What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
When it comes to choosing a car seat parents have two choices: infant car seats or convertible car seats. Infant car seats are only suitable for rear-facing use, therefore they are less durable.
Infant carrier seats are commonly compatible with strollers (adapters sold separately) to create a travel system. Parents can get their baby out of the car to the stroller without disturbing them.
Safety
Many parents are concerned about how safe an
infant car seats on sale carrier seat is, especially if they are purchasing one for the first time. As with all car seats on the market, an
infant carrier seat is designed to be as secure as is possible to protect your infant in the event of the event of a crash. Most often they are placed with the infant facing the rear. This makes them the
best car seat newborn option for infants at the greatest risk of injury during an accident.
These seats also feature extra padding to offer head protection, as well as lower anchors to secure the seat to the chassis in case in the event of an accident. This is particularly important with infants with large heads and necks that are easily injured by the force of a collision or sudden stop. Most infant carrier seats can be used with strollers, forming a travel system that lets you effortlessly transfer your child from your car to your stroller without having to worry about them.
Additionally, most
infant car seats have an base that can be fitted in other vehicles to allow you to take your child along with you no matter where you go. This is great if you frequently take a taxi or ride-sharing service as it makes travelling on airplanes with your child much more comfortable too.
Some infant carrier seats are suitable for use on strollers that do not have a base, which allows you to keep your baby safe on all types of excursions and trips. This is a great choice for grandparents who want to help you transport your child.
It's also important to remember that a baby car seat is never meant to be left unattended in a vehicle, as infants could tip or roll over on soft surfaces, leading to injuries and even suffocation. It is crucial to read the instructions before using an infant seat in a new place.
Portability
Many infant
newborn car seat seats are designed to be part of an overall travel system, comprising a car frame and seat base that snap into one another for seamless transitions. Travel systems are perfect for babies, as they allow parents to move their child from the car to a stroller without having to wake the baby up. This feature is the main reason that more than 80% Babylist parents buy an infant seat.
Additionally, a lot of infant car seats work with strollers of all types. Stroller compatibility lets parents quickly take their child out of the car and put them on a stroller frame to walk through a park or a grocery store. This is a fantastic feature to look for when you are considering using an Uber or taxi service. The majority of these services require a child to be in a safe seat.
Car seats for infants are typically lighter and smaller than convertible car seats. They are an excellent choice for families who like to be on the go. Some infant car seats also come with a handle so parents can carry the seat themselves. This is especially helpful when you have a trip planned that you don't want to wake your baby!
Infant car seats last until your baby is an adult and has outgrown the weight and height limitations, some convertible car seats can be used as a rear facing seat for newborns, then changed to a forward-facing car seat for older children. These all-in-one seats are great if you're looking to keep your child in a safe seat as long as possible. You can find a convertible car seat that transforms into an high-back booster seat once your child is too big for the harness (or is over the weight and height limits). Be sure to look for this when browsing choices!
Easy of Use
An infant carrier seat is an infant car seat that faces the rear and can be connected to a base in your vehicle. They are designed to keep newborns and babies secure until they reach the weight and height requirements for the booster seat. Many infant car seats are compatible with strollers. This makes it simple to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller without disrupting their nap time.
Find an infant seat with an adjustable carrier that which you can connect to the base of a stroller or a car. This will let you quickly get your child in and out of the car, particularly if their nap is about to end or if they're hungry, thirsty or bored. Check the shoulder strap slots to ensure they're placed correctly for your child. If the straps aren't low enough or high, they won't be utilized correctly and could be dangerous in the event of a crash.
Some infant car seats include lower anchors that are able to be used without the base, which is great for taxi rides as well as when traveling on airplanes. It is important to ensure that the lower anchors have a European routing path and are easy to set up and remove and we're looking for an audible click when the seat is secured properly. It is essential to select a seat that comes with an easy harness and carrier adjustment system. Examples include Graco's click connect or UPPAbaby's SmartSecure.
Convertible car seat is the next step following an infant carrier. They are able to be used until your child meets the weight or height requirements for the booster. They can be used with a stroller, but don't offer the infant-like fit and convenience of a baby car seat. Some convertible seats can be transformed into boosters. However they tend to be more bulkier and less mobile. This makes them difficult to maneuver in small vehicles or in crowded areas.
Installation
Installing car seats, and particularly infant car seats, can be difficult. It is crucial to do so safely and correctly. This can be affected by the seat position as well as the angle of base, and also the way you use the handle.
Most infant car seats are designed to be attached to a base that is in the vehicle, a combination often called a travel system. These seats are designed to be used in a rear-facing position, which is more secure for infants than forward-facing car seats. Most car seats come with an angle indicator that you can use to check if the seat is set at the right semi-reclined position for your child. The base could also have an adjustment mechanism to alter the angle.
Another feature to look for is whether the seat has an option to alter the height of the shoulder straps without having to disengage and reconnect the straps. This is a huge time saver, as you will need to do it multiple times throughout the car seat's use by your infant.
Lastly, some cars have hard points on the back of the seat specifically designed for infant car seats. They are typically tucked into the crease between the cushion on the back of the seat and the bottom. These hooks are custom made for the specific seat and should be able to snap into place with minimal effort. Once they are attached to your seat, you will hear a distinct noise.
It is also a great idea to test out the car seat on a child first to ensure it is suitable for your family. If your child is uncomfortable or the car seat doesn't fit into the base, it's
best car seat infant to consider a different option.
Certain car seats can be equipped to be used without the base. This is helpful for those who use public transportation or taxi services such as Uber. You can usually remove and install the carrier without having a base by simply pressing a lever or a button. Review the instructions given by the manufacturer. Many will provide a clear "click" when it's secure enough.