Infant Car Seat - What You Need to Know

The majority of baby car seats can be dismantled from their base, and slid into a stroller compatible with them for easy transport. This makes them very popular with parents who intend to take frequent trips out of town.

Dress your baby in clothing so that the harness straps can comfortably fit over their shoulders and hips regardless of the car seat you select. Large blankets or clothing can hinder a secure harness fit.

Rear-Facing

Infant car seats, also known as convertible car seats with a rear-facing position, are designed to accommodate newborns and small children up to a certain weight and height limit specified by the manufacturer. These car seats are usually equipped with an infant insert that makes sure the head of a newborn is comfortable positioned inside the shell of the seat.

The AAP and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration both recommend that infants remain rear-facing until they reach the weight or height limits of their car seat. Certain convertible and all-in-one car seats let your child ride rear-facing even longer, up to about age 4 or 5.

The majority of manufacturers have their car seats designed with a reclining angle that can be adjusted to keep the baby's head from sliding backwards when the car is stopped. You'll need to study your car seat's manual to figure out how to adjust the reclining angle, or watch a video by an influencer of your car seat to learn how to do it. It is also important to avoid placing your baby in bulky clothes, such as coats or blankets, because they can prevent a snug harness fit and cut off airflow around the baby's neck and chest.

Many parents are reluctant in switching their child from rear-facing position to forward-facing. They fear that the impact force could cause the baby's legs to be ejected from their feet, or that their neck and head may be violently thrown forward in an accident that is side-to-side. But, it's important to remember that the rear-facing position offers much greater protection than the forward-facing one.

A video by an influencer of car seats shows an infant carrier seat sitting in a forward-facing car seat being tossed around violently in a crash simulator. The resultant head injury is horrendous. But the video of the same crash that was recorded from the rear-facing car seat is not nearly as horrific, because a child's head is cradled in the car seat's shell.

So, if your state law requires you to move your child's face forward avoid it! This isn't in line with the best practices, which is why the AAP and NHTSA are now in agreement that children should remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum height or weight for the car seat, whichever is first.

Forward-Facing

Car seats for infants are designed for infants and newborns. Harnesses are used to secure them to the seat. Parents can adjust the recline angle, headrest, and stroller attachments depending on the car seat. The majority of infant car seats come with an upper weight and height limit, and most children will outgrow them before they're ready to switch to a forward-facing car seat.

It's natural parents' desire to change their baby's position as quickly as they can, but the current standard stipulates that children younger than one year old remain rear-facing until they weigh 20 pounds and are one year old. The reason is that neck muscles of infants are not strong enough to withstand whiplash from a rear-end collision. This happens when a child turns forward in an accident.

If a baby's neck is moved forward in an accident in front the spinal cord may stretch and tear, which could lead to paralysis or death. If a child is seated backwards while driving their neck bones are held together and secured by the harness, which prevents this type of injury.

In addition, infants facing the rear are less likely to be thrown into the back seat of the car in an accident. They're also less likely to be injured by the seat belt that extends across their chest, as opposed to their necks, in a collision.

Considering these risks It is crucial for parents to adhere to the safety guidelines for car seats and ensure their child is in the right car seat for their height. Take a look at the car seat instructions from the manufacturer as well as the owner's manual of your vehicle before making a choice. You can also seek expert advice from a certified car seat technician who is accredited in your area.

When a baby outgrows their car seat, they can move to a convertible or all-in-one car seat that is designed to start in the rear-facing location and then shifts to forward-facing after they've reached their weight and height limits. Once they reach the recommended weight and age they can move to a booster with a lap-sash seatbelt.

Convertible

Many new parents are torn between a baby car seat or a convertible one. Both have advantages but which one is best for your family? A convertible car seat is a great option for a long-lasting car seat for infants.

Convertible infant car seats convert from rear-facing to forward-facing as your child grows. Based on the model, they are able to fit children from infancy to late elementary school. Certain rear-facing car seats have larger weight and size restrictions than infant car seat which allows for more time of use.

Check if the convertible infant car seat has removable infant inserts that will ensure a comfortable fit for your child. These pads are firm and lift the infant's body up so that they can reach the lowest slots for straps, and then move them forward a bit to stop their heads from colliding with the straps of their harness.

Car seats for infants also tend to have a handle that parents use to transfer between cars, and some of them can be inserted into strollers to create a travel system. This feature allows you to go from your car to your stroller without disturbing your baby for trips to the store or mall, or for doctor visits.

In the end, however, your child will outgrow their infant car seat, either by reaching their weight limit or height limit. The majority of experts agree that it's time to move to a convertible seat when your child's head is within an inch of the top of the seat, but be certain to read the manual to ensure that your child is ready.

Convertible car seats may seem more expensive than the infant car seat newborn car seats initially however, they could be cheaper over time because you can use them for a number of years. In addition, some models have lower anchors which allow you to install them using less force than traditional seats, which could minimize injuries from an accident.

Safety Ratings

When it comes to buying an infant car seat, safety is top of mind. All Infant Car Seat Newborn car seats have to conform to the safety standards set by the federal government. However some seats go above and beyond the minimum requirements to provide parents with extra peace of mind.

Premium features, such as adjustable harnesses with no-rethread straps and bars that prevent rebounding, can help ensure that your child is secured correctly and securely. Other helpful tools, like load legs that brace the base of the seat and help reduce the impact force of a crash are available as well.

A good way to determine the safety of an infant car seat is prior to purchasing it is to check its crash test ratings and reviews. However, it's important to remember that the most important aspect in determining the safety of an infant car seat is actually the way it is used. Based on our conversations the majority of accidents that occur in infant car seats are caused by negligence, whether it's due to incorrect installations or improper restraints of the child.

To ensure you're using a car seat for your infant properly, search for one that has a clear instructions manual and lots of indicators to show it's secure and level, including bubbles at the base which tell you EXACTLY where to position the seat. When you install the seat, tighten the straps around the baby's chest and abdomen. The ratcheting sound it makes when you tighten is an excellent indicator.

Also, 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 dangerous in a car crash and leaving your infant car seat or infant carrier on a hard surface can cause injuries and falls. Car seats and carriers that tip over or roll can also cause injuries to infants or, even more dangerously and even cause them to suffocate.

While the decision between an infant car seats best car seat and convertible car seats or an all-in-one car seat may feel like it comes down to price at this point but keep in mind that you will need a booster seat at some time. Choose a convertible car seat or an all-in-one car seat to save money over the long run. These seats provide more options and last longer than infant car seats.