Why We Do We Love Infant Carrier Seat (And You Should Too!)
What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
When it comes to choosing a car seat, parents have two options: infant car seats or convertible car seats. Infant car seats offer the shortest time for use because they can only be used with rear-facing.
Infant carrier seats can be used with strollers. (Adapters are sold separately). This creates an ideal travel system. This lets parents easily take their baby out of the car and into a stroller without disrupting their sleep.
Safety
Many parents are concerned about the security of an infant's carrier seat, particularly when they buy one for their first time. However, as with all car seats available on the market, an infant's seat is made to be as safe as possible to protect your newborn during the event of a crash. They are typically placed rear-facing, making them the best option for infants that are at greatest chance of being injured in a car accident.
They also have additional padding for additional head protection and lower anchors to secure the seat to the chassis of your vehicle to prevent it from moving in a collision. This is particularly crucial for infants who have large necks and heads that can be easily injured by the sudden stopping or collision. The majority of infant carriers can be used with strollers, creating a travel system that lets you easily transfer your baby from your car to the stroller without having to worry about them.
Additionally, most infant car seats have a base that can be installed in other vehicles, allowing you to take your child along with you no matter where you go. This is great for those who use taxis or ride-sharing services often. It also makes travelling with a baby on planes much easier.
Certain infant carrier seats can be used on strollers that do not have a base. This allows you to ensure your child's safety during all sorts of excursions and adventures. This is a great choice for grandparents who would like to help you out with transporting your baby, too!
It is crucial to remember that a
baby car seat is not designed to be left unattended on a soft surface. Babies can tip or roll over, causing injuries or even suffocation. This is why you must be sure to read the safety guidelines carefully prior to using a car seat for your infant in a different location.
Portability
Many infant car seats are designed as part of the travel system, which is comprising a car seat base and stroller frame that snap into one another for seamless transitions. Travel systems are perfect for babies, as they give parents the option to move their child from the car to a stroller without having to wake the baby up. This feature is the main reason why more than 80% of Babylist parents buy an infant seat.
In addition, many infant car seats work with most strollers. Stroller compatibility allows parents to quickly take their child out of the car and onto the frame of a stroller to walk through a park or a grocery store. This is a great feature to look out for if you are planning to use a taxi or ride-sharing service. The majority of these services require children to be in a safe seat.
Infant car seats are generally lighter and smaller than convertible car seats. They are a great option for families who prefer to be active. Some infant car seats come with a handle so parents can carry the seat by themselves. This is especially helpful when you have a trip planned that you don't wish to wake your sleeping baby up for!
Some convertible car seats are designed to be rear-facing for infants and later convert into a forward-facing seat for older children. These seats all-in-one are great if you're looking to keep your child in a safe seat for as long as is possible. There is a convertible car seat that can be converted into a high-back booster seat when your child outgrows its harness (or exceeds the weight and height limits). Make sure to check for this when browsing choices!

Easy of Use
An infant car seat is an infant car seat that faces the rear and can be connected to a base in your car. These seats are designed to keep infants and toddlers safe until they reach weight and height requirements for the booster. Many infant car seats are also compatible with strollers. This can make it easy to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller and continue your journey without disturbing their nap schedule.
Look for an infant seat with an attachable carrier that it can be attached to the base of a stroller or car. This will let you quickly take your baby into and out of the car, especially when their nap is coming to end or they're hungry, thirsty or bored. It's also important to check the shoulder strap slots and ensure they are properly positioned to fit your child's height. If the straps aren't low enough or high, they aren't used correctly and can be a risk in the event of a crash.
Some infant car seats have lower anchors which can be used with or without the base. This is great for taxi rides, or when traveling by plane. It is essential to confirm that the lower anchors are on an European routing route and are easy to set up and remove, and we look for an audible click to ensure the seat is properly secured. It's also beneficial to locate seats that have an easy-to-use harness as well as a carrier adjustment mechanism, such as the Graco Click Connect or the UPPAbaby SmartSecure option.
Convertible car seat is the next step after an infant carrier. They can be used until your child is at the height or weight requirements for the booster. They can be used alongside strollers, but they don't offer the newborn fit and convenience of an infant car seat. 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 around busy areas.
Installation
Installing car seats, and especially infant car seats, can be difficult. It is essential to install car seats safely and correctly. This can be affected by the seat position, the angle of base, and the way you use the handle.
Most infant 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 rear-facing and are safer than forward-facing. The majority of car seats have an integrated angle indicator that can be used to verify that the seat is in the correct semi-reclined angle for your baby. The base could have an angle adjustment.
Another feature to look out for is whether the seat has a way to adjust the height of the shoulder straps without the need to remove and adjust the straps. This can be a real time saver, since it is likely to need to be done multiple times throughout the car seat of an infant.
Some cars have a hard point in the back seat that is specifically designed to hold baby car safety seats. They are typically tucked into the crease that runs between the cushion on the back of the seat and the bottom. The hooks are designed for the specific seat and are designed to be able to snap into place with minimal effort. Once they are attached to your seat, you will hear a distinct noise.
It's an excellent idea to test the car seat with a toddler to be sure it will work well for your family. If your child is uncomfortable or the car seat doesn't connect to the base, you should consider a different option.
Some car seats can be used without the base, which is useful if you take public transportation or use taxi services like Uber. It is common to remove and install the carrier without the base by pressing a lever or button. Review the instructions given by the manufacturer. Some will even provide a clear "click" when it is secure enough.