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What You Should Know Before Buying an Infant Car Seat

Make an informed decision about the car seat you'll use to keep your baby safe. Choose a model that fits your vehicle and meets your baby's weight, height and seated shoulder height specifications.

Some infant car seats can be used with a stroller to create a travel system, making transitions between your car and the rest of your trip more convenient. Other features to consider include:
Safety

Car seat safety is a top priority for new parents, and rightly so. An infant car seat (also known as a child safety seat, baby carrier or car-tote) protects young children from injury and death during vehicle collisions by distributing crash force across their entire body, helping to protect their heads, necks, spines and internal organs.

Typically, infant cars seats are rear-facing, which is recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration because it distributes crash forces more evenly to the child’s whole body. Many models also include built-in level indicators to help ensure that the car seat is positioned at a safe angle. They can also be attached to compatible stroller bases, allowing you to travel with your child without having to unbuckle them each time.

However, it is important to note that even the safest car seat can be dangerous if not properly installed and used. A poorly-installed car seat can be unstable, leading to injuries or death in a crash. This is why it is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions and vehicle owner’s manual to find out how to correctly install the car seat using the seat belt or lower anchors and tether, if available.

Once you have the car seat securely in place, check that the harness straps lie flat against your child’s shoulders and that the chest clip lies at or below their armpits. It is also important to keep the carrier or car seat away from any hard, smooth surfaces like countertops and furniture that could cause it to tip or roll. The NIH found that more than 8,000 infants a year are treated in hospital for injuries sustained when their car seat or carrier overturned outside of a vehicle. Additionally, the risk of suffocation is high when babies are left in the car for long periods of time in an infant carrier or car seat.

Lastly, it is also important to avoid hanging toys from the carrier handle as these can distract your baby and become flying projectiles in a crash. Similarly, don’t allow a toddler to play with the buckles or latching mechanism of an infant car seat. These can be extremely dangerous and could result in serious injury or death in a crash.
Portability

Designed for newborns and young babies, infant car seats feature an optimal fit that keeps them comfortable during travel. These rear-facing models come in two parts: a base that is installed in your vehicle and the carrier that clips securely into it (and sometimes into compatible strollers). The click-in-click-out system is convenient and simple, making it easy to transition from car to home or wherever you’re headed without disrupting baby’s sleep. Many models also come with a convenient carrying handle, making it easy to transport your child to and from the car or to other vehicles.

The best car seat rear-facing infant car seats include a built-in base, making them ideal for parents who plan to exclusively use the seat in their own vehicle. They’re also the best choice for families that often travel by plane, taxi, or rental car. If you frequently share your car with others or need to install a seat in a rental or borrowed vehicle, consider a convertible car seat that works with multiple vehicles instead.

If you have a smaller baby, most infant car seats feature newborn inserts that help them maintain a secure fit as they grow. These padded cushions lift them up (for better access to the lowest set of strap slots) and push them forward, so they’re closer to the crotch strap. Some manufacturers also offer adjustable headrests that can be raised or lowered as the baby grows.

While an infant car seat has a short lifespan, its convenience and features make it a great investment for parents. By contrast, convertible car seats are designed to be long-term solutions and can accommodate a growing child for several years.

Ultimately, it’s important to decide which type of car seat is the right fit for your lifestyle and budget. If you prioritize portability and need a simple installation, opt for an infant car seat with a snap-in base. If you frequently take public transportation or need to install a car seat in multiple vehicles, a convertible model is the safer and more flexible option. And if you’re not sure which one to choose, consult with your healthcare provider and shop around for the best car seat deal.
Comfort

Infant car seats are a great choice for newborns and babies, providing them with the snug, safe fit they need during their earliest months. They’re also highly portable infant car seat and can be used in conjunction with strollers for a convenient travel system. But while they may seem like a must-have for parents, there are some things you should know before making your purchase.

Whether you’re buying your first car seat or replacing an old one, it’s important to select the right model for your vehicle and baby. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines and your vehicle owner’s manual to ensure that your lightweight baby car seat’s weight and height fall within the limits for the seat. It’s also important to install the car seat properly, as incorrect installation can reduce the effectiveness of the seat and put your child at risk.

In general, infant car seats are designed to be rear-facing only and feature a carrier that clicks into a base installed in your vehicle via the LATCH or seat belt system. Most models include a carry handle for easy transport, so you can take your sleeping baby from the car to the house or stroller without disturbing their precious slumber. Infant car seats can also be used with compatible strollers to create a seamless travel system, which is especially useful during cold weather when you want to avoid the extra hassle of removing your child’s coat and buckling them into a separate seat.

Many infant car seats come with infant inserts that can improve the fit of the shoulder straps and chest clip for smaller babies. The padding lifts the straps up a little to make them easier for infants to reach and buckle, and helps keep the crotch strap above your baby’s belly button (the strap shouldn’t be lower than their armpits) so that they stay secure during crashes.

Remember, never put your child in a car seat wearing a coat, as the extra material can create too much slack in the harness and make it difficult for you to see whether the buckles are properly secured. Also, don’t use the "two-finger test" to see if the harness straps are tight enough; it’s not a reliable way of measuring tightness and should be done by a professional.
Installation

An infant car seat is a convenient, easily removable rear-facing carrier that clicks into a base installed in your vehicle. It is designed to keep your child safe and secure until they no longer fit in it (as specified by the manufacturer's height and weight requirements).

Almost all infant car seats can be used with either the vehicle's seat belt or lower anchor system, depending on the vehicle and the car seat's design. Most are designed to install in the middle of the back seat, which is the safest place for an infant. The majority of modern infant car seats also feature built-in angle indicators, making it easier to ensure the seat is positioned correctly in your vehicle.

It's important to double-check every single thing on your new baby car seat before driving off the lot. This means checking the buckle paths, angle indicator, and tightness of the connection. It's also a good idea to test the harness straps by trying to pinch the fabric. A snug fit is ideal, but not so tight that the straps rub or squeeze your child.

Some infant car seats can be used without a base, but this isn't recommended. Using a seat without a base increases the risk of improper installation and can cause serious injury in a crash. Most car seat manufacturers recommend you use the base whenever possible, as it helps to minimize movement and reduces the first impact caused by belt retention.

Most infant car seat that swivels car seats will only accept the handle in a vertical position, while most strollers have a handle that can be raised to a horizontal position. This can make it more difficult to maneuver the seat in and out of a car. Some car seat models will "click" when the handle is locked in, making this process quick and easy.

If you have an infant, an infant car seat can be a lifesaver during those early months of parenthood. Follow the tips in this guide to find the perfect infant car seat for your family, and don't forget to book a complimentary appointment with one of our certified child passenger safety technicians.