7 Things About Infant Carrier Seat You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
When choosing a car seat, parents have two options either infant car seats or convertible car seats. Infant car seats offer the shortest time for use as they are only used with rear-facing.
Baby carrier seats are typically compatible with strollers (adapters available separately) to create a travel system. Parents can effortlessly take their baby out of the car and into a stroller without disturbing their sleep.
Safety
Many parents are concerned about the safety of an infant carrier seat, especially when they buy one for their first time. But, like all car seats on the market, an infant carrier seat is designed to be as safe as possible to protect your baby during a crash. Most often they are set with the infant facing to the rear. This makes them the ideal choice for infants who are at the greatest chance of being injured in a vehicle crash.
They also come with extra padding to provide additional head protection, as well as lower anchors that secure the seat to the chassis of the vehicle in case of an accident. This is particularly important with infants who have large necks and heads that are easily injured by the force of a collision or sudden stop. The majority of infant carriers can be used with strollers, forming a travel system which allows you to effortlessly transfer your child from your car to your stroller, without disrupting them.
Additionally, most infant car seats have an base that can be used in other vehicles, allowing you to take your child with you no matter where you go. This is ideal for parents who use taxis or ride-sharing services frequently. It also makes traveling with an infant on planes much easier.
Some models of infant carrier seats are even 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 option for grandparents who wish to help you out with transporting your baby, too!
It's also important to remember that an infant carrier seat is not meant to be left unattended outside of a vehicle, as babies can roll or tip them over on soft surfaces, leading to injuries and possibly the risk of suffocation. It is essential to read the instructions before using an infant seat in a new place.
Portability
Many infant car seats are designed to function as part of an overall travel system, a combination of car frame and seat base that snap together for seamless transitions. Travel systems are perfect for infants, since they allow parents the ability to transfer their baby from an automobile to a stroller without having to wake him up. This feature alone makes it an important reason why more than 80percent of Babylist parents register for a seat for their infant!
In addition, many
infant car seat s are compatible with a wide range of strollers. Stroller compatibility lets parents effortlessly take their baby out of the car and put them on a stroller frame for walking through a park or a grocery store. This is a great feature to look for when you are considering using a taxi or ride-sharing service. The majority of these services require a child to be in a safety seat.
As opposed to convertible car seats that must be kept in the car baby car seats are usually smaller and lighter, making them a great option for families who are on the move. In addition, certain infant car seats have the option of a handle that parents can use to transport the seat on their own. This is especially helpful when you have a trip scheduled that you don't want to wake your baby up for!
Some convertible car seats are designed to be rear-facing for newborns and then convert to a forward-facing seat for older children. These seats all-in-one are great if you're looking to keep your child safe in a seat as long as possible. You can find a convertible car seat that converts into a high-back booster seat when your child is too big for the harness (or reaches the weight and height limits). Just be sure to check for this when browsing choices!
Easy of Use
A rear-facing infant carrier seat is an infant car seat that snaps into base of your vehicle. These seats are designed to keep babies and newborns secure until they reach the weight and height requirements for a booster. Many infant car seats can be used with strollers. This makes it easy to transfer your child from the car to the stroller without disrupting their nap.
Look for an infant seat that has a detachable carrier which you can connect to the base of a stroller or car. This will let you quickly get your child in and out of the car, especially if their nap is about to expire or if they're hungry, thirsty, or bored. It's also important to check the shoulder strap slots and ensure they are properly positioned for your child's size. If the straps have been placed too low or high, they cannot be used properly in a crash and can be risky.
Some infant car seats include lower anchors that are able to be used in lieu of the base, which is ideal for taxi rides as well as for travel on airplanes. Make sure that the lower anchors are simple to install, have an European routing and are easy to release. We also listen for an audible "click" when the seat is secured properly. It is also beneficial to find seats that have an easy-to-use harness and carrier adjustment system, such as Graco's Click Connect or the UPPAbaby SmartSecure option.
Convertible car seats are the next step after an infant carrier. They can be used until your child reaches the height or weight requirements for a booster. They can be used in combination with a stroller but they don't provide the convenience or fit for a newborn of a baby carrier. Some convertible seats can be converted into boosters. However they're generally more bulkier and less mobile. This makes them difficult to maneuver when traveling in small vehicles or in crowded areas.
Installation
Car seats, particularly infant car seats, can be difficult to install. It is essential to install car seats correctly and safely. This can be affected by the position of your seat and the angle of the base, and also the way you handle the handle.
The majority of infant car seats are made to be connected to a base which remains in the vehicle, a system often called a travel system. These seats are made for rear-facing use which is more secure than forward-facing. Many car seats come with an inbuilt angle indicator that can be used to verify that the seat is in the right semi-reclined angle for your baby. The base might include an adjustable angle.
You should also check if the seat can adjust the height of the shoulder straps without needing to unthread and repeat the process. This can be a significant time saver, as it is likely to need to be done multiple times during the course of the car seat of an infant.
Certain cars have a hard point in the back seat that is specifically designed to hold infant car safety seats. These are usually hidden in the crease that runs between the cushion on the back of the seat and the bottom cushion. The hooks will be able to snap into place quickly as they are made specifically for the specific seat. They may also make distinct sounds when they are securely connected.
It's an excellent idea to test the car seat with a child to be sure that it works for your family. If your child isn't comfortable or the car seat won't click into the base, you should search for a different option.

Certain car seats are capable of being installed without a base. This is a great option if you use taxi or public transportation services such as Uber. Check the manufacturer's instructions for removing and installing the vehicle without the base, but most will permit you to do so by simply pressing a button or lever. Many will give you a "click" to signal that it's secured.