Why a Portable Infant Car Seat is a Must-Have
Parenting is a process that comes with a variety of decisions. A portable car seat for infants is essential for parents who regularly use taxis or rideshares.
The baby seats disengage from their base and snap into strollers that are compatible which allows you to carry your sleeping baby without waking them up or disturbing their car journey.
Safety Features
Newborns are at risk of neck and head injuries in an accident. This is why infant-only car seats are designed to be as secure as is possible. Depending on the model you choose an infant-only car seats could have energy-absorbing foam, or Side Impact Protection pods to protect your child in the event of a crash. Other features include a five-point no rethread harness, a recline that provides an easier ride for your baby, and strap holders to keep the straps from getting caught. Some models even feature a steel stability leg to prevent the car seat from rotating in the event of an accident.
Many parents appreciate that infant car seats are often compatible with strollers, which allows you to easily transfer your child from the car seat into a stroller. The capability to do this without unbuckling your child is a huge benefit and is especially beneficial when you plan to take your car seat on taxis or public transportation. Additionally, the majority of infant car seats are FAA-approved for air travel, so you can use them in airplane cabins, too.
With the convenience of a car seat for infants that can be carried around it is possible to take your child on more adventures with your family, such as camping or hiking. These seats are typically smaller and less bulky than convertible car seats, making them easier to maneuver in smaller vehicles or on uneven terrain. Many portable infant car seats come with handles built-in, making them easier to carry.
Talk to a child passenger safety expert if you're unsure how to install your portable infant seat. You can find one in your area through the National Child Passenger Safety website. Some local fire and police departments have CPSTs who can assist you at no cost. You can also join an organization like Tot Squad for virtual or in-person assistance from a trained expert.
A portable all-in-one car seat can be a huge convenience, but it's important to consider your lifestyle and the size of your vehicle when making this decision. For example the convertible car seat might not fit in your vehicle's trunk, and requires you to install the base separately. It also weighs more than an infant only car seat, and cannot be used as an infant booster.
Comfort
Comfort might not be the first thing parents think about when it comes to their infant car seats but a relaxing ride is important for both parents and babies. Some of the best portable infant car seats feature soft shoulder pads and headrests to provide extra cushioning, while others offer adjustable reclining options to create a perfect fit. Some have sunshades built-in and convenient storage pockets for toys, snacks and other items.
Safety is the primary priority when choosing a car seat for your baby There are numerous important features to look for. Some car seats have an indicator that does not twist to make it easier to buckle your child. Others come with the ability to use a bubble level to make it easy and precise to install. Many infant car seats are designed to be used conjunction with a stroller, creating an entire travel system. This allows you to easily transfer your child from the vehicle to the location you want them to go.
When looking for a portable car seat for your baby Other factors to consider are the weight and size of the seat, the ease of installation, and whether it has additional safety features. For example certain seats come with a Euro belt path that allows you to ensure a secure fit without the base in some European vehicles, and others are certified GREENGUARD Gold for low chemical and VOC emissions. A light-weight seat is more convenient to carry around.
In addition there are infant car seats that are designed to convert into a toddler booster when your child is ready. This can save you money and time in the long time. This is especially useful for parents who regularly take taxis or rideshare services since it lets them keep their child's car seat in place while changing cars. This kind of infant car seat is the Doona. It has wheels that are integrated and can be used as a stroller and is FAA approved for use on planes. Other convertible infant car seats include the Graco SnugRide 35 DLX and the Evenflo Litemax DLX.
Convenience
Designed for newborns and infants, portable infant car seats are typically smaller and lighter than convertible car seats. Their small size makes them easy to transport from one vehicle to another, particularly when you're using the seat with a stroller that is compatible as part of an overall travel system. Car seats are often fitted with a canopy that provides an extra level of protection from the sun.
Portable infant car seats provide a comfortable, safe fit for infants and newborns. This is why they are a favorite for families. They usually include extra padding on the head, which could protect a premature baby's head in the event of an accident. They also have carefully engineered side impact protection and 5-point harnesses to ensure the most secure fit, meaning that your baby will be as safe and secure as possible on every trip.
Many infant car seats for portable use include an attached base to your vehicle. The car seat is then plugged into this base or a stroller compatible with it, making it easy to move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back without causing disturbance. Car seats usually come with a lock-off mechanism that stops your child from unbuckling or undoing their straps.
It's important to note that, regardless of whether you are moving the infant car seat between vehicles, you shouldn't remove or loosen the straps on your baby's harness, because this could lead to strangulation during a crash. Make sure best car seat for newborn are securely buckled and secure the straps with a blanket or coat in cold weather.
It's important to think about how long think your child will last in their infant car seat prior to purchasing one. Because they're specifically designed for infants and newborns, they tend to have a shorter lifespan than convertible car seats, meaning that you may need to purchase an additional seat earlier than you anticipated. In general, infant car seats can only be used until your child is no longer using them, which is typically within the first year of life.
Cost
When deciding which portable car seats for infants to buy there are a few expenses to be considered. You may need to purchase a separate base to place your car seat in your vehicle. Some models require you use LATCH to install them. This can increase the overall price of the purchase but can save you money in the long run as you won't have to pay for a separate infant car seat base if you are using multiple vehicles.
Think about purchasing a convertible vehicle seat that is a 3-in-1 or 4-in-1. These seats can adapt to your child, from infants facing rearwards to toddlers facing forward and then into boosters for older children. These seats are an excellent choice for parents who travel often or have their child move from one vehicle to another. But, you'll have to purchase a separate base for each vehicle you wish to use the seat in, and they are likely to be heavier than infant car seats.
Another issue that could arise is that many infant car seats don't work with strollers and you'll have to wake up your sleepy baby to move them. This can be a problem for parents who have a busy commute or have to run around with their child in tow. This kind of car seat is a good option for parents who use ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft. You can easily transform it into a stroller that works with the seat to continue your journey.
Additionally certain parents prefer to purchase an infant car seat with a matching stroller as part of what is called a travel system. If you're expecting a premature infant or a smaller-than-average child it's a good idea. These models are designed to accommodate infants.
Most children outgrow their infant seats by the age of one year old, based on their height and weight. As a result, you'll need to upgrade to a new model even the child isn't yet at the maximum height or weight limit.