This Is The Ultimate Guide To Infant Carrier Seat
What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
Parents have two options when choosing a car seat for their child the infant car seats and convertible car seats. Infant car seats are only designed for rear-facing use, therefore they have a shorter lifespan.
The infant carrier seats are usually compatible with strollers (adapters available separately) to create a travel system. This allows parents to effortlessly take their baby out of the car and into a stroller without disrupting their sleep.
Safety
Many parents are concerned about how safe an infant carrier seat is, especially when they purchase one for the first time. As with all car seats, the infant seat was created to safeguard your child as safely as possible in a crash. They are typically placed to the rear, making them the ideal choice for infants who face the most danger of injury in a vehicle accident.
They also have additional padding for added head protection as well as lower anchors that secure the seat to the vehicle's chassis to prevent it from shifting during a collision. This is especially important for infants who have big necks and heads that can be easily injured by the force of a crash or sudden stop. The majority of infant carrier seats can be used in conjunction with strollers, forming a travel system that allows you to easily move your baby from your car to your stroller without having to worry about them.
Most infant car seats also come with a base which can be used in other vehicles. This lets you bring your child wherever you go. This is great for those who frequently use ride-sharing or taxi services, and it can make travelling on airplanes with your child much more comfortable as well.
Some models of infant carriers are suitable for use on strollers with no base, which allows you to keep your baby safe during all kinds of excursions and trips. This is an excellent option for grandparents who wish to help you transport your child.
It's important to remember that an infant carrier is not intended to be left alone on a surface that is soft. Infants can tip over or roll over, causing injuries or even the possibility of suffocation. It is important to read the instructions before using an infant seat in a new place.
Portability
Many infant car seats are designed to function as part of a travel system, which is a combination of the car frame and seat base that snap together for seamless transitions. Travel systems are great for infants, since they allow parents the ability to move their baby from an automobile to a stroller without waking the baby up. This alone is a huge reason more than 90% of Babylist parents register for a seat for their infant!
Additionally, a lot of infant car seats work with most strollers. The stroller compatibility feature permits parents to take their baby out of the car and put it on a frame so they can walk through a park or a grocery store. This is a great feature to look for if you're planning on using a ride share or taxi service, as the majority of these services require children be in car seats.
Compared to convertible car seats that must be kept in the car, infant car seats are typically lighter and more compact making them a convenient choice for families on-the-go. Furthermore, certain brands of infant car seats have the option of a handle that parents can use to transport the seat on their own. This is especially useful when you're planning a trip you don't want wake your baby for.
Some convertible car seats are designed to be rear-facing seats for newborns and then convert to a forward-facing seat for older children. These seats are a great choice if you are looking to keep your child in a secure car seat for as long as possible. There is even a convertible seat that will convert into a high back booster seat when your child has outgrown the harness (or exceeds the height and weight limits). 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 clicks into a base installed in your car. These seats are designed to keep infants and toddlers safe until they reach the weight and height requirements of a booster. Many infant car seats are compatible with strollers, which can make it easy to transfer the baby from the car to the stroller and continue your journey without disturbing their nap time.
Find an infant seat that has an attachable carrier that you can attach to the base of a stroller or a car. This will make it easier to get your child into and out of the car especially when their nap is ending or they are thirsty, hungry or bored. It is also essential to examine the slots on the shoulder straps and position them properly to fit your child's height. If the straps are placed too low or high, they cannot be used correctly in a crash, and they could be dangerous.
Some infant car seats come with lower anchors that can be used without the base, which is ideal for taxi rides or when traveling on planes. Be sure that the lower anchors are simple to install, have an European routing and are easy to release. We also listen for an audible "click" when the seat is secured properly. It's also helpful to find a seat with an easy-to-use harness and adjustment system, such as the Graco Click Connect or the UPPAbaby SmartSecure option.
Convertible car seats are the next level from an infant carrier and can be used until your child reaches their weight or height requirements for a booster seat. They can be used with strollers, but they don't offer the convenience and fit of a car seat for infants. Some convertible seats can be converted into boosters, but they are typically bigger and more difficult to transport and therefore difficult to maneuver in vehicles with limited space or when transporting children in busy areas.
Installation
Car seats, particularly infant car seats, can be difficult to install. It is crucial to do so safely and correctly. This is influenced by the position of the seat, the angle of base, and how you handle the handle.
The majority of infant car seats are designed to be connected to a base which remains in the vehicle, a combination commonly referred to as a traveling system. These seats are designed to be used rear-facing and are safer than forward-facing. Most car seats come with an angle indicator that you can use to verify if the seat is set in the correct semi-reclined angle for your child. The base may have an angle adjustment.
You should also check if the seat allows you to adjust the shoulders' height without needing to unthread and repeat the process. This is a great time-saver since you will have to do it several times throughout the infant's car seat usage.
Finally, some cars come with hard points on the back of the seat that are specifically designed to hold infant car seats. These are usually tucked deep into the crease that runs between the cushion back of the seat and the bottom. These hooks should be able to snap into place quickly as they are made specifically for the specific seat. When they are in place to your seat, you will hear a distinct sound.
Pushchairs & Prams is also a great idea to test the car seat with an infant before deciding if it's suitable for your family. If your child is uncomfortable or the car seat doesn't fit into the base, you should look for another option.
Some car seats are able to be installed without a base. This is beneficial when you travel by taxi or public transportation like Uber. It is common to remove and install the carrier without the base by pressing a lever or a button. Review the instructions given by the manufacturer. Many will give you an "click" to let you know when you're safe.
