Infant Car Seats
A car infant car seat is essential for newborns and small babies. The majority of infant car seats come with an infant car seat, a base and a strap that can be attached to each other. They can be used in a car or in conjunction with a pram (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
A rear-facing infant car seat (also known as a baby car seat or newborn carrier) is designed to cradle and safeguard the youngest children from newborn to approximately two years old. They can be snagged into a base that stays in the car, but is be removed and used as a carrier. This is a great alternative to installing the child safety car seat every time you drive. However it is not a substitute for the need for a proper seat belt or car seat installation.
Newborns are especially vulnerable to neck and head injuries during a crash, making it essential to use a properly fitted infant car seat. The best way to ensure that the seat is properly fitted is by following the specific instructions provided in the car seat and making sure all straps are snug enough to not bind any folds of the fabric after buckling in your child. The chest clip should also be at a level with your child's armpits.
It is recommended to practice getting your child into and out of the car seat as frequently as you can in order to get familiar with the process so that you are more prepared when you need to quickly put your child in for an unexpected trip. If your car seat is equipped with an integrated angle indicator or adjuster it's recommended to test it regularly to ensure that it is in the right position to protect your child.
Never leave your baby in the car seat without supervision. If the child's seat is left on a surface that is high, such as a counter or a bed, it may tip or roll over and your child could be injured or even choked.
The only safe position for a baby to ride in is facing rear and in the back seat, and they should remain in that position until they reach above the manufacturer's height and weight restrictions. Some infant car seats let you use a receiving blanket to provide additional head and neck protection in place of or in addition the padding built-in to the seat.
Convenience
Car seats for infants are designed to accommodate children who weigh between 4 and 35lbs. They are typically rear-facing and can be slid into a base inside your vehicle. The car seat is able to be easily moved between vehicles and then attached to a stroller compatible with it, creating an easy-to-travel system that makes trips with baby easy. Car seats for infants are equipped with a handy handle that parents can use to move the car seat between vehicles and strollers without disturbing their sleeping baby.
The majority of baby car seats are designed to accommodate a variety of baby sizes and many models offer an incredibly snug and secure fit even for infants with tiny sizes. They are typically light enough to carry for short distances, and they are able to be easily transferred from the car to the stroller. This makes them a perfect choice for parents who frequently take their children out in public. Many infant seats work with strollers that match, allowing parents to travel with style.
Parents who are looking for the best car seat for their infant might consider its safety ratings and features. For example in the event that your family is planning to travel extensively via plane, you may want to opt for an infant car seat that comes with ISOFIX indicators as well as a strong lower anchor strap. If you're looking for a greener alternative it is possible to choose a car seat that is made with less chemicals 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. good infant car seats 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, your baby 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.
