may also have an adjustor to change the angle.
Another feature to look for is if the seat has an option to alter the shoulder strap height without having to detach and reconnect the straps. This is a huge time saver since you will have to do it multiple times throughout the child's car seat use.
Lastly, some cars have hard points in the back seat that are specifically designed to hold infant car seats. They are typically tucked into the crease between the seat back cushion and the bottom cushion. These hooks ought to snap into place with ease since they are custom-made to fit the seat. They can also produce a distinct sound when they are securely connected.
It is also a great idea to test out the car seat on an infant before deciding if it is suitable for your family. If the car seat does not click into the base or your child is not comfortable, it's time for you to consider a different option.
Certain car seats can be put in without the base, which is useful for those who use public transportation or rely on taxi service like Uber. Follow the manufacturer's directions on how to remove and install the car seat without base, but the majority will allow you to do this by simply pressing an lever or button. Some will even provide a clear "click" when it's secure enough.