7 Easy Tips For Totally Rocking Your Infant Car Seats
Infant Car Seats
A car infant car seat is essential for infants and babies who are small. Most infant car seats include the base, a carry case and straps that are connected to one another. They can then be used in a car or in conjunction with a pram (see our guide on 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
A rear-facing infant car seat (also called a baby car seat, newborn carrier or infant carrier) is designed to hold and safeguard the youngest children from newborn to around two years old. Most often, they snap into a base that remains at a fixed position in the car but can be removed for use as a car seat. This is a convenient alternative to having to install a child safety car seat each time you drive. However it is not a substitute for the need for a proper seat belt or car seat installation.
It is important to use a baby car seat that is properly fitted for newborns. They are more prone to head and neck injuries during a crash. It is best to follow the instructions that come with the car seat. Check to make sure all straps are tight enough to stop fabric folds from being pinched after your child is buckled in. The chest clip should be on the same level as your child's armpits.
It is a good idea to practice placing your child in and taking them out of the car seat as often as you can in order to get familiar with the procedure so that you are better prepared when you need to quickly get your child in for an unexpected trip. If your car seat comes with an angle indicator or adjustor built-in you must test it regularly to ensure it is set at the correct slope for your child's safety.
Remember to not leave your child in their seat unattended. If the carrier is left on a surface with a high level such as a counter or a bed, it may be thrown over or tip and your child could be injured or even die.
Infants should ride only in the back seat with their backs facing forward. They should remain in this position until they have reached or exceeded the weight or height restrictions. Some infant car seats allow you to use a receiving blanket to offer additional head and neck protection instead of or in addition the padding built into the car seat.
Convenience
Infant car seats are designed to accommodate children who weigh between 4 and 35 pounds. They are typically rear-facing and can be slid into a base inside your vehicle. The car seat can be easily transferred between vehicles and connected to a stroller that is compatible making an easy-to-travel system that makes getting out with baby easy. Infant car seats can also be fitted with a convenient carrying handle for parents to move the car seat from vehicle to stroller and back without disturbing their sleeping child.
Many infant car seats can be adjusted to accommodate various sizes. Some models are even suitable for tiny infants. They are typically light enough to be carried for short distances, and are easily transferable from the vehicle to the stroller. This makes them an ideal option for parents who regularly have their children out in public. Many infant seats are compatible with strollers that match which allows parents to travel stylishly.
Parents who are seeking the best car seat for their child may want to take into consideration its safety ratings and features. For instance If your family plans to travel extensively on planes then you might want to choose an infant car seat that has built-in ISOFIX indicators as well as a strong lower anchor strap. Similarly, those interested in greener alternatives may opt for an infant car seat that is made with less chemical flame retardants in its manufacturing.
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.
pushchairsandprams 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.