Five Killer Quora Answers To Infant Carrier Seat
What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
Parents have two options when selecting the right car seat for their child: infant car seats and convertible car seats. Car seats for infants are suitable for rear-facing use so they have a shorter lifespan.
Infant carrier seats are commonly compatible with strollers (adapters available separately) to make a travel system. Parents can take their baby from the best car seats for infants to the stroller without disturbing them.
Safety
Many parents are concerned about the safety of an infant carrier seat, particularly when they purchase one for the first time. Like all car seats, the infant carrier seat was designed to safeguard your child as safe as it is possible in the event of a collision. They are most often positioned in the rear, which makes them the best car seat for newborn uk choice for infants who face the greatest danger of injury in a vehicle accident.
They also have additional padding to provide additional head protection as well as lower anchors that secure the seat to the chassis of your vehicle to prevent it from shifting in the event of a collision. This is especially important for infants who have big heads and necks that are easily injured by the force of a crash or sudden stop. Most infant carrier seats can be used in conjunction with strollers, creating a system that allows you to easily transfer your baby from your car to your stroller without disturbing them.
The majority of infant car seats come with a base which can be used in other vehicles. This lets you bring your child wherever you go. This is particularly beneficial if you frequently use taxi or ride-sharing services, and it can make traveling on planes with your infant much easier as well.
Some infant carrier seats are even suitable for use on strollers that do not have a base, allowing you to keep your baby safe on all types of trips and adventures. This is a great option for grandparents who want to assist you in transporting your baby, too!
It's also important to remember that a child's car seat is never meant to be left alone outside of a vehicle, as babies may roll or tip them over on soft surfaces, which can lead to injuries or even the risk of suffocation. It is essential to read the instructions before using an infant seat in a new location.
Portability
Many infant car seats are designed to function as part of an overall travel system, a combination of car frame and seat base that snap into one another to allow seamless transitions. Travel systems are ideal for babies, as they allow parents the ability to move their child from a car to a stroller without waking him up. This alone is an important reason why more than 80% of Babylist parents register for a seat for their infant!
Many infant car seats can be used with most strollers. The stroller compatibility feature allows parents to take their baby from their car and place it on a frame for a stroller to allow them to walk around a park or supermarket. This is a great feature to look out for if you are considering using a taxi or ride-sharing service. Most of these services require children to be secured in a seat.
Infant car seats are generally lighter and smaller than convertible car seats. They are an ideal option for families that like to be on the go. Some infant car seats also have a handle so parents can carry the seat on their own. This is particularly useful if you are planning a trip that you don't want to awake your baby for.
While infant car seats only last until your baby becomes an adult and has outgrown the weight and height limitations, some convertible car seats can be used as a rear-facing infant car seat, and later changed to a forward-facing car seat for older children. These all-in-one car seats are an excellent choice for parents who want to keep your child in a safe car seat for as long as possible. You can find a convertible car seat that transforms into a high-back booster seat when your child is too big for the harness (or is over the limit on weight and height). Make sure to check for this when you are looking at choices!
Easy to Use
A baby carrier seat is a rear-facing car seat that connects to a base in your car. These seats are designed to keep infants and toddlers safe until they reach the weight and height requirements for a booster. Many infant car seat for newborn seats are also compatible with strollers. This can make it easy to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller and continue on your journey without disrupting their nap time.
Look for an infant car seat that has an attachable carrier that attaches to the base or a stroller. This will let you quickly get your child in and out of the car, particularly if their nap is about to end or if they're hungry, thirsty, or bored. Examine the shoulder straps to ensure they're positioned correctly for your child. If the straps have been placed too high or low they won't be able to be used properly in a crash and can be dangerous.
Some infant car seat for travel car seats include lower anchors that are able to be used without the base, which is ideal for taxi rides or when traveling on airplanes. It is essential to confirm that the lower anchors have an European routing path and are easy to set up and remove and look for an audible click to ensure the seat is secured properly. It's also beneficial to locate a seat that has an easy-to-use harness and adjustment system, such as Graco's Click Connect or the UPPAbaby SmartSecure option.
Convertible car seats are the next level from an infant carrier. They can be used until your child reaches their weight or height requirements for a booster seat. They can be used in combination with strollers but they don't provide the convenience or fit for a newborn of a baby carrier. Some convertible seats can be converted to boosters. However they're generally more bulkier and less mobile. This makes them difficult to maneuver in small vehicles or in crowded areas.
Installation
Car seats, especially infant car seats, are complicated to install. It is crucial to do it safely and correctly. Some factors that can impact this include the seating position as well as the angle of the base, and the way to use the handle.
Most infant car seats are made to be attached to a base that is in the vehicle, which is often called a travel system. They are designed to be used rear-facing and are safer than forward-facing. The majority of car seats have an inbuilt angle indicator that can be read to ensure the seat is at the correct semi-reclined position for your baby. The base could also have an adjustor to change the angle.
Another feature to look out for is if the seat has an option to alter the height of the shoulder strap without having to disengage and reconnect the straps. This can be a significant time-saver, as it is likely to require multiple times during an infant's car seat use.
Finally, some cars come with hard points in the back of the seat specifically designed to hold infant car seats. They are typically tucked into the crease that runs between the cushion on the back of the seat and the bottom cushion. These hooks are made specifically for the particular seat and will be able to snap into place with minimal effort. They may also make distinct sounds when they are connected securely.
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 click into the base or your child is not comfortable, it's time for you to find another option.
Some car seats are capable of being installed without a base. This is a great option when you travel by taxi or public transportation services like Uber. It is common to remove and install the car seat without the base by pressing a lever or a button. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. A lot of them will give you the "click" to let you know when it's secured.