"The Infant Car Seat Awards: The Best Worst And The Most Bizarre Things We ve Seen
Why a Portable Infant Car Seat is a Must-Have
Parenting is a journey filled with a variety of decisions. A portable infant car seat is essential for parents who frequently use taxis or rideshares.
These baby seats can be removed from their base and then inserted into strollers that are compatible. This allows you to take your sleeping child to their destination without disrupting them or waking them awake.
Safety Features
Infant-only car seats are designed to be as secure and secure as possible for newborns who are especially susceptible to neck and head injuries. A car seat for infants may include energy-absorbing foam and Side Impact Protection pods or both to protect your child in the event of a crash. Other features include a five-point no rethread harness as well as a recline to provide the most comfortable ride for your baby, and strap holders to prevent the straps from becoming tangled. Some models come with a steel stability leg to prevent the car seat from rotating in the event of an accident.
Many parents are pleased to know that infant car seats can be easily transformed into strollers. The possibility of doing this without unbuckling your child is a huge benefit, and it's especially useful when you plan to take your car seat on public transportation or in taxis. The majority of infant car seats have FAA approval for air travel so you can also use them in the airplane cabin.
A portable infant car seat also lets you take your child on more family adventures, including hikes and camping trips. These seats are typically smaller and compact than convertible car seats, which makes them easier to maneuver in small vehicles or on uneven terrain. Additionally some portable infant car seats have handles built-in to make it easier to carry them.
If you're unsure of how to install your portable infant car seat, consult with a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST). Find one near you by visiting the National Child Passenger Safety Website. Some local fire and police departments have CPSTs that can help you at no cost. You can also join an organization like Tot Squad for virtual or in-person assistance from a qualified expert.
When making this decision it is important to consider your lifestyle and the size of your vehicle. A convertible car seat, for example it may not fit into the trunk of your car and you'll need to install the base separately. Additionally, it usually weighs more than an infant only car seat and can't be used as a booster.
Comfort
When it is about infant car seats, comfort may not be the first thing that parents think of, but a comfortable ride can make a big difference for both babies and their parents. Some of the best car seats for infants portable infant car seats feature soft shoulders and headrests for extra cushioning. Other seats provide reclining options that can be adjusted to create a perfect fit. Some include built-in shades and storage pockets for snacks, toys and other supplies.
When you are choosing the right car seat for your child safety is the most important consideration. There are many features to think about. Some seats have an indicator that does not twist to make it easier to buckle your child. Others have a bubble level built in for fast and precise installation. Many portable infant car seats are designed to be used in conjunction with the stroller to form an entire travel system, which means you can effortlessly move your child between your vehicle and your destination.
Other things to take into consideration when buying a portable infant car seat include the size and weight of the seat and how easy it is to install and whether it comes with additional safety features. Certain seats have a Euro-belt path, which makes it easier to secure the seat without a base on certain European vehicles. Others are certified GREENGUARD GOLD, which means they have low chemical emissions and VOC levels. A light-weight seat is easier to carry around.
In addition Some infant car seats are designed to be a toddler booster when your child is ready, which can save you time and money in the long time. This is especially useful for parents who travel by taxi or rideshares often, since they can keep their child's car seat in place even when they change cars. Examples of this type of portable infant car seat include the Doona, which has integrated wheels to turn it into a stroller and is FAA-approved for use on airplanes. Other convertible infant car seats include the Graco SnugRide 35 DLX and the Evenflo Litemax DLX.
Convenience
Designed for newborns and infants, portable infant car seats are usually smaller and lighter than convertible car seats. They are easy to move from one vehicle to another, especially if they're coupled with a stroller that is compatible with the travel set. In most cases the car seats have a canopy that offers additional protection from sun.
Newborns and infants need a secure, comfortable fit in their carseats This is why portable infant car seats are an excellent choice for families. Most of the time, these car seats feature extra padding in the head area that can protect an infant's head in case of an accident. They also come with precisely engineered side-impact protection, as well as 5-point harnesses to ensure a secure fit, so your baby will be as secure and safe as they can be throughout every journey.
Many portable infant car seats have a base that attaches to your vehicle. The car seat then snaps into the base or a stroller compatible with it, making it easy to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller, and back without causing disturbance. Car seats typically come with a lock off mechanism that stops your child from removing or unbuckling their straps.
Even when moving your infant car seat from one vehicle to the next it is important not to take off or untie the straps on your harness. This could cause strangulation if there is an accident. Make sure that they are buckled securely and secure the straps with blankets or a coat in cold weather.
Before purchasing an infant car seat, you should be aware of how long your child is likely to stay in it. Since they're specifically designed for infants and newborns they are likely to have a shorter life span than convertible car seats, which means you may need to purchase another seat sooner than expected. Most infant car seats can only be used until your child has outgrown them, which is typically within the first year of their life.
Cost
There are a few expenses that you should think about when deciding which portable infant car seat to buy. You may need to purchase a separate base to place your car seat in your vehicle. Some models require you use LATCH to install them. This will increase the total cost of the purchase but it could save you money in the end as you won't have to pay for an infant car seat that is a separate base if you use multiple vehicles.
Consider purchasing a convertible car seat that is 3-in-1 or 4-in-1. These seats can expand with your child, from rear-facing infants to toddlers who face forward, and then into boosters for older children. These seats are an excellent choice for parents who travel frequently or who have to move their child from one vehicle to the next. You'll need to purchase an appropriate base for each vehicle that you plan to use the seat in. They are also heavier than infant car safety seats.
A lot of infant car seats won't fit in strollers and you have to wake your sleeping baby to move them. This could be a challenge for parents who have a hectic commute or who have to do around with their child in tow. If you're a parent who uses rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, this type of car seat may be a good choice for you, since these models permit you to quickly connect the seat to a compatible stroller and continue your trip without disturbing your child.
Some parents also prefer to buy a travel set-up that includes an infant car seat and a stroller. This can be a good idea if you are expecting a premature or smaller-than-average baby, as these models provide the best car seats for infants fit for infants.
The majority of children will outgrow their infant car seat before the age of one year, based on their weight and height. You'll have to upgrade the car seat of your child even when they're not yet at their maximum weight or height.