11 “Faux Pas” You're Actually Able To Create With Your Infant Car Seats

Infant Car Seats A car baby car seat is essential for newborns and babies who are small. Many come with a base as well as the carrier, which connect to each other and can be used in your vehicle or in conjunction with strollers (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 The rear-facing infant car seat is designed to protect and hold the smallest of children, from newborns to about two years old. They can be put together into a base that stays in the car, but is be removed to use as a carry-on. Many parents feel that this is more convenient than having to install and remove a child safety seat each time they drive, but it shouldn't be used in lieu of the proper installation of a car seat and use of the seat belt. It is crucial to use a baby car seat that is fitted for newborns. They are more prone to head and neck injuries when they crash. The most effective way to ensure that the seat is properly fitted is to follow the instructions included with the car seat and making sure all straps are snug enough to not pinch any folds of the fabric after buckling in your child. The chest clip should be placed at the same level as your baby's armpits. It's an excellent idea to practice putting your child in and out of the car seat as often as possible to familiarize yourself with the process so that you are better prepared when you need to quickly get your child in for an unexpected trip. If infant car seat in front seat comes with a built in angle indicator or adjustor, it's a good idea to test it on a regular basis to make sure it is in the right position to protect your child. Do not leave your child in the seat unattended. If you leave the child's seat on a surface that is high, such as a bed or counter it could roll or tip over and cause your child to be injured. The most secure position for a baby to ride in is backwards and in the back seat, and they should remain there until they reach or over the manufacturer's height and weight restrictions. Some infant car seats have the option of putting the blanket in a roll alongside your child to provide additional head and neck support, either in lieu of or in addition to the car seat's built-in padding. Convenience A car seat for infants is designed to accommodate children aged between 4 and 35 pounds. It is typically, it is a rear-facing car seat that snaps into a base installed in your vehicle. The car seat is able to be easily transferred between vehicles and connected to a stroller that is compatible making a travel system that makes getting out with baby a breeze. Infant car seats are also equipped with a handle that parents can use to move the car seat between cars and strollers without disturbing their sleeping baby. Many infant car seats can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of sizes. Some models are even capable of fitting tiny babies. They are typically light enough to be able to be carried for short distances and can easily be transferred from the car to the stroller. This makes them an ideal option for parents who regularly take their children out in public. A lot of infant seats can be used in conjunction with strollers to create a seamless system of travel which makes outings easy. Parents looking for the best infant car seat may want to think about its features and safety ratings. If your family is planning to travel frequently by plane it is recommended to choose an infant car seat that has ISOFIX indicators integrated and a firmly anchored lower strap. If you are looking for a greener alternative it is possible to select an infant car seat that is made with less chemical flame retardants 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. 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. 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.