20 Trailblazers Setting The Standard In Infant Car Seat
Why a Portable Infant Car Seat is a Must-Have
Parenting is a journey filled with many decisions. A portable infant car seat is a must for parents who frequently use taxis or rideshares.
These baby seats detach from their base and click into strollers that are compatible to allow you to transport your sleeping baby without disturbing them up or disturbing their car ride.
Safety Features
Infant-only car seats have been designed to be as safe and secure as they can be for babies who are especially susceptible to neck and head injuries. A car seat for infants could include energy-absorbing foam, Side Impact Protection pods, or both to shield your child in a crash. Other features include a no-rethread five-point harness with a recline option that makes the ride more comfortable for your baby and strap holders that keep the straps free of tangles. Some models even feature the stability leg made of steel to stop the car seat from rotating in the event of an accident.
Many parents are pleased to know that infant car seats can be easily transformed into strollers. This is especially helpful when you intend to use the car seat in taxis or public transportation. Most infant car seats have FAA approval for air travel, which means you can also use them inside the airplane cabin.
A portable infant car seat can also allow you to take your child on more family adventures such as camping and hiking excursions. These seats are usually smaller and compact than convertible car seats, making them easier to maneuver in small vehicles or on uneven terrain. Additionally the majority of portable infant car seats have handles built-in to help you to carry them.
If you're unsure about how to properly install your portable infant car seat make sure you consult a certified child safety technician (CPST). You can find one in your region through the National Child Passenger Safety website. A few local police and fire departments have CPSTs that can help you for no cost. You can also join a group like Tot Squad for virtual or in-person assistance from a qualified expert.
When making this choice it is important to think about your lifestyle and the size of your vehicle. A convertible car seat, for instance, may not fit in the trunk of your vehicle and you'll need to install the base separately. It is heavier and more bulky than a car seat for infants and can't be used to boost a child.
Comfort
When it comes to infant car seats, comfort may not be the first thing that parents think of, but a comfortable car ride can make a significant difference for both babies and their parents. Some of the most comfortable portable infant car seat best car seats feature soft shoulder pads and headrests to provide extra cushioning, while others have adjustable reclining options to create a perfect fit. Some also have built-in sunshades and handy storage pockets for toys, snacks and other items.
Safety is the primary priority when selecting a car seat for your baby, and there are many important features to look out for. For instance, some car seats come with a no-twist harness indicator, which makes buckling your child easier, while others come with an inbuilt bubble level to ensure fast and precise installation. Many portable infant car seats are designed to be used with a stroller to create an entire travel system, which means you can easily transition your child between your vehicle and the destination.
Other aspects to consider when shopping for a portable infant car seat include the weight and size of the seat, how easy it is to install, and whether or not it has additional safety features. Some seats feature a Euro-belt path, which allows you to install the seat without a base for certain European vehicles. Others are certified GREENGUARD GOLD, which means they have low VOC and chemical emissions. A seat that is lightweight is easier to carry around.
Certain infant car seats can be changed into toddler boosters when your child is old enough. This will save you time and money in the long run. This is particularly useful for parents who take taxis or rideshares often, since they can keep their child's car seat in place even when they change cars. Examples of this type of portable infant car seat include the Doona, which has wheels that are integrated to transform it into a stroller and is FAA-approved for use on airplanes. Other convertible infant car seats include the Graco SnugRide 35 DLX and the Evenflo Litemax DLX.
Convenience
For infants and newborns, portable infant car seats are typically smaller and lighter than convertible car seats. Their compact design makes them simple to transport from one car to another, especially if you're using the seat with a compatible stroller as part of an overall travel system. These car seats often come with a canopy that provides additional protection from sunlight.
Infants and newborns require a secure, comfortable fit in their carseats and that's why portable infant car seats are a great option for families. Car seats typically come with extra padding around the head, which can protect the head of a premature baby in the event of an accident. They also come with a five-point safety harness, as well as side impact protection that has been carefully engineered to ensure your baby's safety and comfort.
Many portable infant car seats include a base that attaches to your vehicle. The carrier then clicks into this base or into a stroller that is compatible which makes it easy to move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller, and back without disturbing them. Car seats usually have a lock off mechanism that stops your child from removing or unbuckling their straps.
Even when transporting your infant car seat from one vehicle to the next, you should not take off or untie the harness straps. This could result in strangulation if there is an accident. Instead, make sure they're secure at all times, and use blankets or coats over the top of the straps during cold weather.
Before purchasing an infant car seat, also consider how long your child is likely to be in it. Since they're specifically designed for newborns and infants, they typically have a shorter lifespan than convertible car seats, meaning that you may have to buy another car seat earlier than you expected. In general, infant car seats are only used until your child has outgrown them, which typically happens within the first year of their life.
Cost
There are some costs to think about when deciding which portable infant car seat you want to buy. You may have to purchase a base to install your carrier in your vehicle. Some models require you install them using LATCH them. This can increase the cost of your purchase but you can save money in the long run by not having to purchase an additional base for each vehicle.
Think about purchasing a convertible vehicle seat that is 3-in-1 or 4-in-1. These seats will grow with your child from infants facing the rear to forward facing infant car seat-facing toddlers and then to an adult booster for older children. These seats are great for parents who travel frequently or move their child from one vehicle to the next. But, you'll have to purchase an additional base for each vehicle you want to use the seat in, and they are likely to be heavier than infant car seats.
Many infant car seats do not fit into strollers, and you have to wake your baby to move them. This can be a hassle if you have a busy commute or spend the majority of your time running around with your child in tow. This kind of car seat is a great choice for parents who use ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft. You can easily convert it into a stroller that is compatible with the car seat to continue your journey.
Some parents also prefer to buy a travel set-up that includes a baby car seat and a stroller. This is a great option if you're expecting a smaller or premature baby, as these models are the best infant seat for infants.
The majority of children will outgrow their infant car seats by around the age of a year, depending on their height and weight. This means that you'll have to upgrade to the latest model, even the child isn't yet at the maximum height or weight limit.