Infant Car Seats: The Evolution Of Infant Car Seats

Infant Car Seats An infant car seat is essential for babies and newborns. The majority of infant car seats come with the base, a carry case and straps that can be connected to one another. They can be used in a vehicle 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 known as a baby car seat, newborn carrier or infant carrier) is designed to cradle and safeguard the youngest infants from birth to two years old. They can be snapped into a base which stays in the car but can also removed to be used as a carry-on. Many parents find that this provides greater convenience than having to install and uninstall a child safety seat each time they drive, but it shouldn't be used as a substitute for proper car seat installation and belt usage. It is essential to use an infant car seat that is fitted for newborns. They are more vulnerable to neck and head injuries when they crash. The most effective method to ensure a perfect fit is by following the specific instructions provided in the car seat and making sure all straps are tight enough to not bind any folds of the fabric after buckling in your child. The chest clip must be at a level with your child's armpits. It's a good idea to practice putting your child in and out of the car seat as often as you can in order to get familiar with the process so that you are better prepared when you need to quickly put your child into a car seat for an unexpected trip. If your car seat comes with a built in angle indicator or adjuster, it's recommended to test it on a regular basis to ensure it's at the correct incline to protect your child. Don't leave your child in the car seat without supervision. If the child's seat is left on a surface with a high level like a counter or a bed it can be thrown over or tip and your child could get injured or even die. The most secure position for an infant to ride in is facing rear and in the back seat, and they should remain there until they reach or above the manufacturer's height and weight restrictions. Some infant car seats offer the option of placing the blanket in a roll alongside your child to provide additional head and neck support instead of or in addition to the car seat's built-in padding. Convenience Infant car seats are designed to fit children between 4 and 35lbs. They are usually rear-facing car seats that snap into a base that can be placed in your vehicle. The car seat is able to be easily moved between vehicles and then attached to a stroller that is compatible and creates an ideal travel system that makes outings with your baby an easy task. Infant car seats can also be fitted with a handy carrying handle for parents to move the car seat from their vehicle to stroller without disrupting their sleepy child. Many infant car seats can be adjusted to suit a variety of sizes. Some models are even suitable for tiny infants. They're typically lightweight enough to be carried for short distances, and can be quickly moved from vehicle to stroller making them the ideal choice for parents who regularly take their baby out in public. Many infant seats can be paired with matching strollers to create a seamless travel system which makes outings easy. Parents who are seeking the best car seat for their infant may consider its safety ratings and features. If your family is planning to travel by plane frequently it is recommended to select a car seat with ISOFIX indicators built in and a rigid lower strap. If you are looking for a more sustainable option, you may want to select an infant car seat that is made with less chemical flame retardants in its manufacturing. 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. www.pushchairsandprams.uk -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.