Infant Car Seat - What You Need to Know
The majority of infant car seats can be detached from their base and slid into a stroller that is compatible for easy transport. This makes them very popular with parents who intend to make frequent trips out of town.
Dress your baby in clothing so that the harness straps comfortably fit over their shoulders and hips, regardless of which car seat type you choose. The bulky clothing or blankets could hinder a secure harness fit.
Rear-Facing
Infant car seats (also known as convertible car seats that have a rear-facing position) are designed to accommodate infants and children up to the weight and height limit set by the manufacturer. They usually include an infant insert to ensure that the baby's head is comfortable positioned within the seat's shell.
The AAP and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommend that children ride rear-facing until they reach their weight or height limits for the car seat or until they reach their weight limits, whichever comes first. Certain convertible and all-in-one car seats allow your child to ride rear facing even longer, until about age 4 or 5 (depending on the model).
The majority of manufacturers design their car seats with an angle of reclining that can be adjusted to keep the baby's head from falling forward when the vehicle is stopped. You can refer to the instruction manual for your car seat to find out how to adjust the angle, or view a YouTube video of an influencer for your car seat. It's also important not to putting your baby in bulky clothes, like blankets and coats as they could hinder a snug harness fit and cut off airflow around the baby's neck and chest.
Many parents are reluctant to switch their children from a rear-facing position to a forward-facing one because they are concerned that the impact force could cause the baby to lose their feet and legs or that their neck and head could be thrown forward violently in a collision with a side. It is important to keep in mind that rear-facing provides a much more protection than forward-facing.
A video by an influencer of car seats shows a child in a forward-facing car seat violently tossed in the crash simulation. The resulting head injury is a gruesome injury to the head. The video of the same crash from the seat facing rearward is not as bad because the child's head is being held by the shell.
So, if your state law requires you to move your child's back do not follow it! This is not in accordance with best practices. The AAP and NHTSA agree that children should remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or the height required for a car seat.
Forward-Facing
Infant car seats are designed specifically for infants and newborns. Harnesses are used to secure them to the seat. Parents may be able adjust the headrest, recline angle and stroller attachments, based on the type of car seat. Most infant car seats come with an upper weight and height limit and the majority of children will outgrow these seats before they are ready to switch to a forward-facing car seat.
It's understandable for parents to want to turn their baby around as soon as they can but the current standard stipulates that children younger than one year old remain facing rear until they weigh 20 pounds and are one year old. The reason for this is that the neck muscles of infants are not strong enough to withstand whiplash caused by an accident that rears them, which happens when a child turns forward in the event of an accident.
If a baby is thrown forward during a collision with a car the spinal cord can be stretched and torn which can cause paralysis or even death. But, if a child is seated backwards in the car the neck bones remain together and are protected by straps that secure the harness, which prevents this type of injury.
Additionally, infants who are rear-facing are less likely to be thrown into the back seat of the vehicle in an accident. They're also less likely be injured by a seat belt that stretches across their chests instead of their necks, in a collision.
Parents must ensure that their child is using the correct car seat for his or the size. Always refer to the instructions of the manufacturer's car seat and the vehicle owner's manual before making a decision. You can also seek professional advice from a technician for car seats who is certified in your area.
When an infant outgrows their car seat, they can change to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat that starts in the rear-facing position and then shifts to forward-facing after they've reached their weight and height limits. When they reach the recommended weight and age, they can upgrade to a booster seat with lap-sash belts.
Convertible
Many new parents are confused in deciding between a car seat for infants and convertible seats. Both have advantages but which is the best for your family? A car seat for infants is perfect for infants, but if you want something that will last for several years, a convertible is probably a better option.
Convertible infant car seats change from rear-facing to forward-facing when your child grows. They can accommodate children from infancy until late elementary school, based on the model you select. Some have higher weight and height limits in the rear-facing position than infant car seats, which allows them to be used for longer.
If you choose to purchase convertible infant car seats, be sure to check whether it comes with removable newborn inserts that ensure a secure and comfortable fit for your baby. These paddings raise the infant's torso, so they can fit into the smallest strap slots, and moves them slightly forward to stop their head from slipping back against the straps of their harness or the seat's crotch buckle (which puts them at risk for positional asphyxia).
Infant car seats also tend to have a handle that parents use to move them between vehicles, and some of them can be connected to strollers to form a travel system. This feature lets you easily transfer your car to a stroller without waking up your baby.
Your child will eventually outgrow their infant car seat. This could occur when they reach their weight limit or height. Many experts agree that it's time to upgrade to a convertible car seat when your child's head is within 1 inch of the top edge of the seat. Check the instruction manual to ensure that your child is ready.
Convertible car seats may seem more expensive than infant car seats at first however, they could be cheaper over time because you can use them for a long time. Certain models also have lower anchors, which allow for easier installation. best car seats newborn could reduce the risk of the chance of injury in a crash.
Safety Ratings
Safety is the most important factor to consider when shopping for an infant car seats. All car seats for infants are required to comply with federal safety standards. However some seats go above and beyond the minimum requirements to provide parents with additional peace of mind.
Premium features, such as adjustable no-rethread harnesses and anti-rebound bars, will aid in ensuring that your child is secure properly and securely. Load legs that brace the seat's base and reduce the force during an accident, are also available.
An effective method to determine the safety of an infant car seat is before purchasing it is to check its crash test ratings and reviews. However it's important to keep in mind that the most crucial factor in determining how safe an infant car seat is actually how it's used. Based on our conversations the majority of accidents involving infant car seats are the result of negligence, whether it's due to incorrect installations or improper restraints of the child.
To ensure that you're using an infant car seat correctly, choose one that comes with an easy-to-read instruction manual and plenty of indicators that it is solid and level, with bubbles on the base that tell you EXACTLY where to place the seat. Make sure you be sure to secure the straps the abdomen and chest of your child when you install it. The ratcheting sound it makes when you tighten is an excellent indication.
Even if you're just going to the store or making a quick trip to the park, you shouldn't leave your infant unattended in the car. It's not just dangerous in the event of a crash and leaving your infant car seat or baby carrier on a hard surface could cause injuries and falls. Seats and carriers that tip or roll can cause injury or death to infants.
While the choice between an infant car seat and a convertible car seat or all-in-one car seats may seem like it boils down to the cost but keep in mind that you will require a booster seat at some time. Choose a convertible car seat or an all-in-one car seat to save money over the long run. These seats will offer more options and will last longer than infant car seats.
