Infant Car Seat - What You Need to Know

Most baby car seats can be detached from their base, and then reassembled into a stroller compatible with them for easy transport. This feature makes them popular for parents who plan to take frequent trips out of town.

No matter which car seat you pick make sure your child is dressed in clothes that allow the harness straps to comfortably fit over their hips and shoulders. The bulky clothing or blankets could hinder a secure harness fit.

Rear-Facing

infant car seat newborn (visit the website) car seats (also known as convertible car seats that have an open rear position) are designed to hold newborns and children as high as the weight and height limits set by the manufacturer. They usually include an infant insert to ensure that the baby's head is comfortable positioned within the seat's shell.

The AAP and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommend that babies ride rear-facing until they reach their height or weight limits for the car seat, whichever comes first. Certain convertible and all-in-one car seats allow your child to sit rear facing longer, up to age 4 or 5 (depending on the model).

The majority of car seats have a reclining angle which can be adjusted to keep the baby's back from falling forward when the vehicle stops. You'll need to study the manual for your car seat for instructions on how to adjust the reclining angle, or find a video from a car seat influencer to learn how. Do not place your baby in heavy clothing, such as coats or blankets. They could impede a snug fit of the harness and block airflow around their neck and chest.

Many parents are reluctant in switching their child from a rear-facing position to forward-facing. They worry that the force of the crash may cause the baby's legs to be ejected from their feet, or that their neck and head could be violently thrown forward in a side-impact. It's important to remember that rear-facing offers a greater level of protection than forward-facing.

A video posted by a car seats newborn seat influencer depicts an infant sitting in a forward-facing car seat being violently tossed around in an accident simulator. The head injury that results is a gruesome injury to the head. The video of the same crash from the rear seat isn't as horrific because the child's head is being held by the shell.

If your state requires you to put your child in the opposite direction, do not follow it. This is not in line with the best car seat practices. The AAP and NHTSA agree that children should be rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height for the car seat.

Forward-Facing

Infant car seats are designed for newborns and infants. Harnesses help secure them to the seat. Parents can adjust the recline angle of the headrest, and stroller attachments depending on the model of car seat. The majority of infant car seats are designed to accommodate an upper weight and height limit, and most children will outgrow them before they are ready to move to a forward facing car seat.

It's understandable parents' desire to change their baby's position as quickly as they can, but the current standard requires that children under one year old remain rear-facing until they weigh 20 pounds and are one year old. This is because the neck muscles of infants aren't strong enough for the whiplash of the rear-end crash which happens when a baby turns forward in a crash.

If a child is being thrown forward in a frontal crash the spinal cord could be stretched and torn which can cause paralysis or even death. If a child is seated backwards in a car the neck bones remain together and are protected by the straps that secure the harness, which prevents this kind of injury.

Rear-facing babies are less likely to be in the rear of the car in an accident. In the event of a collision they're less likely to be injured by a seatbelt that is positioned across their chests instead of their necks.

Parents must ensure that their child is using the right car seat that is suitable for his or their size. Always consult the instructions for car seats from the manufacturer and vehicle owner's manual when making an important decision. It's also a good idea to visit an accredited car seat technician in your local area for professional help and advice.

If an infant is outgrowing their car seat, they may move to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat that begins in the rear-facing position, and then shifts to forward-facing after they've reached their weight and height limits. They can then upgrade to a booster seat using a a lap-sash adult seatbelt once they've reached their recommended age and weight.

Convertible

Many new parents are split between choosing an infant car seat or a convertible. Both have their benefits however, which is the right choice for your family? A convertible car seat is a fantastic option for a durable car seat for infants.

As your child grows, convertible infant car seats can be moved from rear-facing to front-facing. They can accommodate kids from infancy through late elementary school, based on the model you choose. Some have heavier weight and height limits in the rear position than infant car seats, allowing them to last longer.

Find out if the convertible infant car seat has removable infant inserts that will ensure a secure fit for your child. The firm padding raises the infant's torso so they can get to the smallest strap slots, and it pushes them forward a bit to stop their head from flopping back against the harness straps or the seat's crotch buckle (which puts them at risk of positional asphyxia).

Some infant car seats come with a handle to make it easier to transfer between vehicles. Others can be clicked into strollers, forming a travel system. This feature allows you to effortlessly transfer from your car to a stroller, without having to wake up your baby.

Eventually, though your child will eventually outgrow their infant car seat, either by reaching their weight limit or their height limit. Most experts agree it's time to upgrade to a convertible car seat when your child's head is within 1 inch of the top edge of the seat. Consult your seat's instruction manual to make sure your child is ready.

While convertible car seats can appear more expensive initially than infant car seats, they may be cheaper in the long run since you'll be capable of using them for several years. Additionally, some models have lower anchors that allow you to install them with less force than traditional seats, which can minimize injuries from an accident.

Safety Ratings

Safety is the most important factor to think about when buying car seats for infants. All car seats for infants are required to meet federal safety standards. However some go above the minimum requirements to give parents extra security.

Premium features such as anti-rebound bars and no-rethread harnesses are a great way to ensure that your child's safety is maintained. Load legs, which support the base of the seat and reduce the force of a crash are also available.

Examining the crash test ratings and reviews of a baby car seat will help you determine its safety before purchasing. However it is important to remember that the most crucial factor in determining the safety of an infant car seat is the way it is used. According to our discussions the majority of accidents involving infant car seats are the result of misuse -- either incorrect installations or improper restraints for the child.

To ensure that you're using an infant car seat correctly, choose one that has a clear instructions manual and lots of indicators that show it's secure and level, including bubbles on the base that inform you EXACTLY where to position the seat. When you install the seat, tighten the straps around the baby's chest and abdomen. One good sign of this is the sound that it makes when you tighten.

Finally, when you're out and about with your baby in a car seat, never leave it unattended, even when you're just going to the store or making a quick trip to the park. In addition to being an extremely dangerous idea in the event of the event of a crash, leaving your infant car seat or carrier on a rough surface outside the vehicle is a risky option that can lead to injuries and falls. Car seats that tip over or roll can cause injury or death to infants.

While the choice between an infant car seat travel car seat and convertible car seats or an all-in-one car seat might seem like it's all about price at this point but keep in mind that you will require a booster seat at some time. To save money in the long run opt for an all-in-one or convertible car seat that will give you more options and last longer than an infant car seat.