5 Killer Quora Answers To Infant Carrier Seat
From Shiapedia
What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
When it comes to choosing a car seat, parents have two options: infant car seats or convertible seats. Infant car seats are only suitable for rear-facing use therefore they last a little longer.
Infant carrier seats are commonly compatible with strollers (adapters sold separately) to create a traveling system. This allows parents to take their baby car seat from the car into a stroller easily without disturbing them.
Safety
Many parents are concerned about how safe an infant carrier seat - check here - is, especially when they purchase one for the first time. But, like any car seat on the market, an infant's seat is made to be as safe as is possible to protect your infant in the event of an accident. They are usually placed in the rear, which makes them the best infant carrier car seat choice for infants who are at the highest risk of injury in a car accident.
These seats also feature additional padding for head protection, as well as lower anchors that secure the seat to the chassis in case in the event of an accident. This is especially important for young infants, who have large necks and heads that are susceptible to injury from the force of a collision or sudden stop. Most infant carrier seats can be used in conjunction with strollers, creating a system that allows you to effortlessly transfer your child from your car to the stroller without having to worry about them.
Most infant car seats also include a base that can be used in other vehicles. This allows you to take your child wherever you go. This is particularly beneficial when you regularly use ride-sharing or taxi services and can make travelling on airplanes with your infant a lot easier also.
Certain infant carrier seats are even suitable for use on strollers without the base, allowing you to keep your baby safe throughout all sorts of excursions and trips. This is a great choice for grandparents who wish to assist you in transporting your baby, too!
It's also important to keep in mind that a child's car seat is not meant to be left unattended outside of a vehicle, as infants could tip or roll over on soft surfaces, which can lead to injuries and possibly suffocation. It is essential to follow the instructions prior to using an infant seat in a new location.
Portability
Many infant car seats come as part of a "travel system" that is made up of the car seat base and frame of the stroller. These snap together to allow for seamless transitions. Travel systems are perfect for babies as they permit parents to move their child from the car to the stroller and back without needing to wake them up. This feature is the main reason why more than 80% of Babylist parents purchase an infant seat.
Many infant car seats can be used with strollers. The stroller compatibility feature allows parents to remove their child from the car and put it on a frame for a stroller so that they can stroll through a supermarket or park. This is a great option to consider when you're considering using taxi or ride share service, as the majority of these services require that the child be in a car seat.
Infant car seats are generally smaller and lighter than convertible car seats. They are an ideal option for families that like to travel. Some infant car seats come with a handle, so that parents can carry the seat by themselves. This is especially helpful if you have any trips scheduled that you don't want to wake your sleeping baby up for!
While infant car seats only last until your child is a toddler and they outgrow the weight and height limits, some convertible car seats can be used as a rear facing seat for newborns, then transformed into a forward-facing car seat for older children. These all-in-one seats are great if you're looking to keep your child safe in a seat for as long as is possible. You can even find a convertible seat that will convert into a high back booster seat once your child has outgrown the harness (or exceeds the height and weight limits). Just be sure to check for this when you are looking at options!
Ease of Use
A rear facing infant car seat-facing infant car seat is a car seat that snaps into the base of your vehicle. These seats are designed to keep infants and toddlers secure until they reach the weight and height requirements of a booster. Many infant car seats can be used with strollers. This makes it easy to move your child from the car to the stroller without disrupting their nap time.
Find an infant seat with a detachable carrier you can attach to the base of a stroller or car. This will make it much easier to get your baby into and out of the car, especially when their nap is about to end or they are thirsty, hungry, or bored. Examine the shoulder straps to ensure they're positioned correctly for your child. If the straps are placed too low or high they won't be able to be used properly in a crash, and they could be dangerous.
Some infant car seats come with lower anchors which can be used in conjunction with or without the base. This is ideal for taxi rides or when traveling by plane. It's important to check that the lower anchors are on a European routing path and are simple to install and release and we're looking for an audible click when the seat is properly secured. It is also beneficial to find a seat with an easy-to-use harness and adjustment mechanism, such as the Graco Click Connect or the UPPAbaby SmartSecure feature.
Convertible car seats are the next step following an infant carrier. They are able to be used until your child meets the height or weight requirements for a booster. They can be used alongside a stroller, but don't offer the convenience and fit of a car seat for infants. Some convertible seats can be converted into boosters, but they are typically heavier and less portable which makes them difficult to maneuver in small vehicles or when transporting children in busy areas.
Installation
Car seats, specifically infant car seats, are complicated to install. It is important to do it correctly and safely. The factors that affect this include the seat positioning, the angle of the base, and how to use the handle.
The majority of infant car seats are designed to be connected to a base that remains in the vehicle, a system often called a travel system. They are designed to be used in the rear-facing position, which is more secure for infants than forward-facing seats. Most car seats come with an angle indicator built in that you can use to verify if the seat is set at the right semi-reclined position for your child. The base may also have an adjustment mechanism to alter the angle.
Also, make sure that the seat allows you to adjust the shoulder straps' height without needing to unthread and rethread them. This can be a real time saver, as it will likely have to be done several times during the use of a car seat for infants.
Additionally, certain cars have hard points on the back of the seat that are specifically designed to hold infant car seats. These are usually hidden in the crease that runs between the cushion in the back of the seat and the bottom cushion. The hooks are designed for the particular seat and will snap into place with little effort. They may also make distinct sounds when they are connected securely.
It is an excellent idea to test the car seat with a child to be sure that it works for your family. If the car seat doesn't click into the base or your child is not comfortable, it's time for you to consider a different alternative.
Certain car seats are able to be installed without the base. This is beneficial for those who use taxi or public transportation like Uber. Check the manufacturer's instructions for removing and installing the carrier without the base, but most will permit you to do so with the simple press of an lever or button. Many will give you a "click" to signal that it's secured.
