Be On The Lookout For: How Infant Car Seat Is Taking Over And What To Do About It

Why a Portable Infant Car Seat is a Must-Have

Parenting is a journey filled with many decisions. A portable infant car seat should be a must for parents who frequently use taxis or rideshares.

The baby seats can be removed from their base, and then click into strollers that work with them which allows you to carry your sleeping baby without disturbing them up or disrupting their car journey.

Safety Features

Infants are particularly susceptible to neck and head injuries during an accident. This is why infant car seats cheap-only car seats are designed to be as secure as possible. Based on the model you select an infant car seat for travel-only car seats might have energy-absorbing foam or Side Impact Protection pods to protect your baby in the event of an accident. Other features include a five-point no rethread harness as well as a recline to provide a more comfortable ride for your infant and strap holders to prevent the straps from getting tangled. Some models come with the stability foot made of steel to stop the car seats from rotating in an accident.

Many parents appreciate that infant car seats are typically compatible with strollers, allowing you to effortlessly transfer your child from the car seat to a stroller. This is especially beneficial in the event that you plan to use the car seat for taxis or public transportation. In addition, the majority of infant car seats are FAA-approved for air travel, so you are able to use them in airplane cabins as well.

A portable infant car seat can also allow you to take your child on more family-friendly adventures, including hikes and camping trips. These seats are smaller and less bulky than the convertible car seats. This makes them more maneuverable, especially in small vehicles or on uneven terrain. In addition some portable infant car seats have handles built-in to make it easier for you to carry them.

If you're unsure of how to install your portable infant car seat, consult with a certified child safety technician (CPST). Find one in your area by visiting the National Child Passenger Safety Website. Local police and fire departments also have CPSTs who can help you for no cost. You can join a group like Tot Squad for virtual or in-person assistance from a trained expert.

When making this choice it is important to consider your lifestyle and the size of your vehicle. A convertible car seat, for instance it may not fit in the trunk of your car and you'll have to put in the base separately. It is heavier and more bulky than an infant car seat and can't be used to boost a child.

Comfort

When it is about infant car seats, comfort may not be the first thing that parents think of, but a relaxing car ride can make a significant difference for both infants and their parents. Some of the best portable infant car seats feature soft shoulder pads and headrests to provide extra cushioning, while others provide reclining options that can be adjusted to ensure a customized fit. Some have built-in shades and pockets for toys, snacks and other supplies.

When selecting the right car seat for your child, safety is the primary consideration. There are many options to think about. Some car seats have an indicator that does not twist to make the process of buckling your child easier. Some have a bubble level built in for quick and accurate installations. Many portable infant car seats are designed to be used with strollers to create an entire travel system, which means you can easily transfer your little one between your vehicle and your destination.

Other things to take into consideration when buying a portable infant car seat include the size and weight of the seat and how easy it is to install, and whether or not it has additional safety features. For instance, some seats have the Euro belt path that allows you to secure the seat without the base on certain European automobiles, and some are certified GREENGUARD Gold for low chemical and VOC emissions. A seat that is lightweight is easier to carry around.

In addition, some infant car seats are designed to convert into an adult booster once your child is ready. This can save you time and money in the long in the long. This is especially beneficial for parents who regularly take taxis or rideshare services because it lets them keep their child's car seat in place when they change cars. Examples of this type of portable infant car seat include the Doona that comes with integrated wheels that can be turned into a stroller and is FAA-approved for use on planes. 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 coupled with a stroller that can be used as part of the travel set. Car seats are often fitted with a canopy that provides additional protection from sunlight.

Infants and new born babies require an appropriate, secure car seat and that's why portable infant car seats are a great choice for families. These car seats often have extra padding around the head, which could protect a premature baby's head in the event of an accident. These seats also have a five-point safety harness and side impact protection that is specifically designed 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 the base or a stroller compatible with it, making it easy to move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back again without causing disturbance. These car seats often have a lock off mechanism that stops your child from unbuckling or undoing their straps.

When moving your infant car seat from one vehicle to the next it is important not to loosen or undo the harness straps. This could cause strangulation if there is an accident. Keep them securely buckled and cover the straps with a blanket or coat during cold weather.

Before purchasing an infant car seat, you must be aware of how long your child will be likely to be using it. Because they're specifically designed for infants and newborns, they are likely to have a shorter lifespan than convertible car seats, so you may have to buy another seat sooner than expected. 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 that are important to 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 that you install the car seat with LATCH. This will increase the price of your purchase, but you will save money over time by not having to buy a separate base for each vehicle.

You may also want to consider purchasing an all-in-one car seat (also called a convertible 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 car seat). These seats can adapt to your child, from infants facing rearwards to toddlers who face forward facing infant car seat, and then to boosters for older children. These seats are an excellent choice for parents who travel often or have their child move from one vehicle to another. But, you'll have to purchase a separate base for each vehicle you wish to use the seat in, and they tend to weigh more than infant car seats.

Many infant car seats don't fit in strollers and you'll have to wake your sleeping baby up to move them. This can be a problem if you have a busy commute or spend the majority of your time running errands with your little one in tow. If you're a parent who uses rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, this type of car seat may be the best option for you, as these models allow you to easily connect the seat to a compatible stroller and continue your trip without disturbing your child.

Additionally certain parents prefer to purchase an infant car seat with a matching stroller as part of what is known as a travel system. This is a great option if you're expecting a premature or smaller than average baby, since these types of models are the best for infants.

Most children outgrow their infant car seat before the age of one year, based 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.