Infant Car Seats
A car seat for infants is essential for infants and small babies. The majority of infant car seats come with a base, a carrier and straps that can be joined 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 infant car seat or newborn carrier) is designed to cradle and safeguard the youngest children from newborn to approximately two years old. They can be snapped into a base which stays in the car but can also removed to be used as a carrier. This is a convenient alternative to having to install the child safety car seat each time you drive. However it shouldn't replace proper seat belt usage and car seat installation.
Children are at risk of head and neck injuries in collisions, which is why it is crucial to have a properly fitted infant car seat. It is recommended to follow the instructions that come with the car seat. Make sure all straps are secured to stop fabric folds being pinched once your child has buckled in. The chest clip should also be at a level with your child's armpits.
It is recommended 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 prepared if you have to quickly put your child into a car seat for an unexpected trip. If your car seat is equipped with an angle indicator or adjustor integrated you must test it frequently to ensure it is set at the proper angle for your child's safety.
Be sure to not leave your child in their seat unattended. If the child's seat is left on a surface with a high level like a counter or a bed, it may tip or roll over and your child could be injured or even die.
Infants should ride only rear-facing and in the backseat. They should remain in this position until they have reached or exceeded their car seat's weight and height limits. Some infant car seats permit you to use a receiving blanket to offer additional head and neck protection, in lieu of or in addition to the padding built into the car seat.
Convenience
Car seats for infants are designed to fit children weighing between 4 and 35lbs. They are usually rear-facing carriers that snap into a base in your vehicle. The car seat is able to be easily transferred between vehicles and connected to a stroller compatible with it, creating a travel system that makes trips with baby an easy task. Infant car seats can also be fitted with a handy carrying handle that parents use to transport the car seat from vehicle to stroller without disturbing their sleeping child.
The majority of infant car seats are designed to accommodate a variety of baby sizes and many models offer an incredibly snug and secure fit for tiny newborns. They're usually light enough to carry for short distances and are able to be quickly transferred from vehicle to stroller making them the ideal option for parents who regularly take their child out in public. Many infant seats work with matching strollers which allows parents to travel in style.
Parents who are looking for the most suitable infant car seat should to look at its safety ratings and features. If your family is planning to travel by plane a lot it is recommended to consider a baby car seat that has ISOFIX indicators built in as well as a strong lower strap. For those who want an eco-friendly option might want to choose an infant car seat that has less chemical flame retardants during 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.
Portability
An infant car seat 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. travel infant car seat Pushchairs & Prams 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.