What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
Parents have two options when selecting the right car seat for their child: infant car seats and convertible car seats. Infant car seats offer a shorter duration of use because they can only be used rear-facing.
The infant carrier seats are usually compatible with strollers (adapters available separately) to create a travel system. This allows parents to take their baby from the car to a stroller with ease without disturbing them.
Safety
Many parents are concerned about the safety of an infant carrier seat, especially when they purchase one for their first time. Like all car seats, the infant carrier seat was designed to protect your child as safely as possible in a crash. Most of the time, they are positioned with the infant facing the rear. This makes them the ideal choice for infants at the highest chance of being injured in a crash.
They also come with extra padding to offer head protection, and lower anchors to secure the seat to the chassis of the vehicle in the event in the event of an accident. This is especially important for infants with large necks and heads that can be easily injured by the force of a collision or sudden stop. Additionally, the majority of infant carrier seats are designed to be compatible with strollers to create a travel system that is easily moved from your car to the stroller and back without causing any disturbance to your baby.
In addition, many infant car seats have a base that can be used in other vehicles, allowing you to take your child with you wherever you go. This is great for those who take taxis or ride sharing services often. It also makes traveling with an infant on planes much more convenient.
Some infant carrier seats can be used on strollers that do not have an base. This lets you keep your child safe during all sorts of excursions and adventures. This is a great option for grandparents who want to help you out with the transportation of your child!
It's important to keep in mind that an infant carrier is not intended to be left alone on a surface that is soft. Babies could tip over or roll over, causing injuries and even suffocation. It is essential to follow the instructions prior to using an infant seat in a new place.
Portability
Many infant car seats are sold as part of a "travel system" that is a combination of the car seat base and the frame of the stroller. They connect to provide seamless transitions. Travel systems are ideal for infants, since they allow parents the ability to move their child from an automobile to a stroller without waking him up. This alone is the main reason why more than 80% of Babylist parents sign up for a seat for their infant!
Many infant car seats can be used with strollers. The stroller compatibility feature allows parents to remove their child from the car and put it on a frame so they can walk around a park or supermarket. This is a fantastic feature to look out for if you are planning to use a taxi or ride-sharing service. Most of these services require children to be secured in a seat.
Infant car seats are generally smaller and lighter than convertible car seats. They are a great option for families that like to be on the go. Some infant car seats have a handle so that parents can carry the seat by themselves. This is particularly useful in the event of a trip scheduled that you don't want to wake your sleeping baby!
While infant car seats only last until your child is a toddler and they have outgrown the weight and height limitations, 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 when you want to keep your child in a secure car seat for as long as possible. You can find a convertible car seat that can be converted into an high-back booster seat once your child outgrows its harness (or is over the weight and height limits). Be sure to look for this when looking through the options!
Easy to Use
An infant carrier seat is a rear-facing car seat that clicks into a base installed in your vehicle. They are designed to keep newborns and infants secure until they reach the height and weight requirements for a booster seat. Many infant car seats are compatible with strollers, which can make it easy to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller to continue your journey without disrupting their nap time.
Look for a baby seat that has an attachable carrier that which you can connect to the base of a stroller or car. This will make it much easier to get your child into and out of the car particularly when their nap is ending or they are thirsty, hungry, or bored. It's also important to check the slots on the shoulder straps and position them properly to fit your child's height. If the straps are too low or high, they can't be utilized correctly and could cause injury in a crash.
Certain infant car seats have lower anchors that can be used in conjunction with or without the base. This is perfect for taxi rides or traveling via plane. It is important to ensure that the lower anchors are on an European routing path and are easy to install and release, and we look for an audible click when the seat is properly secured. It's important to choose the seat with an easy-to use harness and a carrier adjustment system. Examples include Graco's click connect or UPPAbaby's SmartSecure.
Convertible car seats are the next step following an infant carrier. They can be used up until your child reaches the weight or height requirements for the booster. They can be used with a stroller, but don't offer the convenience and fit of a baby car seat. Some convertible seats convert into boosters however they are generally heavier and less portable and therefore difficult to maneuver in small vehicles or when transporting children in busy areas.
Installation
Car seats, specifically infant car seats, are difficult to install. It is crucial to do it safely and correctly. Some factors that can impact this include the seating position, the angle of the base and how to use the handle.
Most infant car seats can be attached to a base in the vehicle. This type of setup is commonly called a "travel system". These seats are designed to be used rear-facing and are safer than forward-facing. Most car seats have an indicator of angle built-in that you can use to check whether the seat is at the right semi-reclined position for your child. The base may include an adjustable angle.
Also, make sure that the seat allows you to adjust the shoulders' height without having to unthread 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.
Some cars have a hard point in the back of the seat that is specifically designed to hold baby safety seats for cars. They are typically tucked into the crease between the cushion on the back of the seat and the bottom. These hooks should snap into place easily as they are made specifically for the specific seat. When they are in place to the seat, you might hear a distinct sound.
It is also a great idea to test out the car seat with a child first to ensure it's suitable for your family. If your child is uncomfortable or the car seat doesn't connect to the base, you should search for a different option.
infant car seats uk can be put in without the base, which is beneficial for those who use public transportation or rely on taxi services like Uber. Follow the manufacturer's directions for removing and putting in the carrier without the base, but most will permit you to do so by simply pressing a button or lever. Many will give you the "click" to let you know when it's secure.