What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
Parents have two options to choose the right car seat for their child the infant car seats and convertible car seats. Infant car seats are only suitable for rear-facing use so they last a little longer.
Infant carrier seats are commonly compatible with strollers (adapters available separately) to create a travel system. Parents can easily take their baby out of the car and into a stroller, without disturbing their sleep.
Safety
Many parents are concerned about how safe an infant carrier seat is, especially when they purchase one for the first time. Like all car seats, the infant seat was created to safeguard your baby as safely as possible in a crash. Most of the time they are placed with the infant facing the rear. This makes them the ideal choice for infants at the greatest risk of injury during a vehicle crash.
They also have additional padding for additional head protection, and lower anchors to fix the seat to the vehicle's chassis to stop it from moving in a collision. This is especially important for infants who have large necks and heads that can be susceptible to injury from the force of a collision or sudden stop. The majority of infant carrier seats can be used with strollers, creating a travel system which allows you to easily move your baby from your car to the stroller without disrupting them.
In addition, many infant car seats come with an base that can be installed in other vehicles to permit you to take your child with you wherever you go. This is particularly beneficial when you regularly take a taxi or ride-sharing service, and it can make travelling on airplanes with your infant a lot easier too.
Some models of infant carrier seats are even capable of being used on strollers without the base, allowing you to keep your baby safe during all kinds of adventures and trips. This is a great option for grandparents who wish to assist you in transporting your baby, too!
It is also important to remember that a baby car seat should never be left unattended outside of a vehicle, as infants can roll or tip them over on soft surfaces, causing injuries and possibly the risk of suffocation. This is why you should always read the safety instructions carefully before using a car seat for your infant in a different area.
Portability
Many infant car seats are designed to be part of the travel system, which is comprising a car seat base and stroller frame that snap into one another for seamless transitions. Travel systems are perfect for babies as they allow parents to transfer their child from the car to the stroller and back without needing to wake them up. This alone is an important reason why more than 80% of Babylist parents sign up for an infant seat!
Many infant car seats are compatible with most strollers. The stroller compatibility feature permits parents to remove their child out of the car and put it on a frame for a stroller to allow them to walk through a park or a grocery store. This is a great option to consider if you're planning on using a ride share or taxi service, as the majority of these services require that the child be in a car seat.
Infant car seats are usually smaller and lighter than convertible car seats. They are a great option for families who prefer to be on the go. Furthermore, certain brands of infant car seats come with the option of a handle that parents can use to carry the seat around on their own. This is especially useful when you're planning a trip you don't want to wake up your sleeping baby for.
www.pushchairsandprams.uk until your baby becomes a toddler and they have outgrown the weight and height limits Some convertible car seats can be used as a rear-facing infant car seat, and later converted to a forward facing car seat for older children. These seats are an excellent choice if you want to keep your child in a secure car seat for as long as you can. You can even find a convertible seat that will change into a high-back booster seat when your child has outgrown the harness (or exceeds the height and weight limits). Just be sure to check for this when you are looking at choices!
Easy of Use
A rear-facing infant carrier seat is a car seat that snaps into the base of your vehicle. 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 compatible with strollers. This makes it easy to transfer your baby from the car into the stroller without disrupting their nap schedule.
Find an infant seat that is a detachable carrier it can be attached to the base of a stroller or car. This will allow you to quickly take your baby into and out of the car, especially when their nap is about to expire or if they're thirsty, hungry or bored. It is also essential to examine the shoulder strap slots and position them properly according to your child's size. If the straps aren't high enough or too low, they're not safe. high, they won't be used correctly and can be a risk in the event of a crash.
Some infant car seats come with lower anchors that can be used in lieu of the base, which is great for taxi rides or for travel on airplanes. Be sure that the lower anchors are easy to install, have an European routing and are easy to release. We are also able to hear an audible "click" when the seat is secured properly. It's also beneficial to locate a seat with an easy-to-use harness and adjustment mechanism, such as the Graco Click Connect or the UPPAbaby SmartSecure option.
Convertible car seats are the next step following an infant carrier. They can be used up until your child meets 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 car seat for infants. Some convertible seats can be converted into boosters, but they are typically heavier and less portable which makes them difficult to maneuver in vehicles with limited space or when transporting children in busy areas.
Installation
Car seats, specifically infant car seats, can be difficult to install. It is essential to do it correctly and safely. This is influenced by the position of your seat as well as the angle of base, and the way you use the handle.
The majority of infant car seats are designed to be attached to a base that is in the vehicle, a system commonly referred to as a traveling system. These seats are made to be used rear-facing, which is safer than forward-facing. Many car seats come with an inbuilt angle indicator that can be read to ensure the seat is placed at the right semi-reclined angle for your baby. The base may also have an adjustor to change the angle.
Another thing to consider is whether the seat has an option to adjust the height of the shoulder straps without the need to remove and reconnect the straps. This can be a significant time saver, since it will probably require multiple times during the car seat of an infant.
Additionally, certain cars have hard points in the back of the seat specifically designed for infant car seats. These are usually tucked deep into the crease between the seat back and bottom cushions. These hooks are made specifically for the particular seat and will be able to snap into place with minimal effort. They can also produce distinct sounds when they are connected securely.
It is also a great idea to test out the car seat with an infant first to make sure it works well for your family. If the car seat does not connect to the base or your child isn't comfortable, it's time to consider a different alternative.
Some car seats can be installed without a base, which is useful for those who use public transportation or use taxi services like Uber. Read the instructions of the manufacturer on how to remove and install the carrier without the base, but most will allow you to do so by simply pressing an lever or button. Many will give you the "click" to signal that it's secure.