What is an Infant Carrier Seat?

Parents have two options when choosing the right car seat for their baby carseats for infants and convertible car seats. Infant car seats are only designed for rear-facing use, which means they have a shorter lifespan.

Infant carrier seats are commonly compatible with strollers (adapters available separately) to create a traveling system. This allows parents to easily take their baby out of the car and into a stroller without disturbing their sleep.

Safety

Many parents are concerned about how secure an infant carrier seat is, especially when they purchase one for the first time. Like all car seats, the infant carrier seat was designed to safeguard your child as safe as is possible in the event of a crash. They are usually placed in the rear, which makes them the best car seats for infants choice for infants that are at greatest chance of being injured in an accident.

These seats also have extra padding to provide additional head protection, and lower anchors to secure the seat to the chassis of the vehicle in case in the event of an accident. This is particularly important with young infants, with large necks and heads that are easily injured by the force of a collision or sudden stop. Most infant carrier seats can be used with strollers, forming a travel system that lets you effortlessly transfer your child from your car to your stroller, without disturbing them.

Most infant car seats also include a base that can be used in other vehicles. This allows you to bring your child wherever you go. This is great for those who use taxis or ride-sharing services frequently. It can also make traveling with an infant on planes much easier.

Certain infant carrier seats are even suitable for use on strollers without the base, which allows you to keep your baby safe throughout all sorts of adventures and trips. This is a great choice for grandparents who want to help with the transportation of your child.

It's also important to remember that an infant carrier seat is never meant to be left unattended in the vehicle, since infants can roll or tip them over on soft surfaces, leading to injuries and even the risk of suffocation. It is crucial to follow the instructions prior to using an infant seat in a new location.

Portability

Many infant car seats are designed to be part of a travel system, comprising a car seat base and stroller frame that snap into one another for seamless transitions. Travel systems are perfect for infants, since they allow parents to move their child from the car to a stroller without waking him up. This alone is the main reason why more than 80% of Babylist parents sign up for an infant seat!

In addition, many infant car seats are compatible with most strollers. The stroller compatibility feature allows parents to take their child out of the car and put it on a stroller frame so they can walk around a park or supermarket. This is a great feature to look out for if you are considering using an Uber or taxi service. Most of these services require a child to be secured in a seat.

Infant car seats are usually lighter and smaller than convertible car seats. They are a great option for families that like to travel. Some infant car seats come with a handle so parents can carry the seat by themselves. This is especially helpful for those planning a trip you don't want to wake your baby for.

Car seats for infants only last until your baby becomes an adult and has outgrown the height and weight limits, some convertible car seats can be used as a rear facing infant car seat, and later changed to a forward-facing car seat for older children. These seats are an excellent choice for parents who are looking to keep your child in a secure car seat for as long as possible. You can also find seats that convert to change into a high-back booster seat when your child has outgrown the harness (or exceeds the weight and height limits). Be sure to look for this when you browse the options!

Simple to Use

An infant car seats that swivel car seat is a rear-facing car seat which clicks into a base installed in your car. They are designed to keep newborns and young babies safe until they meet the height and weight requirements for a booster seat. Many infant car seats are compatible with strollers. This makes it simple to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller without disrupting their nap.

Look for a baby seat that has an attachable carrier that it can be attached to the base of a stroller or a car. This will make it much easier to get your child into and out of the car, especially when their nap is over or they are hungry, thirsty, or bored. It is also essential to examine the shoulder strap slots and make sure they're properly placed according to your child's size. If the straps are placed too low or high they are not able to be properly used in a crash and could be risky.

Certain infant car seats have lower anchors which can be used with or without the base. This is great for taxi rides or when traveling via plane. It's important to check that the lower anchors have a European routing route and are easy to set up and remove, and we look for a click that sounds like an alarm when the seat is properly secured. It's also beneficial to locate a seat that has an easy-to-use harness and carrier adjustment system, such as Graco's Click Connect or the UPPAbaby SmartSecure option.

Convertible car seat is the next step following an infant carrier. They can be used until your child reaches the weight or height requirements for the booster. They can be used in conjunction with strollers, but they don't offer the convenience and fit of an infant car seat. Some convertible seats can be transformed into boosters. However, they are usually larger and less portable. This makes them difficult to maneuver when traveling in small vehicles or in congested areas.

Installation

Installing car seats, particularly infant car seats, is a challenge. It is crucial to install car seats correctly and safely. This is influenced by the position of the seat as well as the angle of base, and how you handle the handle.

The majority of infant car seat inserts for newborns seats are made to be connected to a base that remains in the vehicle, which is commonly referred to as a traveling system. These seats are made to be used rear-facing which is more secure than forward-facing. The majority of car seats have an angle indicator that you can use to check if the seat is set at the right semi-reclined level for your child. The base might include an adjustable angle.

Another thing to consider is if the seat has a way to adjust the shoulder strap height without the need to remove and rethread the straps. This can be a significant time saver, as it will likely have to be done several times throughout an infant's car seat use.

Certain cars have a hard point in the back of the seat that is specifically designed to hold baby car safety seats. They are typically tucked into the crease that runs between the seat back cushion and the bottom cushion. These hooks are made specifically for the specific seat and should snap into place with only a little effort. When they are connected, you may hear a distinct sound.

It's an excellent idea to test the car seat with a child to make sure it will work well for your family. If your child isn't comfortable or the car seat won't connect to the base, you should look for another option.

Certain car seats are equipped to be used without a base. This is a great option for those who use taxi or public transportation services such as Uber. You can usually remove and install the seat without having a base by simply pressing a lever or button. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. Some will even provide the clear "click" when it is secure enough.