Then You've Found Your Infant Carrier Seat ... Now What?

What is an Infant Carrier Seat? When it comes to choosing a car seats, parents have two options of infant car seats or convertible seats. Car seats for infants offer a shorter duration of use because they can only be used with rear-facing. Infant carriers can be used with strollers. (Adapters are sold separately). This creates a travel system. This lets parents effortlessly take their baby out of the car and into a stroller without disrupting their sleep. Safety Many parents are concerned about the security of an infant's carrier seat, especially when they purchase one for the first time. As with all car seats on the market, an infant carrier seat is designed to be as safe as it is possible to safeguard your baby during an accident. They are typically placed rear-facing, making them the best choice for infants who face the greatest risk of injury in a car accident. They also have additional padding for added head protection and lower anchors to secure the seat to your vehicle's chassis to prevent it from moving during a collision. This is especially important for young 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 carriers can be used in conjunction with strollers, creating a travel system that lets you easily move your baby from your car to your stroller without disrupting them. Furthermore, the majority of infant car seats have an base that can be installed in other vehicles, allowing you to take your child with you no matter where you go. This is a great option for parents who take taxis or ride sharing services frequently. It can also make travelling with a baby on planes much easier. Certain infant carrier seats are suitable for use on strollers that do not have a base, allowing you to keep your baby safe on all types of trips and adventures. This is a great choice for grandparents who want to assist you with transporting your child. It is crucial to remember that a baby car seat is not designed to be left unattended on a smooth surface. Infants can tip over or roll over, causing injuries and even death. It is crucial to follow the instructions prior to using an infant seat in a new area. Portability Many infant car seats are designed to be part of the travel system, which is comprising a car frame and seat base that snap into one another for seamless transitions. Travel systems are perfect for babies as they permit parents to move their child from the car to the stroller and back without needing to awake them. This alone is an important reason why more than 90% of Babylist parents sign up for an infant seat! Many infant car seats work with most strollers. The stroller compatibility feature allows parents to remove their child from their car and place it on a stroller frame to allow them to walk through a park or a grocery store. This is an excellent feature to consider when you are considering using a taxi or ride-sharing service. The majority of these services require children to be in a safe seat. Infant car seats are generally smaller and lighter than convertible car seats. They are a great choice for families who like to be active. Some infant car seats have a handle so that parents can carry the seat on their own. This is especially helpful for those planning a trip you do not want to wake your baby for. Infant car seats last until your baby becomes an adult and has outgrown the height and weight limits, some convertible car seats can be used as a rear facing seat for newborns, then converted to a forward facing car seat for older children. These all-in one seats are a great option if you're looking to keep your child in a safe seat as long as possible. There is a convertible car seat that converts into an high-back booster seat once your child has outgrown its harness (or reaches the limit on weight and height). Make sure to check for this when browsing options! Ease of Use A rear-facing infant carrier seat is car seat that snaps onto the base of your car. These seats are designed to keep babies and infants secure until they reach the weight and height requirements for a booster. Many infant car seats are also compatible with strollers, which will make it easy to transfer the baby from the car to the stroller and continue on your journey without disturbing their nap time. Find an infant car seat with a detachable car seat that easily attaches to the base or a stroller. This will let you quickly move your baby in and out of the car, especially when 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 have been placed too low or high they won't be able to be used properly in a crash and can be risky. Some infant car seats come with lower anchors which can be used in conjunction with or without the base. This is great for taxi rides or when traveling by plane. Make sure that the lower anchors are easy to install, have an European routing and are easy to release. We can also listen for an audible “click” when the seat is properly secured. It's also helpful to find a seat with an easy-to-use harness as well as a carrier adjustment mechanism, such as Graco's Click Connect or the UPPAbaby SmartSecure feature. Convertible car seats are the next step after an infant carrier. They can be used until your child is at the weight or height requirements for the booster. They can be used in combination with a stroller, but they don't offer the infant-like fit or convenience of an infant carrier. Some convertible seats can be transformed into boosters. However, they are usually more bulkier and less mobile. This makes them difficult to maneuver in small vehicles or in crowded areas. Installation Car seats, particularly infant car seats, can be difficult to install. Push Chairs & Prams is vital to install car seats safely and correctly. This is influenced by the position of your seat as well as the angle of base, and also the way you use the handle. The majority of infant car seats can be attached to a base in the vehicle. This is commonly called a “travel system”. They are designed to be used in a rear-facing position, which is more secure for infants than forward-facing 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 might also come with an adjustor to change the angle. It is also important to determine if the seat permits you to adjust the shoulders' height without having to unthread and replace them. This could be a huge time saver, as it will probably need to be done multiple times throughout an infant's car seat use. 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 on the back of the seat and the bottom. The hooks will snap into place easily as they are custom-made for the seat. Once they are attached, you may hear a distinct sound. It is also a great idea to test the car seat with an infant first to ensure it works well for your family. If the car seat doesn't fit into the base, or your child isn't comfortable, it's time for you to consider a different alternative. Certain car seats are able to be installed without the base. This is a great option when you travel by taxi or public transportation services like Uber. Check the manufacturer's instructions for removing and putting in the carrier without the base, but the majority will allow you to do so by simply pressing a button or lever. Many will provide an “click” to let you know when it's secured.