Infant Car Seats
A car seat for infants is essential for newborns and smaller babies. Most infant car seats include the base, a carry case and straps that are connected to one another. They can then be used in a car or with a pram (see our guide on stroller/car seat compatibility).
The best infant car seats have premium features such as load legs--shock-absorbing parts that extend from the seat's base to the car floor--and padded shoulder harnesses that feel comfortable on babies for long rides.
Safety
A rear-facing infant car seat (also known as a baby car seat or newborn carrier) is designed to hold and protect the smallest children from newborn to around two years old. They can be snapped into a base which stays in the car but can also removed to be used as a carrier. Many parents find that this provides greater convenience than having to install and uninstall the child safety seat every time they drive, but it shouldn't be used in lieu of the proper installation of a car seat and use of the seat belt.
It is important to use a baby car seat that is properly fit for babies. They are more susceptible to neck and head injuries during a crash. The best way to ensure a perfect fit is to follow the instructions included in the car seat and checking that the straps are secure enough to not pinch any folds of the fabric after buckling your child. The chest clip should be at the same level as your child's armpits.
It's a good idea for you to practice as often as you can putting and taking your child out of car seats. This will allow you to be more prepared should you need to quickly put your child in the seat on an unexpected trip. If your car seat has an built-in angle indicator or adjuster it's a good idea to check it frequently to ensure it's in the right position to ensure your child's safety.
Remember to never leave your infant in their seat unattended. If you leave the carrier on a surface that is high, such as a bed or counter it may be thrown over or tip and cause your child to be injured.
The most secure position for infants to ride in is rear facing and in the back seat. Suggested Site should remain there until they reach above their car seat manufacturer's height and weight restrictions. Certain infant car seats come with the option to place an unrolled blanket on your child for additional neck and head support instead of or in addition to the car seat's built-in padding.
Convenience
An infant car seat is designed to accommodate children aged between 4 and 35 pounds, typically as a rear-facing carrier that can be slid into a base in your vehicle. Car seats can easily be moved between vehicles, and attached to a stroller that is compatible with it. This creates a travel system for trips that is easy. Infant car seats can also be fitted with a handy carrying handle for parents to move the car seat from their vehicle to stroller without disrupting their sleepy child.
Most infant car seats are designed to fit a wide range of baby sizes with a variety of models that offer an incredibly snug and secure fit for tiny newborns. They're typically light enough to carry for short distances, and can be quickly moved from vehicle to stroller, making them the ideal choice for parents who regularly go out with their infant in public. A lot of infant seats can be used in conjunction with strollers to create a seamless travel system that makes outings a breeze.
Parents searching for the best infant car seat should to think about its safety ratings and features. For instance, if your family plans to travel extensively by plane it is possible to consider a baby car seat with built-in ISOFIX indicators and a sturdy lower anchor strap. If you are seeking a greener option it is possible to select an infant car seat that uses less chemical flame retardants during its production.
Some infant car seats have an adjustable crotch buckle strap that can be moved to position the harness at your baby’s armpit level, a positioning that is recommended for newborns because it reduces their chances of being pulled out of the seat during a collision. It’s important to read the instructions carefully when installing a new car seat, as all seats have different specifications and guidelines.
In time, most babies outgrow their infant car seats. Once they reach the manufacturer’s height and weight limits, it’s typically time to switch to a convertible car seat that will continue to protect them as they grow up. Car seat manufacturers also offer a variety of safety features that help parents keep their child protected while traveling, including load legs, anti-rebound bars, and no-rethread harnesses.
Portability
An infant car seat is designed to cradle and protect newborns and small infants. These seats have bases that stay buckled in the vehicle, and the seat snaps onto the base. This allows parents to quickly remove the seat from the car and carry it around with them if needed. Some car seats also have a feature that allows the seat to snap into a compatible stroller and convert into a travel system. This feature is great for parents who often take public transportation or need to use other family members' vehicles.
While most infant car seats are easy to install, some are more difficult than others. It is important to read the owner's manual and follow the instructions carefully. If possible, have another adult help you with the installation process. It is also important to have the seat installed correctly in the vehicle; a secure seat reduces the risk of a crash and increases your child's safety.
Most infant car seats have built-in angle indicators or adjustors to make it easier to get a proper angle. The harness straps should lie flat, not twisted, and placed through the slots at or below your baby's shoulders. When buckling, the harness should be snug enough that you can't pinch any extra material at the chest clip.
Many manufacturers offer easy-to-follow videos and guides on their support pages to assist with installation. If you are still having trouble, it is always a good idea to consult with a Certified Passenger Safety Technician in your area.
Eventually, your baby will outgrow their infant car seat and need to move to a convertible or all-in-one car seat. These types of car seats have higher rear-facing height and weight limits, allowing them to be used for longer. It's important to remember that you should not keep your child in an infant car seat once they reach the height or weight limit; this can increase their risk of injury in a crash. Many parents find that the easiest time to transition to a new car seat is when their baby turns one year old or reaches 22 pounds, whichever comes first.
Stroller Compatibility
Car seat compatibility is an important factor to consider when selecting a stroller for your little one. A car seat that snaps easily into the stroller frame makes for a convenient travel system and a seamless transition between driving and walking. The ability to use your infant car seat as part of a stroller also lets you keep baby asleep longer while on the go, and can make it easier to manage daily tasks and errands without waking your little one up.
For the most compatibility, choose a car seat and stroller from the same manufacturer. However, this is not always an option, as many car seats require the purchase of an accessory called a car seat adapter to connect to strollers from different brands. The BabyZen YoYo+ stroller, for example, requires the purchase of an adapter to work with a variety of infant car seats including those from Chicco, Bebe Confort, Cybex, and Maxi-Cosi.
To ensure that your infant car seat is compatible with the stroller, it is important to check for safety features such as a strong, clickable connection and an easy-to-read installation indicator. In addition, look for a stroller with maneuverability and durable tires that will be able to handle the weight of the car seat and child.
The best-compatible infant car seats feature a secure, clickable connection that will prevent the car seat from moving during use and makes a loud clicking sound when attached correctly. In addition, the top of the car seat should sit flat against the stroller and not be tilted, as this can put strain on the harness buckle and reduce the effectiveness of the restraint system.
In addition to making a smooth connection between your infant car seat and stroller, the best-compatible car seats feature easy-to-read indicators that help you ensure the straps are properly buckled, and that the latch plate is locked securely into place. A strong, clickable connection is key for safety, as a loose car seat can be easily detached in the event of an accident, leading to injuries or death.