10 Key Factors To Know Infant Car Seats You Didn't Learn In School

Infant Car Seats A car seat for infants is essential for newborns and babies who are small. Most come with a base and an infant carrier, which can be attached to one another and can be used in your car or in conjunction with the stroller (see our guide on stroller/car seats 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 A rear-facing infant car seat (also known as a baby car seat, newborn carrier or infant carrier) is designed to hold and safeguard the youngest infants from birth to two years old. Most often, they snap into a base that remains secured in the car however, they can also be removed to use as a car seat. This is a great alternative to installing a child safety car seat every time you drive. However it shouldn't replace the proper use of a seat belt and car seat installation. It is essential to use an infant car seat that is properly fitted for newborns. They are more prone to neck and head injuries when they crash. The most effective way to ensure that the seat is properly fitted is by following the specific instructions provided with the car seat, and making sure all straps are tight enough to not pinch any folds of the fabric after buckling in your child. The chest clip should be level with your baby's armpits. It is a good idea for you to practice as frequently as you can taking your child from the car seats. This will help you be better prepared should you need to quickly put your kid in the seat on an unexpected trip. If your car seat is equipped with an angle indicator or adjustor built-in, you should test it frequently to ensure it is set at the correct angle for your child's safety. Remember to not leave your child in their seat unattended. If you leave the carrier on a hard surface such as a bed or counter it could slide or tip over and cause your child to be injured. Infants should only ride in the back seat with their backs facing forward. They should remain in this position until they reach or exceed the weight or height restrictions. Certain infant car seats come with the option of putting a rolled receiving blanket alongside your child to provide additional neck and head support in lieu of or in addition to the car seat's built-in padding. Convenience An infant car seat is designed to accommodate children weighing between 4 and 35 pounds. It is typically as a rear-facing child carrier that can be slid into a base in your vehicle. The car seat can be easily transferred between vehicles and connected to a compatible stroller making an easy-to-travel system that makes outings with baby a breeze. Car seats for infants can be fitted with a convenient carrying handle that parents use to move the car seat from their vehicle to stroller and back, without disturbing their sleeping child. Many infant car seats can be adjusted to suit different sizes. Some models are even capable of fitting tiny babies. They're typically lightweight enough to be carried for short distances and can be quickly moved from vehicle to stroller making them the ideal option for parents who regularly go out with their infant in public. Many infant seats are compatible with strollers that match, allowing parents to travel with style. Parents searching for the most suitable car seat for their infant may want to take into consideration its safety ratings and features. For example If your family plans to travel extensively by plane it is possible to choose an infant car seat with built-in ISOFIX indicators as well as a strong lower anchor strap. If you're looking for a more sustainable option it is possible to choose a car seat that is made with less chemicals in 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. Suggested Studying 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.