15 Terms Everybody Who Works In Infant Car Seats Industry Should Know

Infant Car Seats A car seat for infants is a must-have for infants and small babies. Most infant car seats include a base, a carrier and straps that can be joined to one another. They can then be used in a vehicle or in conjunction 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 The rear-facing infant car seat was designed to safeguard and protect the youngest of children, from infants to two years old. Often, they snap into a base that remains buckled in the car, but they can be removed to use as a carrier. Many parents find that this provides greater convenience than having to install and uninstall a child safety seat each time they drive, however it shouldn't be used as a substitute for the proper installation of a car seat and seat belt use. Children are at risk of neck and head injuries in collisions, which is why it is essential to have a properly fitted infant car seat. It is recommended to adhere to the instructions that come with the car seat. Check to make sure the straps are secure enough to stop fabric folds from being pinched once your child has buckled into. The chest clip should be on the same level as your child's armpits. It's an excellent idea to practice placing your child in and out of the car seat as often as you can to become familiar with the process so that you are more prepared when you need to quickly put your child in for an unexpected journey. If your car seat is equipped with an integrated angle indicator or adjuster, it's a good idea to check it frequently to ensure that it is at the correct incline to protect your child. Do not leave your child in the car seat without supervision. If the carrier is left on a surface with a high level such as a counter or a bed, it may be thrown over or tip and your child may be injured or even die. The only safe place for a baby to ride in is facing rear and in the back seat. They should remain there until they reach above the manufacturer's height and weight restrictions. Some infant car seats let you use a receiving blanket to provide extra head and neck protection in place of or in addition to the padding built-in to the seat. Convenience Car seats for infants are made to accommodate children who weigh between 4 and 35 lbs. They are typically rear-facing and can be slid into a base inside your vehicle. Car seats can easily be moved between vehicles, and can be connected to a stroller compatible with it. This creates a transport system for outings that is simple. Infant car seats can also be fitted with a handy carrying handle for parents to move the car seat from their vehicle to stroller and back, without disturbing their sleeping child. Most baby car seats are designed to fit a wide range of baby sizes with a variety of models that offer an incredibly snug and secure fit for tiny newborns. They are usually lightweight enough to carry for short distances and they are able to be easily transferred from the vehicle to the stroller. This makes them a perfect choice for parents who frequently take their babies out in public. Many infant seats are compatible with matching strollers that allow parents to travel stylishly. Parents who are seeking the best car seat for their child may consider its safety ratings and features. For example, if your family plans to travel extensively on planes it is possible to consider a baby car seat that has built-in ISOFIX indicators as well as a strong lower anchor strap. If you are looking for a greener alternative, you may want to consider a baby car seat which uses less chemicals in its manufacturing. 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. Most infant car seats 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 car seats newborn 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.