What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
When choosing a car seat, parents have two options either infant car seats or convertible seats. Car seats for infants are suitable for rear facing infant car seat-facing use which means they have a shorter lifespan.
Infant carrier seats are commonly compatible with strollers (adapters available separately) to create a traveling system. This lets parents take their baby from the car into a stroller with ease without causing any disturbance to them.
Safety
Many parents are concerned about the safety of an infant carrier seat, particularly when they buy one for the first time. But, like any car seat on the market, an infant carrier seat is designed to be as secure as possible to protect your newborn during the event of a crash. Most often, they are positioned with the infant facing the rear. This is why they are the best car seats for newborns uk choice for infants with the greatest danger of injury in a vehicle crash.
These seats also have additional padding for head protection, as well as lower anchors that secure the seat to the vehicle's chassis in the event in the event of an accident. This is especially important for infants who have big necks and heads that are susceptible to injury from the force of a crash or sudden stop. Most infant carrier seats can be used in conjunction with strollers, creating a system that lets you easily move your baby from your car to your stroller without having to worry about them.
Many infant car seats come with a base which can be used in other vehicles. This allows you to take your baby with you wherever you go. This is great when you regularly use ride-sharing or taxi services as it makes travelling on airplanes with your child much more comfortable as well.
Some infant carriers are capable of being used on strollers that do not have a base, allowing you to ensure your baby's safety during all kinds of adventures and trips. This is a great choice for grandparents who want to help you transport your child.
It is also important to remember that an infant carrier seat should never be left unattended outside of a vehicle, as infants may roll or tip them over on soft surfaces, which can lead to injuries or even death. This is why you must be sure to read the safety guidelines carefully prior to using an infant car seat in a different place.
Portability
Many infant car seats are sold as part of a “travel system”, which is a combination of the car seat base and frame for the stroller. These connect to provide seamless transitions. Travel systems are perfect for babies, as they give parents the option to transfer their baby from the car to a stroller without waking him up. This feature alone makes it a huge reason more than 80% of Babylist parents sign up for a seat for their infant!
Many infant car seat for travel car seats can be used with the majority of strollers. Stroller compatibility lets parents effortlessly take their baby out of the car and into a stroller frame for walking around the park or at the grocery store. This is also a great option to consider when you're considering using taxi or ride share service, as the majority of these services require children be in car seats.
As opposed to convertible car seats, which are required to be in the vehicle the infant car seats are usually smaller and lighter, making them an ideal option for families that are constantly on the move. Some infant car seats come with a handle so that parents can carry the seat themselves. This is especially helpful when you have a trip planned that you don't wish to wake your sleeping baby!
Some convertible car seats are designed to be rear facing infant car seat-facing seats for infants, but can be converted to a forward-facing seat for older children. These all-in-one seats are ideal if you want to keep your child in a safe seat for as long as it is possible. There is even a convertible seat that will change into a high-back booster seat once your child is no longer in the harness (or exceeds the weight and height limits). Make sure to look for this when browsing the options!
Easy to Use
A rear-facing infant car seat is a car seat that snaps onto the base of your car. These seats are designed to keep babies and infants safe until they reach weight and height requirements for the booster. Many infant car seats are compatible with strollers. This can make it easy to move the baby from the car to the stroller and continue your journey without disrupting their nap schedule.
Look for an infant car seat with an attachable carrier that connects to the base of a stroller. This will let you quickly take your baby into and out of the car, especially when their nap is coming to expire or if they're hungry, thirsty, or bored. It is also essential to examine the shoulder strap slots and make sure they're properly placed to fit your child's height. If the straps aren't low enough or high, they can't be used correctly and can cause injury in the event of a crash.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7007/1136/maxi-cosi-rodifix-s-i-size-high-back-booster-seat-100-150-cm-3-5-12-years-child-car-seat-3-recline-positions-adjustable-height-width-g-cell-side-impact-protection-airprotect-basic-black-1.jpg)Some infant car seats also include lower anchors that are able to be used without the base, which is ideal for taxi rides or for travel on airplanes. Be sure that the lower anchors are easy to install, have a European routing and are easy to release. We can also listen for an audible “click” when the seat is secured properly. It is also beneficial to find a seat with an easy-to-use harness and carrier adjustment mechanism, such as the Graco Click Connect or the UPPAbaby SmartSecure option.
Convertible car seats are the next step following an infant carrier. They are able to be used until your child meets the height or weight requirements for the booster. They can be used conjunction with a stroller, but they don't offer the newborn fit or convenience of a baby carrier. Some convertible seats can be converted into boosters but they're generally heavier and less portable and therefore difficult to maneuver in vehicles with limited space or when transporting children in busy areas.
Installation
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7007/1097/maxi-cosi-rodifix-airprotect-high-back-booster-seat-15-36-kg-3-5-12-years-reclining-isofix-car-seat-adjustable-headrest-backrest-extra-side-protection-quick-easy-buckle-up-authentic-black.jpg)Car seats, especially infant car seats, can be difficult to install. It is crucial to install car seats correctly and safely. This can be affected by the seat position as well as the angle of base, and how you use the handle.
Most infant car seat rear facing car seats are made to be attached to a base that is in the vehicle, a system often called a travel system. They are designed to be used in the rear position, which is safer for infants than forward-facing seats. The majority of car seats have an angle indicator that you can use to verify if the seat is set at the right semi-reclined level for your child. The base might also come with an adjustment mechanism to alter the angle.
Another feature to look out for is if the seat has an option to alter the height of the shoulder straps without having to disengage and adjust the straps. This could be a huge time saver, as it will probably have to be done several times during an infant's car seat use.
Additionally, certain cars have hard points in the back seat specifically designed to hold infant car seats. These are usually hidden in the crease between the seat back cushion and the bottom cushion. The hooks will snap into place with ease since they are made specifically to fit the seat. When they are connected, you may hear a distinct noise.
It is also a good idea to test the car seat with a child to be sure that it works for your family. If your child is uncomfortable or the car seat won't click into the base, you should consider a different alternative.
Certain car seats can be put in without a base, which is helpful for those who use public transportation or use taxi services like Uber. You can usually remove and install the car seat without a base by pressing a lever. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. Many will provide an explicit “click” when it is secure enough.