5 Killer Quora Answers On Infant Carrier Seat
What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
Parents have two options to choose the right car seat for their infant: infant car seats and convertible car seats. Car seats for infants have the shortest time for use since they are used rear-facing.
Infant carrier seats are commonly compatible with strollers (adapters available separately) to make a travel system. This allows parents to take their baby from the car into the stroller without causing any disturbance to them.
Safety
Many parents are worried about the security of an infant's carrier seat, particularly when they buy one for their first time. But, like any car seat on the market, an infant's seat is made to be as safe as possible to protect your newborn during a crash. Most of the time, they are positioned with the infant facing to the rear. This is why they are the best choice for infants with the greatest chance of being injured in a crash.
These seats also have additional padding for head protection, and lower anchors that secure the seat to the chassis of the vehicle in case in the event of an accident. This is especially important for young infants, with large necks and heads that are easily injured by the force of a crash or sudden stop. Most infant carrier seats can be used in conjunction with strollers, forming a travel system that allows you to easily move your baby from your car to your stroller, without disturbing them.
Additionally, most infant car seats come with bases that can be fitted in other vehicles to permit you to take your child along with you wherever you go. This is a great option for parents who use taxis or ride-sharing services frequently. It also makes traveling with an infant on planes much more convenient.
Some models of infant carriers seats can be used on strollers that do not have an base. This allows you to keep your child safe throughout all sorts of trips and adventures. This is a great choice for grandparents who want to help with the transportation of your child.
It's important to remember that an infant carrier is not designed to be left alone on a surface that is soft. Infants can tip over or roll over, causing injuries or even death. It is essential to follow the instructions prior to using an infant seat in a new place.
Portability
Many infant car seats are offered as part of a "travel system" which is a combination of the car seat base and the frame of the stroller. They are able to snap together for seamless transitions. Travel systems are ideal for babies as they permit parents to move their child from the car to the stroller and vice versa without having to awake them. This feature is the main reason why more than 80% Babylist parents purchase an infant seat.
Many cheap infant car seats car seats are compatible with the majority of strollers. The stroller compatibility feature allows parents to take their child from the car and put it on a frame for a stroller so that they can stroll through a supermarket or park. This is also an excellent feature to consider when you're considering using taxi or ride share service, as most of these services require a child be in a car seat.
Compared to convertible car seats, which must remain in the car baby car seats are typically lighter and more compact making them a convenient option for families that are constantly on the move. In addition, certain brands of infant carrier seat car seats have an e-handle that parents can use to transport the seat on their own. This is particularly useful if you are planning a trip that you do not want to awake your baby for.
Car seats for infants only last until your baby is a toddler and they outgrow 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 all-in one seats are a great option if you're looking to keep your child in a safe seat for as long as it is possible. There is a convertible car seat that transforms into a high-back booster seat when your child is too big for the harness (or exceeds the weight and height limits). Just be sure to check for this feature when looking through options!
Easy of Use
An infant car seat is an infant car seat that faces the rear and clicks into a base installed in your vehicle. They are designed to keep infants and infants secure until they reach the height and weight requirements for the booster seat. Many infant car seats can be used with strollers. This makes it simple to move your baby from the car into the stroller without disrupting their nap time.
Find an infant car seat that has a detachable car seat that easily attaches to the base or a stroller. This will make it much easier to get your child into and out of the car especially when their nap is ending or they are thirsty, hungry or bored. It is also essential to examine the shoulder strap slots and ensure they are properly positioned to fit your child's height. If the straps have been placed too low or high they won't be able to be properly used in a crash and could be risky.
Certain infant car seats have lower anchors that can be used in lieu of the base, which is great for taxi rides as well as when traveling on planes. It's important to check that the lower anchors are on an European routing path and are simple to install and release and look for an audible click when the seat is securely secured. It is important to choose a seat that has an easy-to-use harness and carrier adjustment system. Examples include Graco's click connect and UPPAbaby's SmartSecure.
Convertible car seats are the next step from an infant carrier and can be used until your child is their weight or height requirement for a booster seat. They can be used conjunction with a stroller however they do not offer the newborn fit or convenience of an infant carrier. Some convertible seats can be transformed into boosters. However they're generally larger and less portable. This makes them difficult to maneuver in small vehicles or in congested areas.
Installation
Installing car seats, and particularly infant car seats is difficult. It is essential to install car seats in a safe and secure manner. Some factors that can impact this include the position of the seat and the angle of the base, and the way to use the handle.
Most infant car seats are connected to a base within the vehicle. This type of setup is commonly known as a "travel system". These seats are made to be used rear-facing which is more secure than forward-facing. Many car seats come with an integrated angle indicator that can be read to make sure the seat is in the correct semi-reclined angle for your baby. The base could have an angle adjustor.
You should also check if the seat allows you to adjust the shoulder straps' height without needing to remove and replace them. This can be a significant time saver, since it will likely have to be done several times during an infant'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 cushion back of the seat and the bottom. These hooks are made specifically for the specific seat and are designed to snap into place with only a little effort. When they are in place to your seat, you will hear a distinct sound.
It is an excellent idea to test the car seat with a child to be certain that it is suitable for your family. If the car seat does not connect to the base or your child is not comfortable, it's time to find another alternative.
Some car seats are capable of being installed without the base. This is beneficial for those who use public transportation or taxi services like Uber. You can usually remove and install the carrier without the base by pressing a lever. Check the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Many will provide the clear "click" when it's secure enough.