What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
When it comes to choosing a car seats parents have two choices either infant car seats or convertible car seats. Infant car seats are only designed for rear-facing use, which means they are less durable.
Infant carriers can be used in conjunction with strollers. (Adapters are available separately). This creates an entire travel system. Parents can transfer their child from the car to a stroller with ease without disturbing them.
Safety
Many parents have concerns about how secure an infant carrier seat is, especially when they are buying one for the first time. As with all car seats, the infant carrier seat was designed to safeguard your baby as safely as it is possible in the event of a collision. They are most often positioned in the rear, which makes them the best option for infants who face the greatest risk of injury in a vehicle accident.
They also come with extra padding to provide additional head protection, and lower anchors that secure the seat to the chassis of the vehicle in the event of an accident. This is particularly important with young infants, who have large necks and heads that are susceptible to injury from the force of a crash or sudden stop. Additionally, the majority of infant carriers are designed to be compatible with strollers to create a travel system that can be easily moved from your car to the stroller, and back without causing a disturbance to your baby.
Additionally, most infant car seats have a base that can be used in other vehicles to permit you to take your child along with you no matter where you go. This is great for those who take taxis or ride-sharing services frequently. It also makes travelling with a baby on planes much easier.
Some infant carrier seats are designed to be used on strollers with no base, which allows you to ensure your baby's safety on all types of trips and adventures. This is a great choice for grandparents who wish to help you out with the transportation of your child!
It's also important to remember that an infant carrier seat should never be left alone outside of a vehicle, as babies could tip or roll over on soft surfaces, leading to injuries and even the risk of suffocation. It is crucial to read the instructions before using an infant seat in a new location.
Portability
Many infant car seats come as part of a "travel system" which is a combination of the car seat base and frame of the stroller. These are able to snap together for seamless transitions. Travel systems are ideal for babies, as they give parents the option to transfer their baby from an automobile to a stroller without having to wake him up. This feature alone makes it an important reason why more than 90% of Babylist parents sign up for a seat for their infant!
Many infant car seats are compatible with most strollers. The stroller compatibility feature permits parents to take their child from the car and put it on a frame for a stroller so they can walk through a park or a grocery store. This is an excellent feature to consider when you are considering using a ride-sharing or taxi service. The majority of these services require a child to be in a safe seat.
As opposed to convertible car seats which are required to be in the vehicle, infant car seats are often smaller and lighter making them a great option for families who are on the move. Additionally, some infant car seats have an e-handle that parents can use to carry the seat around on their own. This is particularly useful for those planning a trip you don't want wake your baby for.
pushchairsandprams are designed to be rear-facing for newborns and then convert into a forward-facing car seat for older children. These all-in-one car seats are a great option if you want to keep your child in a safe car seat for as long as you can. You can find a convertible car seat that converts into a high-back booster seat when your child outgrows its harness (or exceeds the weight and height limits). Be sure to look for this when you browse options!
Simple to Use
A baby carrier seat is an infant car seat that faces the rear and clicks into a base installed in your vehicle. These seats are designed to keep babies and infants safe until they reach the weight and height requirements for the booster. Many infant car seats are also compatible with strollers, which can make it easy to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller and continue on your journey without disrupting their nap time.
Find an infant car seat with a detachable car seat that easily connects to the base of a stroller. This will make it easier to get your baby in and out of the vehicle especially when their nap is ending or they are thirsty, hungry, or bored. Examine the shoulder straps to ensure they're placed correctly for your child. If the straps have been placed too high or low, they cannot be used properly in a crash, and they could be risky.
Some infant car seats come with lower anchors that can be used in conjunction with or without the base. This is great for taxi rides or traveling by plane. It's important to check that the lower anchors have an European routing path and are simple to install and release and look for an audible click when the seat is secured properly. It's important to choose the seat with an easy-to use harness and carrier adjustment system. Examples include Graco's Click Connect or UPPAbaby's SmartSecure.
Convertible car seats are the next step up from an infant carrier. They can be used until your child is their weight or height requirement for a booster seat. They can be used in conjunction with strollers, but they don't offer the newborn fit and convenience of an infant car seat. Some convertible seats convert into boosters however they are generally heavier and less portable, which can make them difficult to maneuver in vehicles with limited space or when transporting children in busy areas.
Installation
Car seats, especially infant car seats, can be difficult to install. It is crucial to do so safely and correctly. A few factors that could affect this include the seating position and the angle of the base and the best 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"travel system" or "travel system". They are designed to be used rear-facing and are safer than forward-facing. The majority of car seats have an inbuilt angle indicator that can be read to make sure the seat is in the right semi-reclined angle for your baby. The base might have an angle adjustment.
You should also check if the seat permits you to adjust the shoulders' height without needing to unthread and rethread them. This is a great time-saver, as you will need to do it multiple times throughout the car seat's use by your infant.
Lastly, some cars have hard points on the back of the seat specifically designed for infant car seats. They are typically tucked into the crease between the cushion on the back of the seat and the bottom. These hooks ought to snap into place with ease since they are custom-made to fit the seat. When they are connected to the seat, you might hear a distinct sound.
It is also a good idea to test the car seat with a child to be certain that it is suitable for your family. If your child isn't comfortable or the car seat doesn't click into the base, it's best to search for a different option.
Certain car seats can be put in without a base, which is useful when you travel by public transport or use taxi services like Uber. It is common to remove and install the car seat without having a base by simply pressing a lever or a button. Check the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Some will even give you a clear "click" when it's secure enough.