Why a Portable Infant Car Seat is a Must-Have

Parenting is a time filled with a variety of decisions. A portable infant carrier seat car seat is essential for parents who frequently use taxis or rideshares.

The baby seats disengage from their base and click into strollers that are compatible which allows you to carry your baby asleep without disturbing them up or disturbing their car journey.

Safety Features

Infant-only car seats are created to be as safe and secure as possible for babies who are at risk to neck or head injuries. A car seat for infants may include energy-absorbing foam and Side Impact Protection pods or both to shield your child in the event of a crash. Other features include a five-point no-rethread harness, a recline that provides the most comfortable ride for your baby and strap holders to prevent the straps from getting caught. Some models come with an aluminum stability leg to stop the car seat from turning in the event of an accident.

Many parents are happy to learn that infant car seats can be easily transformed into strollers. This is especially beneficial when you intend to use the car seat for public transportation or taxis. Most infant car seats have FAA approval for air travel, so you can also use them in the airplane cabin.

A portable infant car seat allows you to take your child on more adventures with the family, including hikes and camping trips. These seats are smaller and more compact than convertible car seats. This makes them easier to maneuver, particularly in smaller vehicles or on uneven terrain. In addition some portable infant car seats come with handles built-in to make it easier for you to carry them.

If you're not sure how to install your portable infant car seat, consult with a certified child safety technician (CPST). You can locate one in your area through the National Child Passenger Safety website. Local police and fire departments have CPSTs who can assist you for no cost. You can join an organization like Tot Squad for virtual or in-person assistance from a trained expert.

When making this decision, it's important that you take into consideration your lifestyle and the dimensions of your vehicle. A convertible car seat, for example it may not fit in the trunk of your car, and you will need to install the base separately. It is heavier and bulkier than an infant car seat, and it can't be used to boost the child.

Comfort

Comfort might not be the first thing parents think about when it comes to their infant car seats but a relaxing ride is important for both parents and children. Some of the best infant carrier car seat portable infant car seats feature soft headrests and shoulder pads for extra cushioning, while others provide reclining options that can be adjusted to find a custom fit. Some come with built-in shades as well as pockets for toys, snacks and other things.

When choosing the right car seat for your child, safety is the primary consideration. There are a variety of features to consider. For instance, some seats have a no-twist belt indicator, which makes buckling your child easier, whereas others come with an integrated bubble level for rapid and precise installation. Many portable infant car seats are designed to work with strollers to create a travel system, so you can easily transfer your baby between your vehicle and your destination.

Other aspects to consider when choosing a portable infant car seat include the size and weight of the seat, how easy it is to install and whether it has additional safety features. For example certain seats come with a Euro belt path that allows you to get a secure fit without the base in some European vehicles, and some are certified GREENGUARD Gold for low chemical and VOC emissions. Additionally, a light seat is less straining on your back and arms when carrying it around.

In addition Some infant car seats are designed to convert into a toddler booster when your child is ready, which can save you time and money in the long time. This is especially useful for parents who regularly take taxis or rideshares, since it lets them keep their child's car seat in place when they change cars. Examples of this type of portable infant car seat include the Doona that has integrated wheels that can be turned into a stroller and is FAA-approved to be used on airplanes. Other convertible infant car seats include the Graco SnugRide 35 DLX and the Evenflo Litemax DLX.

Convenience

For infants and newborns, portable infant car seats are typically smaller and lighter than convertible car seats. They are simple to transport from one vehicle to the next, especially if they're used with a stroller that is compatible with a travel set. Often the car seats have a canopy that offers additional protection from sun.

Newborns and infants need a secure, comfortable fit in their carseats and that's why portable infant car seats are an excellent choice for families. Most of the time, these car seats feature additional padding for the head area that can help protect an infant's head in case of an accident. These seats also have a five-point safety harness, as well as side impact protection that is designed to ensure your baby's safety and comfort.

Many portable infant car seats come with an attached base to your vehicle. The carrier can be clicked into the base or a stroller compatible with the car seat which makes it easy to transfer your sleeping baby between the car and stroller without causing any disturbance. Car seats usually come with a lock-off mechanism that prevents your child from removing or unbuckling their straps.

When transporting your infant car seat from one vehicle to the next, you should not loosen or undo the harness straps. This could result in strangulation if there is a crash. Instead, keep them secure at all times and put blankets or coats on the top rated infant car seats of the straps during cold weather.

Before purchasing an infant car seat, be aware of how long your child will be likely to stay in it. Because they're specifically designed for infants and newborns, they are likely to have a shorter life span than convertible car seats, which means you may need to purchase another seat sooner than expected. In general, infant car seats can only be used until your child has outgrown them, which is typically within the first year of life.

Cost

There are some costs that are important to consider when deciding on which portable infant car seat to buy. It is likely that you will need to purchase a separate base for your vehicle, and certain models require that you install the carrier using LATCH. This will add to the total cost of your purchase, however, it can save you money in the long run since you don't have to purchase an infant car seat that is a separate base if you have multiple vehicles.

You may also want to consider purchasing an all-in-one car seat (also called a 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 convertible car seat). These seats can grow with your child, from rear facing infant car seat-facing babies to toddlers who face forward, and then into boosters for older children. These seats are an excellent choice for parents who frequently travel or move their child from one vehicle to another. You will need to purchase a base for each vehicle that you plan to use the seat in. They are also heavier than the infant car safety seats.

Another issue that could arise is that a lot of infant car seats aren't compatible with strollers and you'll have to wake your sleepy baby to transfer them. This could be a problem when you have a long commute or spend the majority of your time running errands while having your little one in your car. If you're a parent who is using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, this type of car seat might be the best option for you, as these types of seats let you easily snap the seat into a compatible stroller and continue your journey without causing any disturbance to your child.

Parents may also opt to buy a travel system that includes a baby car seat and a stroller. This could be a good option if you're expecting a smaller or premature baby, since these types of models provide the best car seats for infants fit for infants.

Most children will outgrow their infant car seats by around the age of a year, depending on their height and weight. You'll have to upgrade the car seat of your child even if they haven't reached their maximum weight or height.