11 “Faux Pas” That Are Actually OK To Create Using Your Infant Car Seats
Infant Car Seats A car infant car seat is essential for newborns and infants. The majority of infant car seats come with an infant car seat, a base and straps that can be attached to each other. They can then be used in a vehicle or in conjunction with a pram (see our guide on stroller/car seat compatibility). The best 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 A rear facing infant car seat (also known as a infant car seat, newborn carrier or infant carrier) is designed to hold and shield the smallest of children from newborn to approximately two years old. They can be put together into a base that remains in the car but can also removed to be used as a carrier. Many parents find that this is more convenient than having to install and uninstall the child safety seat each time they drive, but it shouldn't be used in lieu of the proper installation of a car seat and use of the seat belt. It is essential to use a car seat that is properly designed for infants. They are more susceptible to head and neck injuries during a crash. It is recommended to follow the directions that come with the car seat. Verify that the straps are secure enough to stop fabric folds being pinched after your child is buckled in. The chest clip should be placed at the same level as your baby's armpits. It's a good idea for you to practice as often as you can putting and taking your child from the car seats. This will help you be better prepared to quickly place your child in the seat on an unexpected journey. If your car seat has a built in angle indicator or adjuster, it's a good idea to check it frequently to make sure it is in the right position to ensure your child's safety. Never leave your baby in the car seat without supervision. If you leave the child's seat on a hard surface, such as a bed or counter it may slide or tip over and cause your child to get injured. The only safe position for an infant to ride in is backwards and in the back seat, and they should remain there until they reach above the manufacturer's weight and height limits. Some infant car seats let you use a receiving blanket to offer additional neck and head protection instead of or in addition the padding built-in to the seat. Convenience A car seat for infants is designed to fit children between 4 and 35 pounds, typically as a rear-facing child carrier that snaps into a base in your vehicle. The car seat can easily be moved between vehicles, and can be connected to a stroller compatible with it. This creates a travel system for outings that's easy. Car seats for infants can be fitted with a convenient carrying handle parents use to move the car seat from vehicle to stroller without disturbing their sleeping child. The majority of infant car seats are made to accommodate a variety of baby sizes, with many models offering a snug and secure fit for tiny newborns. They are usually light enough to carry for short distances, and are easily transferable from the car to the stroller. This makes them an ideal choice for parents who frequently take their babies out in public. A lot of infant seats can be paired with matching strollers to create a seamless system of travel that makes outings a breeze. Parents who are looking for the most suitable infant car seat might want to look at its features and safety ratings. For instance If your family plans to travel extensively by plane then you might want to consider a baby car seat with built-in ISOFIX indicators as well as a strong lower anchor strap. If you're looking for a greener alternative, you may want to select an infant car seat that is made with less chemicals in its manufacturing. 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 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 infant 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 portable infant car seat , 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.