5 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 carseats for infants and convertible car seats. Car seats for infants are only designed for rear-facing use, therefore they last a little longer.
Infant carrier seats are commonly compatible with strollers (adapters available separately) to create a travel system. Parents can get their baby out of the car into a stroller easily without causing any disturbance to them.
Safety
Many parents have concerns about how safe the infant car seat is, particularly when they purchase one for the first time. As with all car seats available on the market, an infant's seat is designed to be as safe as possible to protect your newborn car seat insert during a crash. Most of the time, they are positioned with the infant facing the rear. This is why they are the best car seats newborn choice for infants with the highest chance of being injured in an accident.
They also have extra padding for additional head protection, and lower anchors that secure the seat to the vehicle's chassis to stop it from moving in a collision. This is especially important for infants who have big necks and heads that are easily injured by the force of a crash or sudden stop. Most infant carrier seats can be used with strollers, creating a system that lets you easily transfer your baby from your car to your stroller without having to worry about them.
Additionally, most infant car seats have an base that can be used in other vehicles to permit you to take your child along with you wherever you go. This is a great option for parents who take taxis or ride sharing services often. It also makes travelling with a baby on planes much more convenient.
Certain infant carrier seats can be used on strollers that don't have a base. This lets you keep your child safe during all sorts of excursions and adventures. This is a great choice for grandparents who wish to help with the transportation of your child!
It's also important to keep in mind that a baby car seat should never be left unattended outside of a vehicle, as babies could tip or roll over on soft surfaces, which can lead to injuries and even death. It is important to read the directions before using an infant seat in a new place.
Portability
Many infant car seats are sold as part of a "travel system" that is made up of the car seat base and frame for the stroller. These snap together to allow for seamless transitions. Travel systems are great for infants, since they allow parents the ability to move their child from an automobile to a stroller without having to wake him up. This alone is the main reason why more than 80percent of Babylist parents sign up for a baby seat!
Many infant car seats are compatible with most strollers. Stroller compatibility lets parents quickly take their child out of the car seat newborn insert and into a stroller frame to walk through a park or a grocery store. This is an excellent feature to look out for if you are planning to use an Uber or taxi service. Most of these services require children to be in a safe seat.
Infant car seats are generally lighter and smaller than convertible car seats. They are an excellent option for families that like to be active. Additionally, some brands of infant car seats come with an e-handle that parents can use to carry the seat around on their own. This is especially helpful when you have a trip planned that you don't wish 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 infant car seat, and later changed to a forward-facing car seat for older children. These seats are a great option when you want to keep your baby in a safe car seat for as long as possible. You can find a convertible car seat that transforms into a high-back booster seat when your child has outgrown its harness (or exceeds the weight and height limits). Just be sure to check for this feature when looking through options!
Easy to Use
An infant carrier seat is an infant car seat that faces the rear and connects to a base in your vehicle. They are designed to keep infants and young babies safe until they meet the height and weight requirements for the booster seat. Many infant car seats are compatible with strollers, which can make it easy to move the baby from the car seat inserts for newborns to the stroller and continue on your journey without disturbing their nap schedule.
Find an infant car seat with a detachable car seat that easily clips onto the base or a stroller. This will make it easier to get your baby in and out of the car, especially when their nap is about to end or they are thirsty, hungry or bored. Examine the shoulder straps to ensure they're properly positioned for your child. If the straps are placed too high or low they are not able to be properly used in a crash and could be dangerous.
Some infant car seats have lower anchors which can be used without or with the base. This is perfect for taxi rides, or when traveling via plane. Check that the lower anchors are easy to install, have a European routing and are easy to release. We also listen for an audible "click" when the seat is properly secured. It is essential to select a seat that has an easy-to use harness and adjustable carrier system. Examples include Graco's click connect and UPPAbaby's SmartSecure.
Convertible car seats are the next step following an infant carrier. They are able to be used until your child is at the height or weight requirements for a booster. They can be used with a stroller, but don't offer the newborn fit and convenience of a baby car seat. Some convertible seats can be converted into boosters but they're generally heavier and less portable and therefore difficult to maneuver in small vehicles or when transporting children in busy areas.
Installation
Installing car seats, and particularly infant car seats is difficult. It is essential to do it in a safe and secure manner. This is influenced by the seat position as well as the angle of base, and also the way you use the handle.
Most infant car seats can be connected to a base inside the vehicle. This is commonly called a "travel system". They are designed for rear-facing use, which is safer than forward-facing. Most car seats have an inbuilt angle indicator that can be read to make sure the seat is in the correct semi-reclined position for your baby. The base could also have an adjustor to change the angle.
It is also important to determine if the seat can adjust the shoulders' height without needing to remove and replace them. This can be a time-saver as you'll need to do it multiple times throughout the infant's car seat usage.
Finally, some cars come with hard points in the back of the seat specifically designed for infant car seats. These are usually tucked into the crease between the cushion on the back of the seat and the bottom cushion. The hooks are designed for the specific seat and are designed to snap into place with little effort. When they are in place to your seat, you will hear a distinct noise.
It's an excellent idea to test the car seat with a toddler to be sure it will work well for your family. If your child feels uncomfortable or the car seat isn't able to click into the base, you should consider a different option.
Some car seats are equipped to be used without a base. This is a great option when you travel by taxi or public transportation like Uber. You can usually remove and install the seat without the base by pressing a lever or button. Check the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Many will even give you the clear "click" when it is secure enough.