The Infant Car Seat Awards: The Most Stunning, Funniest, And The Most Unlikely Things We've Seen
Why a Portable Infant Car Seat is a Must-Have
Parenting is a process that is filled with countless decisions. A portable car seat for infants is a must for parents who regularly use taxis or rideshares.
The baby seats can be removed from their base and click into strollers that are compatible to allow you to transport your sleeping baby without disturbing them up or disrupting their car journey.
Safety Features
Infant-only car seats have been designed to be as safe and secure as is possible for infants who are especially susceptible to neck or head injuries. A car seat for infants may include energy-absorbing foam, Side Impact Protection pods or both to shield your child in a crash. Other features include a non-rethread five-point harness and a recline feature that makes the ride more comfortable for your child and strap holders that keep the straps free of knots. Some models have the stability foot made of steel to stop the car seats from rotating during an accident.
Many parents are pleased to know that infant car seats are usually compatible with strollers, which allows you to easily transfer your child from the car seat into the stroller. The ability to do this without removing your child's buckle is a major convenience and is particularly useful for those who want to travel with your car seat on public transportation or in taxis. In addition, the majority of infant car seats are FAA-approved for travel, which means you can use them in airplane cabins, too.
A car seat for infants that can be portable 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 easier to maneuver, particularly in small vehicles or on uneven terrain. In addition, many infant car seats are portable and have handles built-in to make it easier for you to carry them.
If you're not sure how to properly install your portable infant car seat you should consult a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST). Find one near you by visiting the National Child Passenger Safety Website. Local police and fire departments also have CPSTs who can assist you for no cost. Alternatively, you can join an organization such as Tot Squad to get virtual or in-person assistance from a trained car seat expert.
A portable all-in-one car seat offers a lot of convenience, but it's important to take into consideration your lifestyle and the size of your vehicle when making this decision. For instance the convertible car seat might not fit into your car's trunk, and will require you to install the base separately. Additionally, it usually weighs more than a standard infant car seat and isn't used as a booster.
Comfort
When it comes to 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 babies and their parents. Some of the most comfortable portable infant car seats feature soft headrests and shoulder pads for extra cushioning. Other seats offer adjustable reclining options to ensure a customized fit. Some have sunshades built-in and storage pockets that are convenient for snacks, toys, and other things.
When selecting the right car seat for your infant security is the most important consideration. There are many features to think about. For example, some seats have a no-twist harness indicator that makes buckleing up your child easier, whereas others come with an inbuilt bubble level to ensure rapid and precise installation. Many portable infant car seats are designed to be used in conjunction with a stroller to create a travel system, so you can easily transfer your child between the car and your destination.
When looking for a car seat that is portable for your baby the other things to consider are the weight and size of the seat, the ease of installation, and whether it comes with any additional safety features. Some seats feature an Euro-belt path that allows you to install the seat without a base on certain European vehicles. Some are certified GREENGUARD GOLD for low VOC and chemical emissions. A light-weight seat is easy to transport.
Certain infant car seats can be converted into toddler boosters when your child is old enough. This will save you time and money in the long run. This is especially useful for parents who travel by taxi or rideshares frequently, as they can keep their child's car seat in place when they change cars. Examples of this kind of infant car seat that is portable include the Doona that has wheels that are integrated to transform it into a stroller and is FAA-approved to be used on airplanes. Other convertible infant car seats alternatives include the Graco SnugRide 35 DLX, and the Evenflo Litemax DLX.
Convenience
Portable infant car seats, designed for newborns and babies generally smaller and lighter than convertible seats. Their compact design makes them simple to transport from one vehicle to another, especially if you're using the seat with a stroller compatible to use as part of a travel system. Most of the time the car seats come with a canopy to provide additional protection from sun.
Newborns and infants need an appropriate, secure car seat This is why portable infant car seats are a great option for families. They usually have extra padding around the head, which can help protect the head of a baby who is premature if there is an accident. click hyperlink feature special, meticulously engineered side impact protection and a five-point harness for a secure fit, so your baby will be as safe and secure as is possible throughout every journey.
Many infant car seats for portable use have a base that attaches to your car. The carrier can be clicked into the base or into a stroller that can be used with the car seat making it easy to transfer your sleeping baby between the car and stroller without disturbing them. It's also common for these car seats to have the lock-off mechanism that stops your child from being able to unbuckle or unhook their straps in the seat.
It is important to remember that, regardless of whether you are moving the infant car seat between vehicles, you should not loosen or undo the straps of your baby's harness as this can lead to strangulation in the event of a crash. Instead, ensure that they are secure at all times, and use a blanket or coat over the top of the straps in cold weather.
It's also a good idea to think about how long think your child will last in their infant car seat before purchasing one. Because they're specifically designed for infants and newborns they typically have a shorter lifespan than convertible car seats, so you may need to purchase another seat sooner than expected. Generally, infant car seats are used until your child has outgrown them, which usually happens within the first year of life.
Cost
There are some costs that are important to consider when deciding on which portable infant car seat to purchase. It is likely that you will need to purchase a base for your vehicle, and some models require you to set up the car seat with LATCH. This will add to the total cost of your purchase, but can save you money in the end since you won't need to pay for a separate infant car seat base if you are using multiple vehicles.
Consider purchasing a convertible car seat that is 3-in-1 or 4-in-1. These seats can grow with your child from rear-facing infants to forward-facing toddlers before transforming into a booster for older children. These seats are a great choice for parents who frequently travel or who have to move their child from one vehicle to the next. You'll need to purchase a base for each car that you plan to use the seat in. They are also heavier than infant car safety seats.
Many infant car seats don't fit into strollers, and you'll have to wake your baby to move them. This could be a problem for parents who have a busy commute or who have to do many errands with their child in tow. This type of car seat is a good option for parents who use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. You can easily snap it into a stroller that works with the car seat to continue your journey.
Additionally certain parents prefer to purchase an infant car seat that comes with a matching stroller as part of what is known as a travel system. If you're expecting a premature infant or a child that is smaller than average, this is a great idea. These models are designed to accommodate infants.
Most children will outgrow their infant car seats at around one year, based on their weight and height. This means that you'll need to upgrade to a new model even if your child hasn't reached the weight or height limit.