Infant Car Seat - What You Need to Know
The majority of infant car seats be removed from their base and snap into a stroller frame for easy transportation. This feature makes them popular with parents who plan to make frequent trips out of town.
Regardless of which type of car seat you choose Dress your baby in clothing that allows the harness straps to comfortably fit over their hips and shoulders. The bulky clothing or blankets could hinder a secure harness fit.
Rear-Facing
Infant car seats, referred to as convertible car seats with a rear-facing position, are designed to accommodate infants and small children up to a certain weight and height limit specified by the manufacturer. These car seats are typically equipped with an infant insert to ensure that the head of a baby is securely positioned inside the shell of the seat.
The AAP and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommend that children ride rear-facing until they reach their height or weight limits for car seats, whichever comes first. Some convertible and all in one car seats allow your child to sit rear facing longer, up to age 4 or 5 (depending on the model).
best infant seat include a reclining angle which can be adjusted to keep the baby's back from slipping forward when the vehicle slows down. You can either read the instruction manual for your car seat to find out how to adjust the angle or view a YouTube video of a car seat influencer. Avoid putting your baby in heavy clothing, such as blankets or coats. They can prevent a snug fit of the harness and block airflow around their neck and chest.
Many parents aren't comfortable changing their child's rear-facing position to forward-facing. They fear that the force of the crash could eject their baby's legs or feet, or their neck and head may be hurled forward violently in an impact from the side. It's important to keep in mind that the rear-facing position provides much greater protection than forward-facing.
A video posted by a car seat influencer shows a child in a forward-facing car seat violently tossed around in a crash simulation. The head injury that results is terrifying. However, the video of the same crash that was recorded from the rear-facing car seat is not nearly as horrific as the head of a child is held within the shell of the car seat.
If your state requires you to put your child forward, don't do it. This is not in line with the best practices, which is the reason why the AAP and NHTSA now agree that children should remain rear-facing until they hit their maximum height or weight for the car seat, whichever comes first.
Forward-Facing
Infant car seats are made to protect infants and newborns with harnesses to help keep them in the car seat. Parents may be able adjust the headrest, recline angle and stroller attachments, based on the model of car seat. Most infant car seats come with a maximum weight and height, and most children will outgrow them before they're ready to transition to a forward facing car seat.
It's normal parents' desire to turn their baby around as soon as they can, however, the current law requires that children under one year old stay rear-facing until they weigh 20 pounds and 1 year old. This is due to the fact that infants' neck muscles aren't strong enough for the force of an rear-end collision, which is what happens when a baby is pushed forward during an accident.
If a baby's neck is forced forward in an accident that is frontal the spinal cord could stretch and tear, which could result in paralysis or even death. If a child is seated backwards in the car their 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 placed in the back seat of the vehicle during an accident. In the event of a collision they're less likely to get injured by a seat belt that is positioned across their chests rather than their necks.
Parents must ensure that their child is using the correct car seat for his or her size. Refer to the instructions for your car seat from the manufacturer as well as your vehicle's owner's manual before making a decision. It's recommended to visit a reputable car seat technician in your area to get expert advice and assistance.
When a baby grows out of their car seat, they can upgrade to convertible car seats. These seats start in a rear-facing position and switch to forward-facing when they reach their weight and height limits. Once they reach the recommended weight and age, they can upgrade to a booster with a lap-sash seatbelt.
Convertible
Many new parents are split between a baby car seat or a convertible. Both have their benefits, but which is the best choice for your family? An infant car seat is great for newborns However, if you're looking for something that lasts for several years, a convertible is probably the better choice.
Convertible infant car seats change from rear-facing to forward-facing as your child grows. Depending on the model, they are able to be used for children as young as late elementary school. Some rear-facing car seats have greater weight and size limitations than the infant car seats that allow for more use.
If you choose to purchase convertible infant car seats Be sure to verify whether it comes with removable newborn inserts that ensure a secure and comfortable fit for your baby. These firm padding lifts the infant's body so that they can fit into the smallest slots on the straps, and then moves them slightly forward to stop their head from sliding back against the straps of their harness or the seat's crotch buckle (which puts them at risk of positional asphyxia).
Infant car seats also tend to have a handle parents use to transfer between cars and can be inserted into strollers to create a transport system. This feature allows you to move from your car to your stroller without disturbing your baby for trips to the grocery store, mall, or doctor visits.
Your child will eventually outgrow their infant car seat. This can occur when they reach their weight or height limit. Many experts agree that it's time to upgrade to a convertible car seat once your child's head is within 1 inch of the top edge of the seat. Check the instruction manual to ensure your child is in the right place.
Convertible car seats may seem more expensive than infant car seats at first however they can turn out to be less expensive over time due to the fact that you can use them for a long time. Certain models also come with lower anchors which allow for easier installation. This could reduce the risk of the risk of injuries in the event of a crash.
Safety Ratings
Safety is the first thing to think about when buying an infant car seats. All infant car seats must meet federal safety standards, but some surpass the minimum requirements to offer extra security for parents.
Premium features, such as adjustable harnesses with no-rethread straps and bars that prevent rebounding, can aid in ensuring that your child is secured correctly and securely. Load legs that brace the seat's base and help reduce the force during the event of a crash, are also available.
Checking the crash test ratings and reviews of an infant car seat can help you determine its safety before you purchase. It's important to keep in mind that the use of a car seat for infants will determine how secure it is. Based on our conversations the majority of accidents involving infant car seats result from misuse -- either incorrect installations or improper restraints for the child.
To ensure that you're using an infant car seat correctly, choose one that has a clear instructions manual and lots of indicators to show it's safe and level, such as bubbles on the base that tell you EXACTLY which position to put the seat. When installing the seat tighten the straps around the baby's chest and abdomen. The ratcheting sound that it makes when you tighten is an excellent indicator.
Even if you're just running to the store or making a quick visit into the park, you should never leave your infant unattended in the car. It's not just dangerous in the event of a crash however, leaving an infant car seat or baby carrier on a hard surface can cause injuries and falls. Car seats that roll or tip over can also injure or suffocate infants.
You will require a booster car seat at some time. To save money over the long term consider an all-in-one or convertible car seat that offers you more options and last longer than a car seat for infants.