Infant Car Seats
A car seat for infants is a necessity for newborns and small babies. The majority of infant car seats come with a base, a carrier and straps that can be joined to one another. They can then be used in a car or with a pram (see our guide on stroller/car seat compatibility).
The best infant car seats have premium features such as load legs--shock-absorbing parts that extend from the seat's base to the car floor--and padded shoulder harnesses that feel comfortable on babies for long rides.
Safety
A rear facing infant car seat (also known as a baby car seat, newborn carrier or infant carrier) is designed to hold and safeguard the youngest infants from birth to two years old. They can be snagged into a base that stays in the car but can be removed to use as a carrier. This is a convenient alternative to having to install a child safety car seats every time you drive. However, it should not replace the need for a proper seat belt or car seat installation.
Children are at risk of neck and head injuries during an accident, making it crucial to have an appropriately fitted infant car seat. It is recommended to adhere to the directions that come with the car seat. Make sure the straps are secure enough to prevent fabric folds from being pulled out after your child has buckled into. The chest clip should be placed at the same level as your child's armpits.
It's an excellent idea to practice getting your child into and out of the car seat as frequently as you can to become familiar with the process so that you are better prepared when you need to quickly put your child in for an unexpected journey. If your car seat has a built in angle indicator or adjuster it is an excellent idea to test it on a regular basis to ensure it's at the correct incline to protect your child.
Don't leave your child in the car seat without supervision. If the carrier is left on a surface that is high, such as a counter or a bed it can slide or fall over and your child could be injured or even choked.
The only safe place for infants to ride in is rear facing and in the back seat. They should remain in that position until they are at or above the manufacturer's height and weight restrictions. Certain infant car seats come with the option of putting an unrolled blanket on your child to provide additional head and neck support instead of or in addition to the car seat's built in padding.
Convenience
Car seats for infants are designed to accommodate children who weigh between 4 and 35lbs. They are typically rear-facing car seats that snap into a base in your vehicle. The car seat is able to be easily moved between vehicles and then attached to a compatible stroller and creates a travel system that makes getting out with baby an easy task. Car seats for infants are equipped with a handle that parents can use to move the car seat between cars and strollers without disturbing their sleepy baby.
The majority of baby car seats are designed to fit a wide range of baby sizes with a variety of models that offer a comfortable and secure fit for newborns who are tiny. They're typically light enough to carry for short distances, and can be easily transferred from car to stroller, making them the ideal option for parents who regularly go out with their infant in public. A lot of infant seats can be paired with matching strollers to create a seamless travel system that makes outings a breeze.
Parents who are looking for the most suitable infant car seat should to look at its features and safety ratings. If your family plans to travel by plane a lot, you might want to choose an infant car seat with ISOFIX indicators integrated and a rigid lower strap. If you're looking for a greener alternative then you might want to consider a baby car seat that is made with less chemical flame retardants during its production.
Some infant car seats have an adjustable crotch buckle strap that can be moved to position the harness at your baby’s armpit level, a positioning that is recommended for newborns because it reduces their chances of being pulled out of the seat during a collision. It’s important to read the instructions carefully when installing a new car seat, as all seats have different specifications and guidelines.
In time, most babies outgrow their infant car seats. Once they reach the manufacturer’s height and weight limits, it’s typically time to switch to a convertible car seat that will continue to protect them as they grow up. Car seat manufacturers also offer a variety of safety features that help parents keep their child protected while traveling, including load legs, anti-rebound bars, and no-rethread harnesses.
Portability
An infant car seat is designed to cradle and protect newborns and small infants. These seats have bases that stay buckled in the vehicle, and the seat snaps onto the base. This allows parents to quickly remove the seat from the car and carry it around with them if needed. Some car seats also have a feature that allows the seat to snap into a compatible stroller and convert into a travel system. This feature is great for parents who often take public transportation or need to use other family members' vehicles.
While most infant car seats are easy to install, some are more difficult than others. It is important to read the owner's manual and follow the instructions carefully. If possible, have another adult help you with the installation process. It is also important to have the seat installed correctly in the vehicle; a secure seat reduces the risk of a crash and increases your child's safety.
infant car seat that swivels have built-in angle indicators or adjustors to make it easier to get a proper angle. The harness straps should lie flat, not twisted, and placed through the slots at or below your baby's shoulders. When buckling, the harness should be snug enough that you can't pinch any extra material at the chest clip.
Many manufacturers offer easy-to-follow videos and guides on their support pages to assist with installation. If you are still having trouble, it is always a good idea to consult with a Certified Passenger Safety Technician in your area.
Eventually, your baby will outgrow their infant car seat and need to move to a convertible or all-in-one car seat. These types of car seats have higher rear-facing height and weight limits, allowing them to be used for longer. It's important to remember that you should not keep your child in an infant car seat once they reach the height or weight limit; this can increase their risk of injury in a crash. Many parents find that the easiest time to transition to a new car seat is when their baby turns one year old or reaches 22 pounds, whichever comes first.
Stroller Compatibility
Car seat compatibility is an important factor to consider when selecting a stroller for your little one. A car seat that snaps easily into the stroller frame makes for a convenient travel system and a seamless transition between driving and walking. The ability to use your infant car seat as part of a stroller also lets you keep baby asleep longer while on the go, and can make it easier to manage daily tasks and errands without waking your little one up.
For the most compatibility, choose a car seat and stroller from the same manufacturer. However, this is not always an option, as many car seats require the purchase of an accessory called a car seat adapter to connect to strollers from different brands. The BabyZen YoYo+ stroller, for example, requires the purchase of an adapter to work with a variety of infant car seats including those from Chicco, Bebe Confort, Cybex, and Maxi-Cosi.
To ensure that your infant car seat is compatible with the stroller, it is important to check for safety features such as a strong, clickable connection and an easy-to-read installation indicator. In addition, look for a stroller with maneuverability and durable tires that will be able to handle the weight of the car seat and child.
The best-compatible infant car seats feature a secure, clickable connection that will prevent the car seat from moving during use and makes a loud clicking sound when attached correctly. In addition, the top of the car seat should sit flat against the stroller and not be tilted, as this can put strain on the harness buckle and reduce the effectiveness of the restraint system.
In addition to making a smooth connection between your infant car seat and stroller, the best-compatible car seats feature easy-to-read indicators that help you ensure the straps are properly buckled, and that the latch plate is locked securely into place. A strong, clickable connection is key for safety, as a loose car seat can be easily detached in the event of an accident, leading to injuries or death.