So , You've Purchased Infant Carrier Seat ... Now What?
What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
When it comes to choosing a car seats parents have two choices: infant car seats or convertible car seats. Car seats for infants are only suitable for rear-facing use therefore they have a shorter lifespan.
The infant carrier seats are usually compatible with strollers (adapters sold separately) to create a travel system. This lets parents get their baby out of the car to a stroller with ease without causing any disturbance to them.
Safety
Many parents have concerns about how safe 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 created to safeguard your baby as safely as it is possible in the event of a collision. Most of the time they are set with the infant facing the rear. This makes them the best option for infants who are at the highest chance of being injured in a vehicle crash.
They also come with extra padding to offer head protection, and lower anchors to secure the seat to the chassis in case of an accident. This is especially crucial for infants who have large necks and heads that are easily injured in a sudden stop or crash. The majority of infant carriers can be used in conjunction with strollers, creating a system which allows you to easily move your baby from your car to your stroller, without disrupting them.
The majority of infant car seats include a base that can be used in other vehicles. This lets you bring your child wherever you go. This is ideal for parents who take taxis or ride sharing services frequently. It also makes traveling with an infant on planes a lot easier.
Some models of infant carriers seats can be used on strollers that don't have a base. This lets you keep your child safe throughout all sorts of trips and adventures. This is an excellent option for grandparents who wish to assist you with transporting your child.
It is important to remember, too, that a baby car seat is not meant to be left unattended on a soft surface. Infants can tip over or roll over, causing injuries or even suffocation. This is why it is important to read the safety instructions carefully prior to using an infant car seat in a different place.
Portability
Many infant car seats are designed as part of an overall travel system, which is a combination of the car seat base and stroller frame which snap into one another to allow seamless transitions. Travel systems are great for babies, as they allow parents to transfer their baby from the car to a stroller without waking him up. This feature alone makes it an important reason why more than 80% of Babylist parents sign up for a baby seat!
In addition, many infant car seats work with strollers of all types. The stroller compatibility feature permits parents to remove their child from the car and put it on a frame to allow them to walk around a park or supermarket. This is also an excellent feature to consider in the event you plan to use taxi or ride share service, as the majority of these services require a child be in a car seat.
As opposed to convertible car seats, that must be kept in the car the infant car seats are often lighter and more compact making them a convenient option for families who are on the move. Some infant car seats also come with a handle so that parents can carry the seat on their own. This is especially helpful if you are planning a trip you don't want wake your baby for.
Some convertible car seats are designed to be rear-facing seats for infants and later convert to a forward-facing seat for older children. These all-in one seats are ideal if you want to keep your child safe in a seat as long as possible. You can also find a convertible seat that will change into a high-back booster seat when your child outgrows the harness (or exceeds the height and weight limits). Just be sure to check for this when you are looking at 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 car. They are designed to keep newborns and babies secure until they reach the weight and height requirements for a booster seat. Many infant car seats are also compatible with strollers. This can make it easy to move the baby from the car to the stroller and continue on your journey without disturbing their nap schedule.
Find an infant seat with a detachable carrier which you can connect to the base of a stroller or car. This will allow you to quickly take your baby into and out of the car, especially if their nap is about to end or if they're hungry, thirsty, or bored. Examine the shoulder strap slots to make sure they are positioned correctly for your child. If infant car seats that swivel pushchairsandprams are too low or high, they can't be used correctly and can be a risk in the event of a crash.
Some infant car seats include lower anchors that are able to be used in lieu of the base, which is great for taxi rides and when traveling on planes. Be sure that the lower anchors are simple to install, have a European routing and are easy to release. We are also able to hear an audible "click" when the seat is securely secured. It is important to choose the seat with an easy-to use harness and a 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 the booster seat. They can be used combination with a stroller however they do not offer the infant-like fit or convenience of an infant carrier. Some convertible seats can be converted into boosters however they are generally larger and less portable and therefore difficult to maneuver in small vehicles or when transporting children in busy areas.
Installation
Car seats, particularly infant car seats, can be difficult to install. It is vital to install car seats in a safe and secure manner. This is influenced by the seat position as well as the angle of base, and how you handle the handle.
Most infant car seats are connected to a base within the vehicle. This type of setup is commonly known as"travel system. "travel system". They are designed for rear-facing use and are safer than forward-facing. Most car seats have a built-in angle indicator that can be read to make sure the seat is at the correct semi-reclined position for your baby. The base may have an angle adjustor.
You should also check if the seat can adjust the shoulders' height without needing to remove and rethread them. This could be a huge time saver, as it is likely to have to be done several times during the course of an infant's car seat use.
Finally, some cars come with hard points in the back of the seat that are specifically designed to hold infant car seats. These are usually tucked deep into the crease between the cushion back of the seat and the bottom. These hooks ought to snap into place with ease since they are made specifically for the seat. When they are in place, you may hear a distinct noise.
It is also a great idea to test out the car seat with an infant before deciding if it is suitable for your family. If the car seat does not connect to the base or your child isn't comfortable, it's time for you to consider a different alternative.
Certain car seats can be capable of being installed without the base. This is a great option if you use public transportation or taxi services such as Uber. Read the instructions of the manufacturer on how to remove and install the vehicle without the base, but the majority will permit you to do it by simply pressing the lever or button. A lot of them will give you the "click" to inform you when you're safe.