Beware Of This Common Mistake With Your Infant Car Seats
Infant Car Seats
An infant car seat for travel car seat is essential for babies and newborns. The majority of infant car seats include a base, a carrier and a strap that can be attached to each other. They can then be used in a car or with a pram (see our guide to stroller/car-seat compatibility).
The best Infant Car Seat infant car seats have premium features such as load legs--shock-absorbing parts that extend from the seat's base to the car floor--and padded shoulder harnesses that feel comfortable on babies for long rides.
Safety
The rear-facing infant car seat was designed to protect and hold the youngest of children, from infants to two years old. They can be snapped into a base which stays in the car but can be removed to use as a carry-on. Many parents find that this provides greater convenience than having to install and take down the child safety seat every time they drive, however it should not be used in lieu of the proper installation of a car seat and seat belt use.
Newborns are especially vulnerable to neck and head injuries during an accident, making it very important to have a properly fitted infant car seat. It is recommended to adhere to the instructions that come with the car seat. Check to make sure the straps are secure enough to prevent fabric folds from being pinched after your child has been buckled in. The chest clip should be at the same level as your child's armpits.
It's recommended to practice placing your child in and taking them out of the car seat as often as you can in order to get familiar with the process so that you are better prepared when you have to quickly put your child in for an unexpected journey. If your car seat comes with an integrated angle indicator or adjuster it is an excellent idea to test it on a regular basis to ensure it's in the right position to protect your child.
Make sure you not leave your child in their chair unattended. If the carrier is left on a high surface like a counter or bed, it could tip or roll over and your child could get injured or even suffocate.
The only safe position for an infant to ride in is facing rear and in the back seat. They should remain in that position until they reach or over the manufacturer's weight and height limits. Some infant car seats allow you to use a receiving blanket to provide additional neck and head protection instead of or in addition to the padding built-in to the seat.
Convenience
An infant car seat is designed to fit children weighing between 4 and 35 pounds. typically, it is a rear-facing car seat that snaps into a base installed in your vehicle. The car seat can be easily moved between vehicles and attached to a stroller that is compatible and creates an easy-to-travel system that makes trips with your baby easy. Infant car seats can also be fitted with a convenient carrying handle parents use to transport the car seat from their vehicle to stroller without disrupting their sleepy child.
Many infant car seats can be adjusted to suit various sizes. Some models are able to fit tiny newborns. They are usually lightweight baby car seat enough to carry for short distances, and are easily transferable from the vehicle to the stroller. This makes them a great choice for parents who often take their children out in public. Many infant seats can also be paired with strollers to create a seamless travel system that makes getting out a breeze.
Parents who are looking for the most suitable infant car seat might want to think about its safety ratings and features. For instance If your family plans to travel extensively via plane, you may want to opt for an infant car seat that has built-in ISOFIX indicators and a sturdy lower anchor strap. Similarly, those interested in greener alternatives may opt for an infant car seat that uses fewer chemical flame retardants during its production.
Some infant car seats have an adjustable crotch buckle strap that can be moved to position the harness at your baby’s armpit level, a positioning that is recommended for newborns because it reduces their chances of being pulled out of the seat during a collision. It’s important to read the instructions carefully when installing a new car seat, as all seats have different specifications and guidelines.
In time, most babies outgrow their infant car seats. Once they reach the manufacturer’s height and weight limits, it’s typically time to switch to a convertible car seat that will continue to protect them as they grow up. Car seat manufacturers also offer a variety of safety features that help parents keep their child protected while traveling, including load legs, anti-rebound bars, and no-rethread harnesses.
Portability
An infant car seat is designed to cradle and protect newborns and small infants. These seats have bases that stay buckled in the vehicle, and the seat snaps onto the base. This allows parents to quickly remove the seat from the car and carry it around with them if needed. Some car seats also have a feature that allows the seat to snap into a compatible stroller and convert into a travel system. This feature is great for parents who often take public transportation or need to use other family members' vehicles.
While most infant carrier seat car seats are easy to install, some are more difficult than others. It is important to read the owner's manual and follow the instructions carefully. If possible, have another adult help you with the installation process. It is also important to have the seat installed correctly in the vehicle; a secure seat reduces the risk of a crash and increases your child's safety.
Most infant car seats have built-in angle indicators or adjustors to make it easier to get a proper angle. The harness straps should lie flat, not twisted, and placed through the slots at or below your baby's shoulders. When buckling, the harness should be snug enough that you can't pinch any extra material at the chest clip.
Many manufacturers offer easy-to-follow videos and guides on their support pages to assist with installation. If you are still having trouble, it is always a good idea to consult with a Certified Passenger Safety Technician in your area.
Eventually, your baby will outgrow their infant car seat and need to move to a convertible or all-in-one car seat. These types of car seats have higher rear-facing height and weight limits, allowing them to be used for longer. It's important to remember that you should not keep your child in an infant car seat once they reach the height or weight limit; this can increase their risk of injury in a crash. Many parents find that the easiest time to transition to a new car seat is when their baby turns one year old or reaches 22 pounds, whichever comes first.
Stroller Compatibility
Car seat compatibility is an important factor to consider when selecting a stroller for your little one. A car seat that snaps easily into the stroller frame makes for a convenient travel system and a seamless transition between driving and walking. The ability to use your infant car seat as part of a stroller also lets you keep baby asleep longer while on the go, and can make it easier to manage daily tasks and errands without waking your little one up.
For the most compatibility, choose a car seat and stroller from the same manufacturer. However, this is not always an option, as many car seats require the purchase of an accessory called a car seat adapter to connect to strollers from different brands. The BabyZen YoYo+ stroller, for example, requires the purchase of an adapter to work with a variety of infant car seats including those from Chicco, Bebe Confort, Cybex, and Maxi-Cosi.
To ensure that your infant car seat is compatible with the stroller, it is important to check for safety features such as a strong, clickable connection and an easy-to-read installation indicator. In addition, look for a stroller with maneuverability and durable tires that will be able to handle the weight of the car seat and child.
The best-compatible portable infant car seat car seats feature a secure, clickable connection that will prevent the car seat from moving during use and makes a loud clicking sound when attached correctly. In addition, the top of the car seat should sit flat against the stroller and not be tilted, as this can put strain on the harness buckle and reduce the effectiveness of the restraint system.
In addition to making a smooth connection between your infant car seat and stroller, the best-compatible car seats feature easy-to-read indicators that help you ensure the straps are properly buckled, and that the latch plate is locked securely into place. A strong, clickable connection is key for safety, as a loose car seat can be easily detached in the event of an accident, leading to injuries or death.