11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Okay To Use With Your Infant Car Seat

Why a Portable Infant Car Seat is a Must-Have

Parenting is a tumultuous process with countless decisions. A portable infant car seat should be a must for parents who frequently use taxis or rideshares.

These baby seats can be removed from their base, and clicked into compatible strollers. This lets you take your sleeping child to their destination without disturbing them or waking them awake.

Safety Features

Infant-only car seats are created to be as safe and secure as they can be for newborns who are especially susceptible to neck and head injuries. Depending on the model you select, an infant-only car seat may have energy-absorbing foam or Side Impact Protection pods that help protect your baby in the event of a crash. Other features include a five-point, no-rethread harness as well as a recline to provide the most comfortable ride for your baby and strap holders to keep the straps from getting tangled. Some models even feature the stability leg made of steel to stop the car seat from rotating in the event of an accident.

Many parents appreciate the fact that infant car seats are often compatible with strollers, which allows you to easily transfer your child from the car seat carrier into a stroller. The ability to do this without having to unbuckle your child is a major benefit, and it's especially useful for those who want to travel with your car seat on public transportation or in taxis. Additionally, the majority of infant car seats are FAA-approved for travel, so you are able to use them in airplane cabins, too.

A portable infant car seat allows you to take your child on more family adventures such as camping and hiking trips. These seats are smaller and less bulky than convertible car seats. This makes them easier to maneuver, particularly in small vehicles or on uneven terrain. Additionally, many portable infant car seats come with built-in handles to help you to carry them.

If you're unsure about how to properly install your portable infant car seat make sure you consult a certified child safety technician (CPST). Find one in your locality by visiting the National Child Passenger Safety Website. Local police and fire departments have CPSTs who can assist you at no cost. Alternatively, you can join an organization like Tot Squad to get virtual or in-person support from a certified car seat expert.

A portable all-in-one car seat offers a lot of convenience, but it's crucial to consider your lifestyle and the size of your vehicle when making this decision. A convertible car seat, for example will not fit in the trunk of your car and you'll need to install the base separately. It is heavier and more bulky than an infant car seat, and it can't be used to support the child.

Comfort

When it is about infant car seats, comfort might not be the first thing parents think of, but a relaxing ride can make a big difference for babies as well as their parents. Some of the best infant car seat portable infant car seats feature soft headrests and shoulder pads for additional cushioning, while others have adjustable reclining options to ensure a customized fit. Some also have built-in sunshades and handy storage pockets for snacks, toys, and other things.

When you are choosing the right car seat for your infant, safety is the most important consideration. There are a variety of features to take into consideration. For instance, some seats come with a no-twist harness indicator that makes buckleing up your child easier, whereas others have an integrated bubble level for quick and accurate installation. Many portable infant car seat for travel car seats are designed to be used in conjunction with a stroller to create an entire travel system, which means you can easily transition your little one between your vehicle and your destination.

Other factors to consider when choosing a portable infant car seats best car seat include the size and weight of the seat, how easy it is to install and whether it has additional safety features. Some seats feature an Euro-belt path that allows you to secure the seat without a base in certain European vehicles. Others are certified GREENGUARD GOLD, which means they have low VOC and chemical emissions. Additionally, a lighter seat will not put too much strain on your arms and back when you are carrying it around.

Some infant car seats can be changed into toddler boosters once your child is old enough. This can save you time and money in the long-run. This is especially beneficial for parents who regularly take taxis or rideshares, because it lets them keep their child's seat in place while changing cars. Examples of this kind of portable infant car seat include the Doona that has wheels that are integrated to transform it into a stroller. It is FAA-approved for use on airplanes. Other convertible infant car seats include the Graco SnugRide 35 DLX and the Evenflo Litemax DLX.

Convenience

For infants and newborns, portable infant car seats are usually smaller and lighter than convertible car seats. They are easy to move from one vehicle to another particularly when they're combined with a stroller which can be used as part of the travel set. Car seats are often fitted with a canopy for additional protection from sunlight.

Infants and newborns require an appropriate, secure fit in their carseats and that's why portable infant car seats are a great choice for families. They usually include extra padding on the head, which can protect a premature baby's head if there is an accident. These seats also have a five-point safety harness and side impact protection that has been carefully engineered to ensure your baby's safety and comfort.

Many portable infant car seats have an attached base to your vehicle. The car seat is then plugged into this base or a stroller compatible with it, making it easy to move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller, and back without causing any disturbance to them. Car seats usually come with a lock off mechanism that will stop your child from removing or buckling their straps.

It's important to keep in mind that, despite moving the infant car seat between vehicles, you shouldn't remove or loosen the straps of your baby's harness as this can lead to strangulation in a crash. Make sure that they are buckled securely and secure the straps with blankets or a coat in cold weather.

When you are considering purchasing an infant car seat, you should also consider how long your child will be likely to stay in it. Because they're specifically designed for infants and newborns, they tend to have a shorter lifespan than convertible car seats, meaning that you may have to buy another seat sooner than expected. Most infant car seats are only used until your child is no longer using them, which usually happens within the first year of their life.

Cost

There are some expenses that you should think about when deciding which portable infant car seat you want to buy. It is likely that you will need to purchase a base for your vehicle, and certain models require you to set up the carrier using LATCH. This will increase the price of your purchase, but you will save money by not having to purchase an individual base for each vehicle.

You may also want to consider purchasing an all-in-one car seat (also referred to as a convertible 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 car seat). These seats will grow with your child, moving from rear-facing infants to forward-facing toddlers before transforming to a booster for older children. They are a great value for parents and can be an ideal choice for those who frequently travel or take your child to and from different vehicles. However, you will need to purchase a separate base for each vehicle you want to use the seat in, and they tend to be heavier than infant car seats.

Another issue to consider is that a large number of infant car seats aren't compatible with strollers, and you'll need to wake up your sleeping baby to transfer them. This could be a challenge for parents who have a hectic commute or who have to do many errands with their child in tow. This type of car seat is a great choice for parents who use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. You can easily convert it into a stroller that works with the seat and continue your journey.

Parents may also opt to buy a travel system that includes a car seat for infants and a stroller. If you're expecting a premature child or a child that is smaller than average it's a good idea. These types of car seats are designed to accommodate infants.

The majority of children will outgrow their infant car seats at around one year, based on their weight and height. This means that you'll have to upgrade to the latest model, even when your child isn't at the weight or height limit.