Infant Car Seats Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
Infant Car Seats A car seat for infants is a necessity for newborns and babies who are small. The majority of infant car seats come with an infant car seat, a base and straps that can be attached to each other. They can be used in a vehicle or with a pram (see our guide to stroller/car-seat compatibility). The best infant car seat s have premium features such as load legs—shock-absorbing parts that extend from the seat's base to the car floor—and padded shoulder harnesses that feel comfortable on babies for long rides. Safety A rear-facing infant car seat (also known as a infant car seat or newborn carrier) is designed to cradle and safeguard the youngest children from newborn to approximately two years old. They typically snap into a base which remains at a fixed position in the car but can also be removed to use as a car seat. Many parents find that this provides greater convenience than having to install and uninstall a child safety seat each time they drive, but it should not be used in lieu of the proper installation of a car seat and use of the seat belt. It is crucial to use an infant car seat that is properly fitted for newborns. They are more prone to neck and head injuries during a crash. The most effective way to ensure a perfect fit is to follow the instructions provided with the car seat, and making sure the straps are secure enough not to pinch any folds of the fabric after buckling in your child. The chest clip should be on the same level as your baby's armpits. It is a good idea to practice placing your child in and taking them out of the car seat as often as you can to become familiar with the procedure so that you are prepared if you have to quickly put your child into a car seat for an unexpected trip. If your car seat comes with an built-in angle indicator or adjuster, it's an excellent idea to check it frequently to ensure it's at the right angle to protect your child. Remember to never leave your child in their car seat without supervision. If the child's seat is left on a surface that is high, like a counter, or bed, it could tip or roll over and your child could get injured or even choked. The most secure position for an infant to ride in is backwards and in the back seat, and they should remain in that position until they reach over the manufacturer's weight and height restrictions. Some infant car seats offer the option of placing a rolled receiving blanket alongside your child for additional head and neck support in lieu of or in addition to the car seat's built in padding. Convenience Car seats for infants are designed to fit children weighing between 4 and 35lbs. They are usually rear-facing and snap into a base in your vehicle. Car seats can easily be moved between vehicles and attached to a stroller that is compatible with it. This creates a transport system for trips that is simple. Car seats for infants can be fitted with a convenient carrying handle that parents use to transport the car seat from their vehicle to stroller and back without disrupting their sleepy child. Most baby car seats are designed to accommodate a variety of baby sizes, with many models offering an incredibly snug and secure fit even for infants with tiny sizes. They're usually light enough to carry for short distances, and can be quickly moved from vehicle to stroller which makes them the perfect option for parents who regularly go out with their infant in public. Many infant seats work with strollers that are compatible which allows parents to travel with style. Parents who are seeking the best car seat for their child may consider its safety ratings and features. If your family is planning to travel frequently by plane it is recommended to choose an infant car seat with ISOFIX indicators integrated and a rigid lower strap. If you are seeking a greener option it is possible to choose a car seat that uses less chemical flame retardants during its manufacturing. Some infant car seats have an adjustable crotch buckle strap that can be moved to position the harness at your baby’s armpit level, a positioning that is recommended for newborns because it reduces their chances of being pulled out of the seat during a collision. It’s important to read the instructions carefully when installing a new car seat, as all seats have different specifications and guidelines. In time, most babies outgrow their infant car seats. Once they reach the manufacturer’s height and weight limits, it’s typically time to switch to a convertible car seat that will continue to protect them as they grow up. Car seat manufacturers also offer a variety of safety features that help parents keep their child protected while traveling, including load legs, anti-rebound bars, and no-rethread harnesses. Portability An infant car seat is designed to cradle and protect newborns and small infants. These seats have bases that stay buckled in the vehicle, and the seat snaps onto the base. This allows parents to quickly remove the seat from the car and carry it around with them if needed. Some car seats also have a feature that allows the seat to snap into a compatible stroller and convert into a travel system. This feature is great for parents who often take public transportation or need to use other family members' vehicles. While most infant car seats are easy to install, some are more difficult than others. It is important to read the owner's manual and follow the instructions carefully. If possible, have another adult help you with the installation process. It is also important to have the seat installed correctly in the vehicle; a secure seat reduces the risk of a crash and increases your child's safety. Most infant car seats have built-in angle indicators or adjustors to make it easier to get a proper angle. The harness straps should lie flat, not twisted, and placed through the slots at or below your baby's shoulders. When buckling, the harness should be snug enough that you can't pinch any extra material at the chest clip. Many manufacturers offer easy-to-follow videos and guides on their support pages to assist with installation. If you are still having trouble, it is always a good idea to consult with a Certified Passenger Safety Technician in your area. Eventually, your baby will outgrow their infant car seat and need to move to a convertible or all-in-one car seat. These types of car seats have higher rear-facing height and weight limits, allowing them to be used for longer. It's important to remember that you should not keep your child in an infant car seat once they reach the height or weight limit; this can increase their risk of injury in a crash. Many parents find that the easiest time to transition to a new car seat is when their baby turns one year old or reaches 22 pounds, whichever comes first. Stroller Compatibility Car seat compatibility is an important factor to consider when selecting a stroller for your little one. A car seat that snaps easily into the stroller frame makes for a convenient travel system and a seamless transition between driving and walking. The ability to use your infant car seat as part of a stroller also lets you keep baby asleep longer while on the go, and can make it easier to manage daily tasks and errands without waking your little one up. For the most compatibility, choose a car seat and stroller from the same manufacturer. However, this is not always an option, as many car seats require the purchase of an accessory called a car seat adapter to connect to strollers from different brands. The BabyZen YoYo+ stroller, for example, requires the purchase of an adapter to work with a variety of infant car seats including those from Chicco, Bebe Confort, Cybex, and Maxi-Cosi. To ensure that your infant car seat is compatible with the stroller, it is important to check for safety features such as a strong, clickable connection and an easy-to-read installation indicator. In addition, look for a stroller with maneuverability and durable tires that will be able to handle the weight of the car seat and child. The best-compatible infant car seats feature a secure, clickable connection that will prevent the car seat from moving during use and makes a loud clicking sound when attached correctly. In addition, the top of the car seat should sit flat against the stroller and not be tilted, as this can put strain on the harness buckle and reduce the effectiveness of the restraint system. In addition to making a smooth connection between your infant car seat and stroller, the best-compatible car seats feature easy-to-read indicators that help you ensure the straps are properly buckled, and that the latch plate is locked securely into place. A strong, clickable connection is key for safety, as a loose car seat can be easily detached in the event of an accident, leading to injuries or death.