Infant Car Seat - What You Need to Know

The majority of infant car seats can be removed from their base and snapped into a stroller compatible with them for easy transportation. This makes them very popular with parents who intend to make frequent trips out of town.

Regardless of which type of car seat you select Dress your baby in clothing that allows the harness straps to fit comfortably over their hips and shoulders. Bulky clothing or blankets can interfere with a snug harness fit.

Rear-Facing

Infant Car Seat Newborn car seats, referred to as convertible car seat with an inclination to the rear designed to accommodate infants and children of a smaller size up to a certain weight and height limit specified by the manufacturer. They are typically equipped with an infant insert that makes sure the head of a baby is securely placed inside the seat shell.

The AAP and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommend that infants ride rear-facing until they attain their weight or height limits for car seats, whichever comes first. Certain convertible and all-in-one car seats allow your child to ride rear facing even 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 stop the baby's back from falling forward when the vehicle stops. You'll need to study your car seat's manual for instructions on how to adjust the reclining angle, or look up a video from an influencer of your car seat to discover how to do it. Avoid putting your baby in bulky clothing such as coats or blankets. They can prevent an ideal fit of the harness and hinder airflow around their chest and neck.

Many parents are reluctant to change their child's position from a rear-facing position to a forward-facing one because they are concerned that the force of a crash could throw the child's feet and legs, or that their neck and head may be thrown violently forward in a side collision. But, it's crucial to remember that the position of rear-facing provides more protection than forward-facing.

A video by a car seat influencer shows a child in a forward-facing car seat being violently tossed about in a crash simulation. The head injury that follows is awe-inspiring. But the video of the same crash that was recorded from the rear-facing car seat not nearly as bad because the head of the child is within the shell of the car seat.

So, if your state law requires you to turn your child to forward-facing, ignore it! This isn't in line with the best car seats for newborns practices, which is why the AAP and NHTSA have now agreed that children should remain rear-facing until they hit their maximum height or weight limit for the car seat, whichever comes first.

Forward-Facing

Car seats for infants are designed to protect infants and newborns with harnesses that secure them in the seat. Parents can adjust the headrest, recline angle and stroller attachments based on the car seat. The majority of infant car seats have an upper weight and height limit, and the majority of kids will outgrow them long before they're able to transition to a forward-facing car seat.

It's understandable for parents to want to turn their baby around as quickly as they can, however the current norm stipulates that children younger than one year old remain facing rear until they weigh 20 pounds and are 1 year old. This is because infants' neck muscles aren't strong enough for the whiplash that comes with a rear-end crash, which is what happens when a baby is pushed forward during a crash.

If a child is caught in a frontal collision the spinal cord could be stretched and torn and cause paralysis or even death. If a child is seated backwards in a car the neck bones are held together and secured by the harness, which prevents this type of injury.

Additionally, infants who are rear-facing are less likely to be to be thrown into the back of the vehicle in an accident. In the event of a collision they're less likely to get injured by a seat belt that runs across their chests instead of their necks.

Parents must ensure that their child is in the correct car seat for her size. Always refer to the manufacturer's car seat instructions and vehicle owner's manual when making the decision. You can also seek expert advice from a technician for car seats who is accredited in your area.

If an infant is out of their car seat, he or she can change to a convertible car seat. The seats start in the rear-facing direction and switch to forward-facing once they reach their weight and height limits. Once they reach the recommended weight and age, they can upgrade to a booster using a lap-sash seatbelt.

Convertible

Many new parents are torn between a baby car seat or a convertible. Both have their advantages but which is the right choice for your family? A car seat for infants is great for newborns however if you are looking for something that lasts for many years it is likely that a convertible would be a better option.

As your child grows in age, convertible car seats for infants can be moved from front-facing to rear-facing. This allows them to fit kids from infancy through the end of elementary school, based on the model you select. Some have higher weight and height limits in the rear position than infant car seats, allowing them to be used longer.

Make sure that the convertible car seat is equipped with removable newborn inserts to ensure a snug fit for your child. The firm padding raises the infant's torso, so they can fit into the smallest slots in the straps, and moves them slightly forward to stop their head from flopping back against the harness straps or the buckle on the crotch of the seat (which puts them at risk for positional asphyxia).

Some infant car seats have a handle that makes it easier to move between vehicles. Some can be plugged into strollers, creating a transport system. This feature allows you to transfer your car to your stroller without disturbing your baby for trips to the supermarket or mall, or for doctor visits.

Your child will eventually outgrow their infant car seat. This can occur when they reach their weight limit or height. The majority of experts agree that it's time to move to a convertible seat once the head is within one inch of the top rated baby car seats of the seat, but make sure to consult your seat's instruction manual to ensure your child is ready.

While convertible car seats might seem more expensive upfront than car seats for infants however, they could be less expensive in the long run because you'll be capable of using them for several years. Certain models also come with lower anchors which allows for a simpler installation. This could reduce the risk of the risk of injuries in a crash.

Safety Ratings

When it comes to buying an infant car seat, safety is foremost in your mind. All infant car seats have to meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond the minimum requirements to give parents additional security.

Premium features, like adjustable no-rethread harnesses and anti-rebound bars, will aid in ensuring that your child is secured correctly and securely. Load legs, which brace the seat's base and help reduce the force during a crash are also available.

One way to find out the safety of an infant car seat is prior to purchasing it is to review its crash test ratings and reviews. It is essential to keep in mind that the usage of an infant car seat will determine how secure it is. Based on our conversations with NHTSA engineers, the majority of crashes that involve infant car seats result from misuse -- either incorrect installation or improper restraint of the child -- and not the actual performance of the seat in a crash.

To ensure that you're using an infant carrier seat car seat correctly, look for one that has a clear instructions manual and lots of indicators that show it's safe and level, such as bubbles at the base which tell you EXACTLY where to position the seat. Additionally, make sure to be sure to secure the straps the chest and abdomen of your child when you install it. The ratcheting sound that it makes when you tighten is an excellent indication.

When you're out and about with your baby in a car seat, never leave it unattended, even if you're just going to the store or a quick trip to the park. It's not just risky in the event of a car crash, but leaving an infant carrier or car seat on a hard surface could cause injuries and falls. Seats or carriers that tip over or roll can cause injuries or even death to babies.

While the decision between an infant car seat rear facing car seat and a convertible car seat or all-in-one car seat may feel like it boils down to price at this point, keep in mind that you will need a booster seat at some time. To save money over the long term, choose a convertible or all-in one car seat that offers you more options and last longer than a car seat for infants.