5 Clarifications Regarding Infant Car Seat Newborn
Infant Car Seat - What You Need to Know
Most baby car seats can be removed from their base and then reassembled into a stroller compatible with them for easy transport. This makes them popular with parents who are planning to take frequent trips outside of the city.
Dress your baby in clothes so that the harness straps can comfortably fit over their hips and shoulders regardless of the car seat type you choose. Large blankets and clothes can make it difficult to find a snug fit.
Rear-Facing
Infant car seats (also known as convertible car seats with a rear-facing position) are designed to accommodate newborns and children as high as the weight and height limit set by the manufacturer. They usually come with an infant insert to ensure that the head of a newborn is securely in the seat's 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 baby to ride rear facing even longer, up to age 4 or 5 (depending on the model).
The majority of car seat manufacturers offer an adjustable reclining angle that can be adjusted in order to prevent the baby's back from sliding forward when the vehicle slows down. You'll need to read your car seat's manual to figure out how to adjust the reclining angle, or look up a video from an influencer of your car seat to discover how to do it. Avoid putting your baby in heavy clothing, such as coats or blankets. They could hinder an ideal fit of the harness and hinder airflow around their necks and chests.
Many parents are hesitant to let their children change from a rear-facing position to a forward-facing one because they fear that the force of a crash will eject the baby's feet and legs or that their head and neck may be thrown violently forward in a side impact. However, it's crucial to remember that the rear-facing position provides more protection than forward-facing.
A video posted by an influencer for car seats shows a child in the forward-facing car seat being violently tossed in an accident simulation. The head injury that results is horrifying. The video of the same accident from the rear-facing seat isn't as severe because the child's head is held by the shell.
If your state requires you to put your child in the opposite direction, do not follow it. This is not in accordance with the best practices. The AAP and NHTSA agree that children should stay rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height for the car seat.
Forward-Facing
Infant car seats are designed to cradle newborns and infants, with harnesses that help secure them in the seat. Depending on the model of car seat parents will be in a position to adjust the recline angle and headrest to ensure their child's comfort and also select from various attachments for the stroller of their baby. Most infant car seats come with the capacity to hold a maximum weight and height, and most children will outgrow them before they are ready to move to a forward-facing car seat.
While it's understandable for parents to want to get their child back as soon as they can, the current standard mandates that kids under one year of age must remain rear-facing in car seats until they reach 20 pounds and one year old. This is because the neck muscles of infants aren't strong enough to handle the force of the rear-end crash that occurs when a baby turns forward in a crash.
If a baby's neck is thrust forward during a frontal accident, the spinal cord can stretch and tear, which could cause paralysis or even death. But, if a child is seated backwards in a car the neck bones stay together and are secured by straps that secure the harness, which prevents this type of injury.
Rear-facing babies 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 belts that stretch across their chests, as opposed to their necks in the event of a collision.
Parents must ensure that their child is using the correct car seat that is suitable for his or her size. Always consult the instructions of the manufacturer's car seat and vehicle owner's manual when making an important decision. It's also a good idea to visit an accredited car seat technician in your area to get expert advice and assistance.
If an infant is out of their car seat, they can upgrade to convertible car seats. These seats start in the rear-facing mode and then shift to forward-facing mode when they reach their weight and height limits. They can then upgrade to a booster seat that has lap-sash adult seatbelts after they've reached their recommended age and weight.
Convertible
Many new parents are torn when it comes to deciding between a car seat for infants and convertible ones. Both have advantages but which is the right choice for your family? An infant car seat is perfect for infants However, if you're looking for something that will last for many years, a convertible is probably more suitable.
infant car seats that swivel change from rear-facing to forward-facing as your child grows. They can accommodate children from the age of infancy to the end of elementary school, based on the model you select. Some have higher weight and height limits in the rear position than infant car seats, which allows them to last longer.
If you decide to buy a convertible infant car seat make sure to determine whether it comes with removable newborn inserts that to ensure a snug and secure fit for your baby. The firm padding raises the infant's torso so they can reach the lowest slots in the straps, and pushes them forward slightly to stop their head from flopping back against the harness straps or the buckle on the crotch of the seat (which puts the child at risk of asphyxia).
Some infant car seats come with a handle to make it easier to transfer between vehicles. Others can be clicked into strollers, creating a travel system. This feature allows you to move from your car to your stroller without waking your baby for trips to the grocery store mall, the doctor's office, or visits.
Your child will eventually outgrow the infant car seat. This could happen when they reach their weight limit or height. The majority of experts agree that it's time to transition to a convertible seat once your child's head is within an inch of the top of the seat, but make sure to refer to your seat's manual to make sure your child is in the right place.
While convertible car seats can appear to be more expensive in the beginning than car seats for infants, they may be cheaper in the long term because you'll be in a position to use them for several years. In addition, some models have lower anchors that permit you to install them with less force than traditional seats, which could reduce injuries in the event of a crash.
Safety Ratings
When you are shopping for an infant car seat, safety is foremost in your mind. All infant car seats have to meet the safety standards set by the federal government. However some seats go above and beyond the minimum requirements to give parents extra peace of mind.
Premium features such as anti-rebound bars and no-rethread harnesses are a great way to ensure that your child's safety is kept in mind. Other helpful tools, like load legs that brace the bottom of the seat and reduce the impact force of a crash are available as well.
Examining the crash test ratings and reviews of a car seat for infants will help you determine its safety before purchasing. It's important to keep in mind that the use of an infant car seat will determine how secure it is. Based on our conversations, the majority of accidents that occur in infant car seats result from negligence, whether it's due to improper installation or inadequate restraints of the child.
To be sure you're using a car seat for your infant correctly, choose one that has a clear instructions manual and lots of indicators that show it's solid and level, with bubbles on the base that inform you EXACTLY where to position 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 that it makes when you tighten is a good indication.
Even if you're just going to the store or making a quick visit to the park, you should never leave your infant unattended in a car. It's not just dangerous in the event of a car crash, but leaving an infant car seat or infant carrier on a hard surface can cause injuries and falls. Car seats that tip over or roll can cause injuries or even death to babies.
While the choice between an infant car seat and convertible car seats or an all-in-one car seat may feel like it boils down to cost at this point, keep in mind that you will require an additional booster seat at some time. To save money over the long term, choose a convertible or all-in-one car seat that offers you more options and last longer than a car seat for infants.