What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
When it comes to choosing a car seats parents have two choices either infant car seats or convertible seats. Car seats for infants have an enticingly short time of use since they are used rear-facing.
Infant carrier seats can be used in conjunction with strollers. (Adapters are available separately). This creates a travel system. Parents can effortlessly take their baby out of the car and into a stroller, without disturbing their sleep.
Safety
Many parents are concerned about how safe the infant car seat is, particularly if they are purchasing one for the first time. But, like all car seats on the market, an infant carrier seat is made to be as safe as it is possible to safeguard your baby during a crash. They are typically placed rear-facing, making them the best choice for infants that are at greatest risk of injury in a car accident.
They also come with extra padding to offer head protection, and lower anchors that hold the seat to the chassis in the event in the event of an accident. This is particularly crucial for infants who have large necks and heads that could be easily injured in a sudden stop or crash. In addition, many infant carriers are designed to work with strollers to create a travel system that can easily be moved from your car to the stroller and back again without disturbing your baby.
Additionally, most infant car seats have a base that can be used in other vehicles to permit you to take your child along with you no matter where you go. This is a great option for parents who take taxis or ride sharing services frequently. It also makes traveling with an infant on planes a lot easier.
Certain infant carrier seats are designed to be used on strollers without the base, allowing you to ensure your baby's safety throughout all sorts of trips and adventures. This is a great choice for grandparents who want to assist you with transporting your child.
It's also important to keep in mind that a baby car seat is never meant to be left alone outside of a vehicle, as babies could tip or roll over on soft surfaces, leading to injuries and even suffocation. This is why you should always read the safety instructions carefully before using a car seat for your infant in a different place.
Portability
Many infant car seats are sold as part of a "travel system" which is an amalgamation of the car seat base and frame for the stroller. These snap together to allow for seamless transitions. Travel systems are perfect for infants, since they give parents the option to transfer their baby from the car to a stroller without waking the baby up. This feature is the main reason that more than 80% of Babylist parents choose to purchase an infant seat.
In addition, many infant car seats work with a wide range of strollers. The stroller compatibility feature permits parents to take their child out of the car and put it on a frame to allow them to walk through a supermarket or park. This is a great feature to consider if you're planning on using taxi or ride share service, since most of these services require children be in car seats.
As opposed to convertible car seats, which must remain in the vehicle baby car seats are often smaller and lighter, making them an ideal option for families who are on the move. Furthermore, certain brands of infant car seats have a carrying handle that parents can use to carry the seat around on their own. This is especially helpful if you are planning a trip that you don't want to wake up your sleeping baby for.
Some convertible car seats are designed to be rear-facing for infants and later convert into a forward-facing seat for older children. These all-in one seats are ideal if you want to keep your child in a secure seat for as long as it is possible. There is a convertible car seat that converts into an high-back booster seat once your child has outgrown its harness (or exceeds the weight and height limits). Be sure to search for this when browsing choices!
Easy of Use
A rear-facing infant carrier seat is an infant car seat that snaps into the base of your vehicle. They are designed to keep infants and young babies safe until they meet the weight and height requirements for a booster seat. Many infant car seats are compatible with strollers, which can allow you to easily move the baby from the car to the stroller to continue your journey without disrupting their nap schedule.
Look for an infant car seat with a detachable car seat that easily connects to the base of a stroller. This will allow you to quickly move your baby in and out of the car, particularly if their nap is about to expire or if they're hungry, thirsty or bored. It is also essential to examine the shoulder strap slots and position them properly to fit your child's height. If the straps have been placed too high or low, they cannot be used correctly in a crash, and they could be risky.
Some infant car seats come with lower anchors which can be used in conjunction with or without the base. This is ideal for taxi rides or traveling by plane. It is essential to confirm that the lower anchors have an European routing path and are easy to install and release and we're looking for a click that sounds like an alarm when the seat is properly secured. It is also beneficial to find a seat with an easy-to-use harness as well as a carrier adjustment system, such as the Graco Click Connect or the UPPAbaby SmartSecure option.
Convertible car seat is the next step after an infant carrier. They are able to be used until your child is at the weight or height requirements for the booster. They can be used in conjunction with a stroller however they do not offer the newborn fit or convenience of a baby carrier. Some convertible seats can be transformed into boosters. However they tend to be larger and less portable. This makes them difficult to maneuver in small vehicles or in crowded areas.
Installation
Car seats, particularly infant car seats, are complicated to install. It is vital to install car seats correctly and safely. This is influenced by the seat position and the angle of the base, and the way you handle the handle.
The majority of infant car seats are designed to be attached to a base that is in the vehicle, a combination commonly referred to as a traveling system. These seats are made for rear-facing use and are safer than forward-facing. Many car seats come with a built-in angle indicator that can be used to verify that the seat is in the correct semi-reclined position for your baby. The base may have an angle adjustment.
Another feature to look for is if the seat has an option to alter the height of the shoulder straps without the need to remove and adjust the straps. This could be a huge time saver, as it is likely to need to be done multiple times during the course of the use of a car seat for infants.
Some cars have a rigid point in the back seat that is specifically designed to hold baby safety seats for cars. These are usually hidden in the crease that runs between the seat back cushion and the bottom cushion. These hooks ought to be able to snap into place quickly as they are made specifically for the seat. When they are in place, you may hear a distinct sound.
It is also a great idea to test out the car seat on an infant first to ensure it's suitable for your family. If your child feels uncomfortable or the car seat isn't able to connect to the base, it's best to look for another alternative.
Certain car seats can be installed without the base, which is helpful when you travel by public transport or use taxi services like Uber. It is common to remove and install the seat without a base by pressing a lever or button. Review the instructions given by the manufacturer. Many will provide an explicit "click" to indicate that it is secure enough.