The Top Reasons People Succeed In The Infant Car Seats Industry
Infant Car Seats A car seat for infants is a must-have for newborns and smaller babies. Many include a base and an infant carrier, which can be attached to one another and can be used in your car or with the stroller (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 is designed to protect and hold the youngest of children, from newborns to about two years old. They can be snagged into a base that stays in the car but can also removed to be used as a carry-on. Many parents feel that this provides greater convenience than having to install and take down the child safety seat each time they drive, but it should not be used in lieu of proper car seat installation and use of the seat belt. Newborns are especially vulnerable to neck and head injuries during a crash, making it very important to have a properly fitted infant car seat. The best way to ensure a proper fit is by following the specific instructions included with the car seat and making sure the straps are secure enough not to pinch any folds of the fabric when you buckle your child. The chest clip should also be at a level with your child's armpits. It's recommended to practice placing your child in and out of the car seat as frequently as you can to become familiar with the process so you are better prepared when you need to quickly put your child in for an unexpected trip. If your car seat comes with an angle indicator or adjustor built-in you must test it frequently to ensure it is set at the right slope for your child's safety. Make sure you never leave your child in their chair unattended. If the baby's carrier is placed on a surface that is high, like a counter or a bed it can tip or roll over and your child could be injured or even suffocate. The most secure position for a baby to ride in is rear facing and in the back seat. They should remain in that position until they reach or over the manufacturer's weight and height restrictions. Some infant car seats have the option of putting a rolled receiving blanket alongside your child to provide additional neck and head support in lieu of or in addition to the car seat's built in padding. Convenience A car seat for infants is designed to accommodate children aged between 4 and 35 pounds. typically as a rear-facing child carrier that can be slid into a base in your vehicle. The car seat can easily be moved between vehicles, and can be connected to a stroller compatible with it. This creates a travel system for outings that's simple. Infant car seats are also available with a convenient handle that parents can use to move the car seat between vehicles and strollers without disturbing their sleeping baby. Most infant car seats are designed to accommodate a variety of sizes for babies, with many models offering a comfortable and secure fit even for newborns who are tiny. They're usually lightweight enough to carry for short distances and are able to be quickly moved from vehicle to stroller which makes them the perfect choice for parents who regularly take their baby out in public. A lot of infant seats can be paired with strollers to create a seamless system of travel that makes outings a breeze. Parents searching for the most suitable car seat for their child may want to take into consideration its safety ratings and features. For example, if your family plans to travel extensively by plane, you may want to consider a baby car seat that has built-in ISOFIX indicators and a rigid lower anchor strap. For those who want an eco-friendly option might opt for an infant car seat that is made with less chemical flame retardants 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, car seats newborn 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 addition 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.