Infant Car Seat: A Simple Definition
Why a Portable Infant Car Seat is a Must-Have
Parenting is a time filled with a myriad of choices. A portable infant car seat (Play 56 official website) should be a must for parents who regularly use taxis or rideshares.
These baby seats can be detached from their base and clicked into compatible strollers. This allows you to move your child asleep without disturbing them or wake them awake.
Safety Features
Car seats for infants have been created to be as safe and secure as they can be for infants, who are particularly vulnerable to head or neck injuries. Depending on the model you select the infant-only car seat might have energy-absorbing foam or Side Impact Protection pods to protect your baby in the event of an accident. Other features include a no-rethread five-point harness, a recline feature that makes the ride more comfortable for your lightweight baby car seat and strap holders that keep the straps free of tangles. Some models come with a steel stability foot to prevent the car seats from turning in an accident.
Many parents appreciate that infant car seats are often compatible with strollers, allowing you to effortlessly transfer your child from the car seat into the stroller. This is especially beneficial when you intend to use the car seat in taxis or public transportation. Additionally, the majority of infant car seats are FAA-approved for travel, which means you can use them in airplane cabins, too.
A portable infant car seat also lets you take your child on more adventures with the family, including hikes and camping trips. These seats are smaller and compact than convertible car seats. This makes them easier to maneuver, particularly in smaller vehicles or on uneven terrain. Furthermore the majority of portable infant car seats have handles built-in to make it easier to carry them.
If you're unsure of how to properly install your portable infant car seat, consult with a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST). Find one in your area by visiting the National Child Passenger Safety Website. A few local police and fire departments have CPSTs that can help you for free. You can also join an organization like Tot Squad for virtual or in-person assistance from a qualified expert.
A portable, all-in-one car seat provides a great deal of convenience, but you need to think about your lifestyle and size of the vehicle when making this decision. For example a convertible car seat may not fit into your car's trunk, and will require you to install the base separately. It is heavier and more bulky than an infant car seat and cannot be used to help the child.
Comfort
Comfort may not be what parents think about when it comes down to the infant car seats, but a comfortable ride is important for both parents and children. Some of the most comfortable portable infant car seats feature soft shoulders and headrests for additional cushioning, while others offer adjustable reclining options to find a custom fit. Some include built-in shades and storage pockets for toys, snacks and other supplies.
When you are choosing the right car seat for your child, safety is the primary consideration. There are many features to take into consideration. Some seats have a no-twist indicator, which makes it easier to buckle your child. Others come with the ability to use a bubble level to make it easy and precise to install. Many portable infant car seats are designed to be used with strollers to create an entire travel system, which means you can easily transition your child between the vehicle and the destination.
Other factors to take into consideration when buying a portable infant car seat include the size and weight of the seat as well as how easy to install and if it has additional safety features. Some seats come with the Euro-belt route, which allows you to secure the seat without a base in certain European vehicles. Others are certified GREENGUARD GOLD, which means they have low VOC and chemical emissions. Additionally, a light seat is less straining on your back and arms when you carry it around.
Some infant car seats can be changed into toddler boosters when your child is old enough. This can save you time and money in the long-run. This is particularly beneficial for parents who take taxis or rideshares often, since they can keep their child's car seat in place when they change cars. Examples of this kind of portable infant car seat include the Doona that comes with wheels that are integrated to transform it into a stroller. It is FAA-approved for use on planes. Other convertible infant car seats alternatives include the Graco SnugRide 35 DLX, and the Evenflo Litemax DLX.
Convenience
For infants and newborns, portable infant car seats are usually smaller and lighter than convertible car seats. They are easy to move from one vehicle to the next and are especially useful when combined with a stroller which is compatible with an entire travel set. In most cases they also come with a canopy to provide additional protection from sun.
Infants and newborns require a safe, snug fit in their carseats This is why portable infant car seats are a great option for families. The majority of these car seats come with extra padding in the head area that can protect an infant's head in the event of an accident. They also come with a five-point safety harness as well as side impact protection that is carefully engineered to ensure your baby's safety and comfort.
Many portable infant car seats come with the base that can be attached to your vehicle. The car seat is then plugged into the base or a stroller compatible with it and allows you to transfer your baby car seat from the car to the stroller and back without disturbing them. Car seats typically have a lock off mechanism that stops your child from unbuckling or undoing their straps.
When you are moving your infant car seat from one vehicle to the next, you should not loosen or remove the straps of your harness. This can cause strangulation in the event of an accident. Instead, keep them secure at all times and place blankets or coats over the top of the straps during cold weather.
Before purchasing an infant car seat, you must also consider how long your child will be likely to be using it. They tend to last less than convertible car seats due to the fact that they are specifically designed for babies and infants. It is possible that you will need to buy another seat sooner than you thought. Car seats for infants are generally used until the child is no longer using it, which typically happens within the first year.
Cost
There are some costs to think about when deciding which portable infant car seat to buy. It is likely that you will need to purchase a separate base for your vehicle, and some models require that you install the carrier using LATCH. This can increase the cost of your purchase, but you will save money in the long run by not having to purchase an individual base for each vehicle.
You may also want to look into purchasing an all-in-one car seat (also called a 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 convertible car seat). These seats can adapt to your child, from rear-facing infants to toddlers who face forward, and then into boosters for older children. These seats are a great choice for parents who travel often or who have to move their child from one vehicle to the next. You'll need to purchase a base for each vehicle that you intend to use the seat. They are also heavier than baby car safety seats.
Another issue that could arise is that many infant car seats don't work with strollers and you'll need to wake your sleepy baby to move them. This could be a problem in the event that you have a hectic commute or spend most of your time running around with your baby in your car. If you are a parent who utilizes rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft this kind of car seat could be the best car seats newborn choice for you, since these types of seats allow you to easily convert the seat into a stroller that is compatible and then continue your journey without causing any disturbance to your child.
Furthermore some parents choose to purchase an infant car seat with an accompanying stroller as part of what is called a travel system. If you're expecting a premature baby or a child who is smaller than average this is a fantastic idea. These models are designed to fit newborns.
The majority of children will outgrow their infant seats by the age of one year old, based on both their height and weight. In the end, you'll require a new model even the child isn't yet at the maximum height or weight limit.