What is an Infant Carrier Seat?

Parents have two options when choosing the right car seat for their infant carseats for infants and convertible car seats. best car seat for newborn seats for infants are designed for rear-facing use, so they last a little longer.

Infant carrier seats are commonly compatible with strollers (adapters available separately) to create a travel system. This allows parents to transfer their child from the car into a stroller with ease without causing any disturbance to them.

Safety

Many parents have concerns about how secure an infant carrier seat is, particularly if they are purchasing one for the first time. As with all best car seats newborn seats, the infant seat was designed to safeguard your baby as safely as it is possible in the event of a collision. Typically they are placed with the infant facing to the rear. This makes them the ideal choice for infants at the greatest danger of injury in a vehicle crash.

They also come with extra padding for additional head protection, and lower anchors to secure the seat to the vehicle's chassis to stop it from moving during a collision. This is especially crucial for babies with necks that are large and heads that are easily injured in the sudden stopping or collision. Most infant carrier seats can be used in conjunction with strollers, creating a system that lets you easily transfer your baby from your car to your stroller, without disturbing them.

Many infant car seats come with a base which can be used in other vehicles. This allows you to take your child wherever you go. This is particularly beneficial if you frequently take a taxi or ride-sharing service, and it can make travelling on airplanes with your infant much easier as well.

Certain infant carrier seats can be put on strollers that don't have an element of base. This lets you ensure your child's safety during all sorts of excursions and adventures. 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 the vehicle, since infants can roll or tip them over on soft surfaces, which can lead to injuries or even suffocation. It is essential to read the instructions before using an infant seat in a new area.

Portability

Many infant car seats are offered as part of a "travel system", which is a combination of the car seat base and the stroller frame. These connect to provide seamless transitions. Travel systems are ideal for infants since they allow parents to transfer their child from the car to the stroller and back without needing to awake them. This is the primary reason that more than 80% of Babylist parents choose to purchase an infant seat.

Many infant car seats work with the majority of strollers. Stroller compatibility allows parents to easily take their baby out of the car and into a stroller frame to walk around a park or grocery store. This is also a great 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 car seats.

In comparison to convertible car seats which must remain in the vehicle the infant car seats are often smaller and lighter, making them a great option for families that are constantly on the move. Some infant car seats come with a handle, so parents can carry the seat by themselves. This is particularly helpful if you have any trips planned that you don't want to wake your sleeping baby up for!

Some convertible car seats are designed to be rear-facing seats for infants, but can be converted to a forward-facing seat for older children. These all-in-one seats are a great option for parents who are looking to keep your child in a secure car seat for as long as you can. You can even find a convertible seat that will transform into a high back booster seat once your child has outgrown the harness (or exceeds the height and weight limits). Be sure to search for this when browsing the options!

Easy of Use

A rear-facing infant car seat is car seat that snaps onto the base of your car. They are designed to keep newborns and young babies secure until they reach the weight and height requirements for a booster seat. Many infant car seats are also compatible with strollers, which can allow you to easily transfer the baby from the car to the stroller and continue your journey without disrupting their nap schedule.

Look for an infant car seat that has an attachable carrier that clips onto the base or a stroller. This will allow you to quickly get your child in and out of the car, particularly when their nap is about to end or they're hungry, thirsty or bored. Check the shoulder strap slots to make sure they are positioned correctly for your child. If the straps have been placed too high or low they won't be able to be properly used in a crash and can be risky.

Some infant car seat for travel car seats also include lower anchors that are able to be used in lieu of the base, which is great for taxi rides and when traveling on airplanes. Be sure that the lower anchors are easy to install, have a European routing and are easy to release. We can also listen 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 carrier adjustment system, such as the Graco Click Connect or the UPPAbaby SmartSecure option.

Convertible car seats are the next step following an infant carrier. They are able to be used until your child reaches the weight or height requirements for the booster. They can be used conjunction with a stroller however they do not offer the convenience or fit for a newborn of a baby carrier. Some convertible seats can be converted to boosters. However, they are usually more bulkier and less mobile. This makes them difficult to maneuver in small vehicles or in crowded areas.

Installation

Car seats, especially infant car seats, are complicated to install. It is vital to install car seats safely and correctly. Some factors that can impact this include the position of the seat and the angle of the base and the way to use the handle.

Most infant car seats are designed to be attached to a base which remains in the vehicle, a combination commonly referred to as a traveling system. They are designed to be used in the rear position, which is more secure for infants than forward facing infant car seat-facing seats. Most car seats have an inbuilt angle indicator that can be read to ensure the seat is at the right semi-reclined angle for your baby. The base could also have an adjustor to change the angle.

Another feature to look out for is if the seat comes with a way to adjust the shoulder strap height without the need to remove and rethread the straps. This could be a huge time saver, since it will likely need to be done multiple times during the course of the car seat of an infant.

Lastly, some cars have hard points on the back of the seat that are specifically designed to hold infant car seats. They are typically tucked into the crease between the cushion in the back of the seat and the bottom cushion. These hooks are custom made for the specific seat and are designed to be able to snap into place with minimal effort. They can also produce an audible sound when they are securely connected.

It is also a great idea to test out the car seat on a child first to make sure it's suitable for your family. If your child is uncomfortable or the car seat isn't able to connect to the base, you should consider a different option.

Certain car seats can be put in without the base, which is useful when you travel by public transport or rely on taxi service like Uber. Check the manufacturer's instructions for removing and putting in the carrier without the base, but the majority will allow you to do so by simply pressing a button or lever. Many will give you the clear "click" when it's secure enough.