Five Killer Quora Answers On Infant Carrier Seat
What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
Parents have two options when selecting the right car seat for their infant: infant car seats and convertible car seats. Car seats for infants are only suitable for rear-facing use, so they are less durable.
Infant carrier seats are commonly compatible with strollers (adapters sold separately) to create a travel system. Parents can take their baby from the car to a stroller with ease without disturbing them.
Safety
Many parents have concerns about how secure an infant carrier seat is, especially when they are buying one for the first time. As with all car seats, the infant seat was created to safeguard your child as safe as possible in a crash. They are most often positioned to the rear, making them the ideal choice for infants who face the highest danger of injury in an accident.
They also come with additional padding for head protection, as well as lower anchors to secure the seat to the chassis of the vehicle in case of an accident. This is especially important for infants who have large necks and heads that can be susceptible to injury from the force of a crash or sudden stop. Most infant carrier seats can be used in conjunction with strollers, creating a system which allows you to easily move your baby from your car to your stroller without disrupting them.
The majority of infant car seats have a base that can be used in other vehicles. This lets you take your baby with you wherever you go. This is a great option for those who frequently use taxi or ride-sharing services as it makes traveling on planes with your child much more comfortable as well.
Some infant carrier seats can be put on strollers that do not have a base. This allows you to ensure your child's safety on all kinds of trips and adventures. This is an excellent option for grandparents who wish to help with the transportation of your child.
It's important to remember, too, that an infant car seat is not designed to be left unattended on a smooth surface. Infants can tip over or roll over, causing injuries or even death. This is why it is important to read the safety instructions carefully prior to using a car seat for your infant in a different place.
Portability
Many infant car seats are designed to be part of an overall travel system, a combination of car frame and seat base which snap into one another for seamless transitions. Travel systems are ideal for babies since they give parents the option to move their baby from an automobile to a stroller without waking the baby up. This is the primary reason why more than 80% Babylist parents choose to purchase an infant seat.
Many infant car seats can be used with the majority of strollers. Stroller compatibility allows parents to easily take their baby out of the newborn car seat insert and onto a stroller frame for walking through a park or a grocery store. This is a fantastic feature to look for when you are considering using a taxi or ride-sharing service. The majority of these services require a child to be in a safe seat.
Car seats for infants are typically smaller and lighter than convertible car seats. They are an ideal choice for families who like to be active. Additionally, some infant car seats come with an e-handle that parents can use to carry the seat around by themselves. This is particularly useful in the event of a trip planned that you don't wish to wake your baby!
Infant car seats last until your child is a toddler and they have outgrown the weight and height limits, some convertible car seats can be used as a rear-facing baby car seat, then changed to a forward-facing car seat for older children. These seats all-in-one are great if you're looking to keep your child in a secure seat for as long as it is possible. There is even a convertible seat that will convert into a high back booster seat when your child outgrows the harness (or exceeds the height and weight limits). Be sure to look for this when looking through options!
Easy of Use
An infant carrier seat is a rear-facing car seat that can be connected to a base in your car. They are designed to keep newborns and infants secure until they reach the weight and height requirements for a booster seat. Many infant car seats are also compatible with strollers, which can make it easy to move the baby from the car to the stroller and continue your journey without disrupting their nap schedule.
Look for an infant car seat with an attachable carrier that connects to the base of a stroller. This will allow you to quickly take your baby into and out of the car, especially when their nap is coming to end or if they're thirsty, hungry or bored. It's also important to check the slots on the shoulder straps and position them properly according to your child's size. If the straps have been placed too high or low they won't be able to be used properly in a crash, and they could be risky.
Some infant car seats have lower anchors that can be used with or without the base. This is great for taxi rides or traveling by plane. Check that the lower anchors are easy to install, have an European routing and are easy to release. We also listen for an audible "click" when the seat is properly secured. It is important to choose a seat that comes with an easy-to-use harness and carrier adjustment system. Examples include Graco's click connect or UPPAbaby's SmartSecure.
Convertible car seat is the next step after an infant carrier. They can be used up until your child is at the weight or height requirements for a booster. They can be used alongside strollers, but they don't offer the convenience and fit of a baby car seat. Some convertible seats can be converted to boosters. However they tend to be larger and less portable. This makes them difficult to maneuver when traveling in small vehicles or in crowded areas.
Installation
Car seats, especially infant car seats, can be difficult to install. It is essential to do it in a safe and secure manner. Some factors that can impact this include the position of the seat as well as the angle of the base, and how to use the handle.
The majority of infant car seats are made to be attached to a base that remains in the vehicle, which is commonly referred to as a traveling system. These seats are made to be used rear-facing which is more secure than forward-facing. Many car seats come with an inbuilt angle indicator that can be read to make sure the seat is in the right semi-reclined angle for your baby. The base may also have an adjustor to change the angle.
It is also important to determine if the seat permits you to adjust the shoulders' height without needing to remove and rethread them. This can be a time-saver since you will have to do it multiple times throughout the child's car seat use.
Finally, some cars come with hard points in the back of the seat that are specifically designed to hold infant car seat newborn insert seats. These are usually tucked deep into the crease between the seat back and bottom cushions. The hooks will snap into place easily as they are custom-made for the specific seat. When they are connected to your seat, you will hear a distinct sound.
It's also a good idea to try the car seat on an infant first to make sure it is suitable for your family. If your child isn't comfortable or the car seat won't connect to the base, it's best car seats for newborns to consider a different option.
Some car seats are equipped to be used without a base. This is a great option if you use public transportation or taxi services such as Uber. It is common to remove and install the carrier without a base by pressing a lever. Review the instructions given by the manufacturer. Many will even give you the clear "click" when it is secure enough.