The Three Greatest Moments In Infant Car Seat History
Why a Portable Infant Car Seat is a Must-Have
Parenting is a journey filled with a variety of decisions. A portable infant car seat is a must for parents who frequently take taxis or rideshares.
These baby seats detach from their base and snap into compatible strollers which allows you to carry your sleeping baby without waking them up or disturbing their car ride.
Safety Features
Newborns are especially vulnerable to head and neck injuries in a car accident, which is why infant-only car seats are made to be as secure as is possible. Based on the model you choose the infant-only car seat may have energy-absorbing foam or Side Impact Protection pods to help protect your baby in the event of an accident. Other features include a no-rethread five-point harness and a recline feature that makes the ride more comfortable for your child and strap holders that keep the straps free of tangles. Some models come with a steel stability leg to stop the car seat from rotating in the event of an accident.
Many parents are delighted to know that infant car seats can be easily converted into strollers. This is particularly beneficial if you plan to use the car seat in taxis or public transportation. Most cheap infant car seats car seats have FAA approval for air travel, which means you can also use them inside the airplane cabin.
A portable infant car seat can also allow you to take your child on more family adventures, including hikes and camping trips. They are usually smaller and more compact than convertible car seats, making them easier to maneuver in smaller vehicles or on uneven terrain. In addition some portable infant car seats have handles built-in to make it easier to carry them.
If you're unsure about how to install your portable infant car seat make sure you consult a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST). Find one near you by visiting the National Child Passenger Safety Website. Some local fire and police departments have CPSTs that can help you at no cost. Alternatively, you can join an organization such as Tot Squad to get virtual or in-person assistance from a trained car seat expert.
A portable, all-in-one car seat offers a lot of convenience, but it's crucial to consider your lifestyle and size of the vehicle when making this choice. For instance a convertible car seat may not fit in your vehicle's trunk, and requires you to install the base separately. In addition, it typically weighs more than an infant only car seat and isn't used as a booster.
Comfort
Comfort may not be what parents think of when it comes to their infant car seats but a relaxing ride is essential for parents and babies. Some of the best portable infant car seats feature soft shoulder pads and headrests to provide extra cushioning, while others offer adjustable reclining options to ensure a customized fit. Some of them also come with sunshades and convenient storage pockets for toys, snacks and other supplies.
Safety is the primary priority when choosing a car seat for your baby, and there are many important features to look out for. For instance, some car seats have a no-twist belt indicator, which makes buckling your child easier, whereas others have an inbuilt bubble level to ensure quick and accurate installation. Many portable infant car seats are designed to be used with a stroller to create an entire travel system, which means you can easily transfer your baby between your vehicle and the destination.
Other things to consider when choosing a portable infant car seat include the size and weight of the seat and how easy it is to install and if it has additional safety features. Some seats come with the Euro-belt route, which allows you to install the seat without a base on certain European vehicles. Some are certified GREENGUARD GOLD, which means they have low chemical emissions and low VOC. Additionally, a light seat will not put too much strain on your back and arms when you carry it around.
Some infant car seats can be changed into toddler boosters once your child is old enough. This will save you time and money in the long run. This is especially beneficial for parents who frequently use taxis or rideshare services, since it lets them keep their child's car seat in place while changing cars. Examples of this kind of portable infant car seat include the Doona, which has integrated wheels that can be turned into a stroller. It is FAA-approved to be used on airplanes. Other convertible infant car seats include the Graco SnugRide 35 DLX and the Evenflo Litemax DLX.
Convenience
Designed for newborns and infants, portable infant car seats cheap car seats tend to be smaller and lighter than convertible car seats. Their small size makes them easy to transport from one car to another, particularly when you're using the seat with a stroller that is compatible as part of an overall travel system. Car seats are often fitted with a canopy to provide additional protection from sunlight.
Infants and new born babies require a safe, snug fit in their carseats and that's why portable infant car seats are a great option for families. Often, these car seats feature additional padding in the head area that can help protect an infant's head in the event of an accident. They also feature special, meticulously engineered side impact protection, as well as five-point harnesses for the most secure fit, meaning that your baby will be as secure and secure as possible on every trip.
Many portable infant car seats have the base that can be attached to your vehicle. The car seat can be plugged into the base or into an infant stroller that is compatible with the car seat, making it simple to move your baby between the car and stroller without disturbing them. It's also normal for car seats to feature the lock-off mechanism that stops your child from being able unbuckle or remove their straps in the seat.
When moving your infant car seat from one vehicle to the next it is important not to take off or untie the harness straps. This can cause strangulation in the event of a crash. Instead, keep them securely buckled at all times and put a blanket or coat over the the straps in cold weather.
It's important to think about how long you think your child will be in their car seat for infants prior to purchasing one. Because they're specifically designed for infants and newborns they tend to have a shorter life span than convertible car seats, which means you might need to purchase an additional seat earlier than you anticipated. Generally, infant car seats are used until your child outgrows them, which typically happens within the first year of their life.
Cost
There are a few costs to be aware of when choosing a portable infant car seat to buy. You're likely to have to purchase a base for your vehicle, and certain models require that you install the car seat using LATCH. This can increase the total cost of your purchase, but can save you money in the long run as you won't have to pay for a separate infant car seat base if you have multiple vehicles.
You may also want to look into purchasing an all-in-one car seat (also known as a 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 convertible car seat). These seats can grow with your child as they transition from infants facing the rear to forward facing infant car seat-facing toddlers, and then to a booster for older children. These offer great value for parents and are a good choice when you frequently travel or take your child to and from various vehicles. However, you'll need to purchase a separate base for each vehicle you wish to use the seat in, and they are likely to weigh more than infant car seats.
Another potential issue is that a lot of infant car seats don't work with strollers and you will have to wake up your sleeping baby to transfer them. This can be a hassle when you have a long commute or spend the majority of your time running errands with your little one in your car. If you are a parent who utilizes rideshare services like Uber or Lyft the type of car seat might be the best choice for you, since these types of seats let you easily connect the seat to a stroller that is compatible and continue your journey without disturbing your child.
In addition some parents choose to buy an infant car seat and a stroller that is a part of what is known as a travel system. This can be a good idea if you are expecting a smaller or premature baby, as these models offer the ideal fit for babies.
The majority of children outgrow their infant seat before the age of one year, depending on their height and weight. You'll have to upgrade your child's car seat even if they haven't reached their maximum weight or height.