5 Killer Quora Answers On Infant Carrier Seat
What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
Parents have two options when choosing the right car seat for their infant carseats for infants and convertible car seats. Car seats for infants are only suitable for rear-facing use, which means they last a little longer.
Infant carrier seats are commonly compatible with strollers (adapters available separately) to create a traveling system. Parents can get their baby out of the car into a stroller easily without causing any disturbance to them.
Safety
Many parents are worried about the safety of an infant carrier seat, particularly when they purchase one for their first time. However, as with any car seat on the market, an infant carrier seat is designed to be as secure as possible to protect your baby during a crash. Most often, they are positioned with the infant facing to the rear. This makes them the ideal choice for infants with the greatest danger of injury in a crash.
These seats also have extra padding to offer head protection, and lower anchors that hold the seat to the chassis in case in the event of an accident. This is especially crucial for infants who have large necks and heads that are easily injured by the sudden stopping or collision. Most infant carrier seats can be used with strollers, forming a travel system that allows you to easily move your baby from your car to the stroller without having to worry about them.
In addition, many infant car seats have an base that can be installed in other vehicles, allowing you to take your child with you no matter where you go. This is ideal for parents who take taxis or ride sharing services frequently. It can also make travelling with a baby car seat on planes much more convenient.
Certain infant carrier seats can be put on strollers that don't have an base. This allows you to ensure your child's safety during all sorts of excursions and adventures. This is a great option for grandparents who would like to assist you in transporting your child, too!
It is important to keep in mind that an infant carrier is not meant to be left unattended on a smooth surface. Infants can tip over or roll over, causing injuries and even the possibility of suffocation. This is why you must be sure to read the safety guidelines carefully prior to using a car seat for your infant in a different location.
Portability
Many infant car seats are designed to be part of an overall travel system, comprising a car seat base and stroller frame which snap into one another to allow seamless transitions. Travel systems are perfect for infants since they allow parents to transfer their child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa without having to wake them up. This feature alone makes it 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 the majority of strollers. Stroller compatibility lets parents easily take their baby out of the car and onto the frame of a stroller to walk around a park or grocery store. This is a great feature to look for when you are considering using a taxi or ride-sharing service. Most of these services require children to be in a safety seat.
Infant car seats are usually smaller and lighter than convertible car seats. They are an excellent option for families who prefer to travel. Additionally, some infant car seats come with the option of a handle that parents can use to transport the seat by themselves. This is especially helpful for those planning a trip that you don't want to wake your baby for.
Some convertible car seats are designed to be rear-facing for infants and later convert to a forward-facing seat for older children. These all-in-one seats are a great option for parents who want to keep your baby in a safe car seat for as long as you can. You can find a convertible car seat that transforms into an high-back booster seat once your child is too big for the harness (or reaches the limit on weight and height). Be sure to look for this when browsing options!
Easy to Use
A rear-facing infant car seat is a car seat that snaps onto the base of your vehicle. They are designed to keep infants and infants secure until they reach the weight and height requirements for a booster seat. Many infant car seats can be used with strollers. This makes it simple to move your baby from the car to the stroller without disrupting their nap.
Find an infant car seat that has an attachable carrier that connects to the base of a stroller. This will make it much easier to get your baby in and out of the vehicle especially when their nap is about to end or they are hungry, thirsty or bored. It's also important to look over the shoulder strap slots and position them properly to fit your child's height. If the straps are too low or high, they aren't properly used and could be a risk in a crash.
Some infant car seats also include lower anchors that are able to be used in lieu of the base, which is ideal for taxi rides or when traveling on planes. Make sure that the lower anchors are easy to install, have a European routing and are easy to release. We also listen for an audible "click" when the seat is secured properly. It's also beneficial to locate a seat with an easy-to-use harness and carrier adjustment system, such as the Graco Click Connect or the UPPAbaby SmartSecure feature.
Convertible car seats are the next step from an infant carrier. They can be used until your child is their weight or height requirements for a booster seat. They can be used in combination with a stroller but they don't provide the convenience or fit for a newborn of an infant carrier. Some convertible seats can be converted into boosters. However they tend to be heavier and less portable. This makes them difficult to maneuver when traveling in small vehicles or in congested areas.
Installation
Car seats, specifically infant car seats, can be difficult to install. It is important to do it in a safe and secure manner. The factors that affect this include the position of the seat and the angle of the base, and the best car seats way to use the handle.
The majority of infant car seats can be connected to a base within the vehicle. This is commonly called a "travel system". These seats are designed for rear-facing use which is more secure than forward-facing. Many best car seats for infants seats come with a built-in angle indicator that can be used to verify that the seat is in the right semi-reclined angle for your baby. The base may have an angle adjustment.
Also, make sure that the seat allows you to adjust the shoulders' height without having to unthread and repeat the process. This is a great time-saver as you'll need to do it several times throughout the child's car seat use.
Additionally, certain cars have hard points in the back seat that are specifically designed to hold infant car seats. They are typically tucked into the crease between the cushion in the back of the seat and the bottom cushion. These hooks should be able to snap into place quickly as they are custom-made for the specific seat. They could also make distinct sounds when they are securely attached.
It is also a good idea to test the car seat with a child to make certain that it is suitable for your family. If the car seat does not connect to the base or your child isn't at ease, it's time to find another option.
Some car seats can be installed without the base, which is beneficial when you travel infant car seat by public transport or rely on taxi services like Uber. Check the manufacturer's instructions on how to remove and install the car seat without base, but the majority will permit you to do so by pressing an lever or button. Many will give you the clear "click" when it's secure enough.