Forget Infant Car Seats: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Need It
Infant Car Seats
A car seat for infants is essential for newborns and small babies. Many come with a base and the carrier, which connect to one another and can be used in your car or in conjunction with strollers (see our guide to 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
The rear-facing infant car seat was designed to protect and cradle the youngest of children, from infants to two years old. Often, they snap into a base which remains at a fixed position in the car but can be removed to be used as a carrier. Many parents find that this is more convenient than having to install and remove a child safety seat each time they drive. However, it shouldn't be used in lieu of the proper installation of a car seat and belt usage.
It is important to use a car seat that is fitted for newborns. They are more prone to neck and head injuries in a crash. The best way to ensure that the seat is properly fitted is by following the specific instructions provided with the car seat, and checking that all straps are snug enough not to pinch any folds of the fabric after buckling in your child. The chest clip should also be level with your baby's armpits.
It's a good idea for you to practice as often as you can putting and taking your child out of the car seats. This will help you be more prepared should you need to quickly put your child in the seat on an unexpected excursion. If your car seat has a built in angle indicator or adjuster it is recommended to test it regularly to make sure it is at the right angle to protect your child.
Don't leave your child in the car seat without supervision. If you leave the carrier on a high surface such as counters or beds, it can slide or tip over and result in your child being injured.
Infants should only ride rear-facing and in the backseat. They should remain in this position until they have reached or exceeded their car seat's weight and height restrictions. Some infant car seats offer the option to place an unrolled blanket on your child for additional head and neck support in lieu of or in addition to the car seat's built-in padding.
Convenience
An infant car seat is designed to accommodate children 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 is able to be easily moved between vehicles and then attached to a compatible stroller and creates a travel system that makes outings with your baby easy. Infant car seats can also be fitted with a convenient carrying handle for parents to transport the car seat from vehicle to stroller without disrupting their child's sleep.
baby seat of baby car seats are designed to accommodate a variety of sizes for babies with a variety of models that offer a comfortable and secure fit for infants with tiny sizes. They are usually lightweight enough to carry for short distances, and they are able to be easily transferred from the vehicle to the stroller. This makes them an ideal choice for parents who often take their children out in public. Many infant seats work with strollers that are compatible which allows parents to travel stylishly.
Parents searching for the most suitable car seat for their child might want to take into consideration its safety ratings and features. For example If your family plans to travel extensively via plane it is possible to opt for an infant car seat with built-in ISOFIX indicators as well as a strong lower anchor strap. For those who want an eco-friendly option might prefer a baby car seat that is made with less chemical flame retardants in 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 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 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.