What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
When choosing a car seat, parents have two options: infant car seats or convertible seats. Car seats for infants are designed for rear-facing use, so they last a little longer.
Baby carrier seats are typically compatible with strollers (adapters available separately) to make a travel system. Parents can transfer their child from the car into a stroller with ease without causing any disturbance to them.
Safety
Many parents have concerns about how safe the infant car seat is, especially if they are purchasing one for the first time. As with all car seats, the infant carrier seat was created to safeguard your child as safe as is possible in the event of a crash. They are most often positioned rear-facing, making them the best choice for infants who face the most chance of being injured in a car accident.
They also come with extra padding to provide additional head protection, and lower anchors that hold the seat to the chassis of the vehicle in case in the event of an accident. This is especially crucial for babies with necks that are large and heads that could be easily injured by the sudden stopping or collision. The majority of infant carriers can be used with strollers, forming a travel system that lets you easily transfer your baby from your car to your stroller, without disturbing them.
In addition, many infant car seats have an base that can be fitted in other vehicles to allow you to take your child with you wherever you go. This is great if you frequently use taxi or ride-sharing services and can make traveling on planes with your infant a lot easier as well.
Some models of infant carrier seats are even suitable for use on strollers that do not have a base, allowing you to ensure your baby's safety during all kinds of excursions and trips. This is a great choice for grandparents who would like to help you out with the transportation of your child!
It's also important to remember that a child's car seat is never meant to be left unattended outside of the vehicle, since infants can roll or tip them over on soft surfaces, leading to injuries or even the risk of suffocation. It is crucial to read the instructions before using an infant seat in a new location.
Portability
Many infant car seats come as part of a "travel system" that is made up of the car seat base and the frame for the stroller. These connect to provide seamless transitions. Travel systems are great for babies since they give parents the option to move their baby from a car to a stroller without waking the baby up. This alone is the main reason why more than 80% of Babylist parents sign up for an infant seat!
Many infant car seats are compatible with strollers. The stroller compatibility feature permits parents to remove their child from their car and place it on a frame to allow them to walk through a supermarket or park. This is an excellent feature to consider when you are considering using an Uber or taxi service. Most of these services require a child to be in a safety seat.
Infant car seats are generally lighter and smaller than convertible car seats. They are an excellent choice for families who like to be on the go. Additionally, some brands of infant car seats have the option of a handle that parents can use to transport the seat by themselves. This is especially helpful if you are planning a trip you don't want to wake up your sleeping baby for.
Car seats for infants only last until your baby becomes an adult and has outgrown the height and weight limits, some convertible car seats can be used as a rear facing baby car seat, then transformed into a forward-facing car seat for older children. These all-in-one seats are a great option if you're looking to keep your child in a safe seat for as long as it is possible. There is a convertible car seat that converts into a high-back booster seat when your child has outgrown its harness (or reaches the weight and height limits). Make sure to look for this when browsing the options!
Easy to Use
A rear-facing infant car seat is car seat that snaps into the base of your vehicle. They are designed to keep infants and babies secure until they reach the height and weight requirements for the booster seat. Many infant car seats can be used with strollers. This makes it simple to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller without disrupting their nap time.
Find an infant car seat with a detachable car seat that easily connects to the base of a stroller. This will make it easier to get your child into and out of the vehicle, especially when their nap is over or they are thirsty, hungry, or bored. Check the shoulder strap slots to ensure they're positioned correctly for your child. If the straps are placed too low or high they won't be able to be used correctly in a crash and could be dangerous.
Some infant car seats also have lower anchors that can be used in lieu of the base, which is ideal for taxi rides and when traveling on airplanes. Be sure that the lower anchors are simple to install, have an European routing and are easy to release. We can also listen for an audible "click" when the seat is properly secured. It's important to choose a seat that comes with an easy harness and carrier adjustment system. Examples include Graco's Click Connect or UPPAbaby's SmartSecure.
Convertible car seats are the next step after an infant carrier. They are able to be used 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 offer the infant-like fit or convenience of an infant carrier. Some convertible seats can be converted into boosters however they are generally heavier and less portable, which can make them difficult to maneuver in vehicles with limited space or when transporting children in busy areas.
Installation
Installing car seats, and especially infant car seats, is a challenge. It is crucial to do it correctly and safely. A few factors that could affect this include the seat positioning as well as the angle of the base and how to use the handle.
Most infant car seats are connected to a base inside the vehicle. This combination is often known as"travel system" or "travel system". They are designed to be used rear-facing which is more secure than forward-facing. Most car seats have a built-in angle indicator that can be read to ensure the seat is in the correct semi-reclined position for your baby. The base might also come with an adjustor to change the angle.
Another feature to look for is if the seat has an option to adjust the shoulder strap height without having to disengage and adjust the straps. This can be a significant time saver, as it will probably require multiple times during the car seat of an infant.
Some cars have a hard spot in the back seat that is specifically designed to hold baby car safety seats. These are usually tucked into the crease between the cushion in the back of the seat and the bottom cushion. These hooks ought to snap into place with ease since they are designed specifically for the seat. When they are in place, you may hear a distinct sound.
It's an excellent idea to test the car seat with a toddler to be sure that it works for your family. If your child feels uncomfortable or the car seat won't connect to the base, you should search for a different option.
Certain car seats can be put in without a base, which is useful for those who use public transportation or rely on taxi service like Uber. Read the instructions of the manufacturer for removing and putting in the vehicle without the base, but the majority will permit you to do this with the simple press of a button or lever. Many will give you the "click" to signal that you're safe.