15 Terms Everyone Is In The Infant Car Seat Industry Should Know
Why a Portable Infant Car Seat is a Must-Have
Parenting is a journey rife with countless decisions. A portable car seat for infants is essential for parents who frequently take taxis or rideshares.
The baby seats disengage from their base and snap into compatible strollers which allows you to carry your sleeping baby without disturbing them up or disrupting their car ride.
Safety Features
Infant-only car seats are designed to be as safe and secure as is possible for babies, who are particularly vulnerable to head or neck injuries. A car seat for infants might include energy-absorbing foam, Side Impact Protection pods, or both to safeguard 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 getting tangled. Some models have the stability foot made of steel to prevent the car seats from rotating during an accident.
Many parents are pleased to know that infant car seats can be converted into strollers. This is especially beneficial in the event that you plan to use the car seat on public transportation or taxis. In addition, the majority of infant car seats are FAA-approved for travel, so you are able to use them in airplane cabins, too.
With a portable infant car seat you can also take your child to more adventures with the family, including camping and hiking trips. These seats are usually smaller and compact than convertible car seats, which makes them easier to maneuver in small vehicles or on uneven terrain. Furthermore, many portable infant car seats come with built-in handles to help you to carry them.
Contact a child safety technician if you are not sure how to install your portable infant seat. Find one in your area by visiting the National Child Passenger Safety Website. Local police and fire departments also have CPSTs who can help you without charge. You can also join an organization such as Tot Squad to get virtual or in-person assistance from a certified car seat expert.
When making this choice, it's important that you consider your lifestyle and the dimensions of your vehicle. For instance a convertible car seat may not fit in your car's trunk, and requires you to install the base separately. It is heavier and more bulky than an infant car seat, and it can't be used to help a child.
Comfort
Comfort might not be the first thing parents think about when it comes to their infant car seat however, a pleasant ride is essential for parents and babies. Some of the best infant car seats that are portable for use include soft shoulder pads, headrests and other padding. Some also have adjustable reclining options so that you can find a perfect fit. Some include built-in shades and pockets for snacks, toys and other supplies.
When choosing a car seat for your child, safety is the most important consideration. There are many options to think about. For instance, some seats have a no-twist belt indicator that makes buckleing up your child easier, while others feature an integrated bubble level for fast and precise installation. A lot of infant car seats that are portable are designed to be used with strollers to create a travel system, so you can effortlessly move your little one between the vehicle and the destination.
When looking for a car seat that is portable for your baby, other factors to consider are the weight and size of the seat, its ease of installation, and whether it comes with additional safety features. For example some seats come with a Euro belt route that makes it easier to get a secure fit without the base on certain European vehicles, and others are certified GREENGUARD Gold for low emissions of VOC and chemicals. Additionally, a light seat is less straining on your arms and back when carrying it around.
In addition there are infant car seats that can be converted into an adult booster when your child is ready. This can save you money and time in the long in the long. This is particularly beneficial for parents who take taxis or rideshares often, since they can keep their child's car seat in place when they change cars. Examples of this type of portable infant car seat include the Doona, which has wheels that are integrated to transform it into a stroller, and is FAA-approved for use on planes. Other convertible infant car seats alternatives include the Graco SnugRide 35 DLX, and the Evenflo Litemax DLX.
Convenience
Portable infant car seats, specifically designed for babies and infants, are typically smaller and lighter than convertible seats. Their compact design makes them easy to carry from one vehicle to another, particularly if you're using the seat with a stroller that is compatible as part of an overall travel system. Most of the time the car seats have a canopy that offers extra protection from the sun.
Car seats for infants that are portable offer a snug, safe fit for newborns and infants. This is why they are a favorite among families. The majority of these car seats come with extra padding in the head area, which can protect an infant's head in case of an accident. They also have carefully engineered side impact protection, as well as a five-point harness for the most secure fit, meaning that your baby will be as safe and secure as possible throughout every journey.
Many infant car seats for portable use come with a base which attaches to your car. The car seat is then plugged into the base or into a stroller that is compatible which makes it easy to move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller, and back without causing any disturbance to them. It's also common for these car seats to feature the lock-off mechanism that prevents your baby from being able to pull off or unhook their straps in the seat.
It's important to keep in mind that, even when moving the infant car seat between vehicles, you should never loosen or undo the straps on your baby's harness, since this could cause strangulation during a crash. Instead, ensure that they are secure at all times and place blankets or coats over the top of the straps in cold weather.
When you are considering purchasing an infant car seat, you must also consider how long your child will be likely to be in it. Since they're specifically designed for infants and newborns they typically have a shorter lifespan than convertible car seats, so you might need to purchase another seat sooner than expected. Generally, infant car seats are used until your child is no longer using them, which typically happens within the first year of their life.
Cost
When you are deciding on which car seats for infants that you can purchase there are some costs to be considered. You may need to purchase a separate base to install your carrier in your vehicle. Some models require you use LATCH to set up them. This will increase the total cost of the purchase but can save you money in the long run as you won't have to pay for an infant car seat that is a separate base if you have multiple vehicles.
You might also consider purchasing an all-in-one car seat (also called a 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 convertible car seat). rear facing infant car seat pushchairsandprams grow with your child, moving from infants facing the rear to forward-facing toddlers and then into a booster for older children. These seats are a great choice for parents who frequently travel or have their child move from one vehicle to another. You'll need an appropriate base for each vehicle that you intend to use the seat in. They are also heavier than infant car safety seats.
Many infant car seats don't fit into strollers, and you'll have to wake your baby to move them. This can be a hassle when you have a long commute or spend a lot of your time running around with your baby in your arms. This kind of car seat is an ideal choice for parents who are using ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. It is easy to convert it into a stroller that works with the seat and continue your journey.
Parents may also opt to buy a travel system that includes an infant car seat and a stroller. If you're expecting a premature child or a child who is smaller than average, this is a great idea. These types of car seats are designed to accommodate infants.
Most children outgrow their infant car seats at around one year, based on their weight and height. This means that you'll have to upgrade to a new model even the child isn't yet at the weight or height limit.