Infant Car Seat - What You Need to Know
The majority of infant car seats can be removed from their base, and slid into a stroller that is compatible for easy transportation. This feature makes them popular with parents planning to take frequent trips out of the city.
No matter which car seat you pick Dress your baby in clothes that allow 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 an inclination to the rear, are designed to accommodate infants and children of a smaller size as long as they meet the weight and height limit specified by the manufacturer. These car seats are usually equipped with an infant insert that ensures the head of a newborn is comfortable placed inside the seat shell.
The AAP and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration both recommend that babies remain rear-facing until either they reach the weight or height limit of their car seat. Some convertible and all in one car seats allow your child to sit rear facing longer, right up to 4 or 5 (depending on the model).
Most manufacturers have their car seats designed with the ability to adjust the reclining angle. be adjusted to prevent the baby's head from sliding forward when the vehicle is stopped. You can refer to the manual that comes with your car seat to learn how to adjust the angle or view a YouTube video of a car seat influencer. It's also important to avoid placing your baby in bulky clothing, like blankets and coats because they can hinder the snug fit of the harness and block airflow around your infant's chest and neck.
Many parents are reluctant in switching their child from rear-facing position to forward-facing. They are concerned that the impact force could cause the baby's legs to be ejected from their feet, or that their neck or head could be violently thrown forward during an accident that is side-to-side. It is important to keep in mind that rear-facing provides a more protection than forward-facing.
A video by an influencer of car seats shows an infant sitting in a forward-facing car seat being tossed around violently in an accident simulator. The resultant head injury is horrific. But the video of the same crash that was recorded from the rear-facing car seat not nearly as bad because the head of the child is cradled within the shell of the car seat.
If your state requires that you face your child forward, don't do it. This does not line up with best practices. That is why the AAP and NHTSA are now in agreement that children should remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum height or weight limit for the car seat, whichever comes first.
Forward-Facing
Infant car seats are made for infants and newborns. Harnesses are used to secure them in the seat. Parents can adjust the headrest, recline angle, and stroller attachments depending on the type of car seat. The majority of infant car seats have an upper weight and height limit and the majority of children will outgrow these seats before they are ready to move to a forward-facing car seat.
It's natural for parents to want to change their baby's position as soon as they can, however the current norm stipulates that children younger than one year old stay rear-facing until they weigh 20 pounds and 1 year old. The reason is that neck muscles of infants aren't strong enough to withstand whiplash from a rear-end collision. This is caused when a child moves into the opposite direction in an accident.
If a baby is being thrown forward in a frontal collision the spinal cord can be stretched and torn, resulting in paralysis or even death. If a child is facing backwards while driving the neck bones are kept together and secured by the harness, which prevents this type of injury.
Rear-facing infants are also less likely to be in the rear of the car in an accident. They're also less likely be injured by the seat belt that extends across their chest, as opposed to their necks, in the event of a collision.
With these risks in mind, it's vital for parents to adhere to the safety guidelines for car seats and ensure that their child is in the right car seat for their height. Check the car seat instructions from the manufacturer as well as your vehicle's owner's manual before making a decision. It's recommended to visit an accredited car seat technician in your local area to get expert advice and assistance.
If an infant is outgrowing their car seat, they may move to a convertible or all-in-one car seat that is designed to start in the rear-facing position, and then shifts to forward-facing after they've reached their weight and height limits. Once they reach the recommended weight and age they can upgrade to a booster using a lap-sash seatbelt.
Convertible
Many new parents are split between a baby car seat or a convertible. best car seats for newborns have advantages however, which one is best for your family? An infant car seat is great for newborns However, if you're looking for something that will last several years then a convertible may be the better choice.
As your child grows and becomes a convertible infant car seat, they can be changed from front-facing to rear-facing. They are able to accommodate children from the age of infancy to late elementary school, depending on the model you choose. Certain rear-facing car seats have greater weight and size limitations than the infant car seats that allow for more use.
If you opt for convertible infant car seats, be sure to check whether it comes with removable newborn inserts that can to ensure a snug and secure fit for your baby. These pads are firm and lift the infant's body up so that they can get to the lowest slots for straps, and then push them forward slightly so that they can prevent their heads from slapping against the straps of their harness.
Infant car seats also tend to have a handle that parents use to transfer between cars, and some of them can be connected to strollers to form a travel system. This feature allows you to go from your car to your stroller, without waking your baby, for trips to the store or mall, or for doctor visits.
At some point, your child will outgrow their car seat for infants or reach their weight limit or height limit. Many experts agree that it's time to upgrade to a convertible car seat when your child's head is within one inch of the top edge of the seat. Consult your seat's instruction manual to ensure your child is ready.
Convertible car seats might seem more expensive than the infant car seats initially, but they can be cheaper over time because you can use them for a long time. Additionally, some models have lower anchors that allow you to install them using less force than traditional car seats, which can lessen the risk of injuries in the event of a crash.
Safety Ratings
When shopping for an infant car seat, safety should be the top priority. All baby car seats must meet federal safety standards, however some go above and beyond to offer extra assurance for parents.
Premium features such as anti-rebound bars as well as no-rethread adjustable harnesses are a great way to ensure that your child's safety is ensured. Other useful tools, like load legs that brace the base of the seat to reduce the force of a crash, are available as well.
Reviewing crash test ratings and reviews of an infant car seat will help you determine its safety before purchasing. It is essential to remember that the usage of a car seat for infants will determine how safe it is. According to our discussions most accidents that occur in infant car seats are caused by improper use, either through incorrect installations or improper restraints of the child.
If you want to make sure that you are using the correct car seat for your infant, choose a seat that has an easy-to-read manual, plenty of indicators that the seat is level and secure and bubbles on the bottom that show you EXACTLY the best way to place it. Additionally, make sure to be sure to secure the straps the abdomen and chest of your child before you install it. A good indication of this is the ratcheting sound it makes as you tighten.
Even if you're just going to the store or making a quick visit into the park, you shouldn't leave your child unattended in the car. In addition to being a terrible idea in the event of a crash, leaving an infant car seat or carrier on a rough surface outside of your vehicle is a risky practice that can lead to injuries and falls. Seats and carriers that tilt or roll over can also hit and injure babies, or worse, suffocate them.
You will need an additional car seat at some time. To save money in the future, choose an all-in-one or convertible car seat that offers you more options and last longer than an infant car seat.