Pay Attention: Watch Out For How Infant Car Seats Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It

Infant Car Seats A car seat for infants is a necessity for newborns and small babies. Most infant car seats include an infant car seat, a base and straps that can be attached to each other. They can be used in a car or in conjunction with a pram (see our guide to 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 The rear-facing infant car seats are designed to protect and cradle the youngest of children, from newborns to about two years old. Often, they snap into a base which remains at a fixed position in the car but can be removed to use as a car seat. Many parents find that this is more convenient than having to install and uninstall the child safety seat every time they drive, however it shouldn't be used as a substitute for the proper installation of a car seat and seat belt use. It is crucial to use a baby car seat that is designed for infants. They are more prone to neck and head injuries in a crash. It is recommended to adhere to the directions that come with the car seat. Make sure all straps are secured to stop fabric folds from being pinched after your child is buckled into. The chest clip should be placed at the same level as your child's armpits. It is a good idea for you to practice as frequently as you can before putting and taking your child out of the car seats. This will allow you be better prepared should you need to quickly put your child in the seat on an unexpected journey. If your car seat comes with an angle indicator or adjustor integrated, you should test it frequently to ensure it is set at the correct angle for your child's safety. Be sure to never leave your infant in their chair unattended. If you leave the carrier on a high surface such as a bed or counter it may roll or tip over and result in your child being injured. Infants should be seated in the back seat with their backs facing forward. They should remain in this position until they exceed their car seat's weight and height limits. Some infant car seats let you use a receiving blanket to offer additional head and neck protection instead of or in addition the padding built into the car seat. Convenience A car seat for infants is designed to accommodate children between 4 and 35 pounds. It is typically as a rear-facing carrier that can be slid into a base in your vehicle. The car seat is able to be easily moved between vehicles and then attached to a compatible stroller making a travel system that makes trips with your baby a breeze. Car seats for infants can be equipped with a convenient carrying handle parents use to move the car seat from their vehicle to stroller without disrupting their sleepy child. Most infant car seats are made to fit a wide range of sizes for babies, with many models offering a comfortable and secure fit even for tiny newborns. They're generally lightweight enough to carry for short distances and can be easily transferred from car to stroller which makes them the perfect option for parents who regularly go out with their infant in public. Many infant seats work with strollers that match, allowing parents to travel stylishly. Parents looking for the best car seat for their infant may consider its safety ratings and features. For example, if your family plans to travel extensively via plane then you might want to choose an infant car seat that comes with ISOFIX indicators as well as a strong lower anchor strap. Also, those who are looking for greener alternatives may opt for an infant car seat that is made with 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.