The Next Big Trend In The Infant Car Seat Newborn Industry
Infant Car Seat – What You Need to Know The majority of infant car seats can be dismantled from their base and then reassembled into a stroller compatible with them to make it easy to transport. This feature makes them popular with parents who are planning to travel frequently outside of the city. Regardless of which pushchairsandprams of car seat you select, dress your baby in clothes that allow the harness straps to fit comfortably over their hips and shoulders. Bulky clothing and blankets can make it difficult to get a snug fit. Rear-Facing Infant car seats, also known as convertible car seat with a rear-facing position are designed to fit newborns and small children up to a certain weight and height limit set by the manufacturer. These car seats are usually equipped with an infant insert to ensure that the head of a newborn is comfortably positioned inside the seat shell. The AAP and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration both recommend that infants remain rear-facing until they reach the weight limit or height limit of their car seat. Some convertible and all-in-one car seats allow your child to ride rear-facing for longer up to age 4 or 5. Most car seat manufacturers include an adjustable reclining angle that can be adjusted in order to keep the baby's back from falling forward when the vehicle slows down. You can refer to the instruction manual for your car seat to discover how to adjust the angle or view a YouTube video of an influencer for your car seat. It's also important not to wearing your child in bulky clothing like blankets or coats because they can hinder the snug fit of the harness and cut off airflow around your infant's chest and neck. Many parents are hesitant to change their child's position from rear-facing to forward-facing because they worry the force of a crash could eject the baby's feet and legs or that their neck and head might be thrown violently forward in a side impact. However, it's important to remember that the rear-facing position provides more protection than the forward-facing one. A video posted by an influencer for car seats shows a child sitting in the forward-facing car seat being violently tossed around in a crash simulation. The head injury that occurs is horrifying. However, the video of the same crash that was recorded from the rear-facing car seat is not nearly as horrific, because a child's head is in the shell of the car seat. If your state requires you to face your child in the opposite direction, do not follow it. This isn't in line with best practices. That is why the AAP and NHTSA are now in agreement that children should remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum height or weight limit for the car seat, whichever is first. Forward-Facing Infant car seats are made for newborns and infants. Harnesses assist in securing them to the seat. Parents may be able adjust the recline angle, headrest and stroller attachments based on the car seat. The majority of infant car seats have an upper weight and height limit, and most children will outgrow them before they're ready to be switched to a forward-facing car seat. It's natural parents' desire to change their baby's position as soon as they can, however, the current law stipulates that children younger than one year old remain rear-facing until they weigh 20 pounds and are one year old. This is due to the fact that the neck muscles of infants aren't strong enough to withstand the whiplash of an rear-end collision which happens when a baby is pushed forward in a crash. If a baby's neck is forced forward in an accident that is frontal the spinal cord may stretch and tear, which could result in paralysis or even death. If a child is looking backwards in a car the neck bones are held together and secured by the harness, preventing this type of injury. In addition, rear-facing infants are less likely to be thrown into the back seat of the vehicle in an accident. In a collision, they are less likely to be injured by a seat belt that is positioned across their chests, instead of their necks. Parents must ensure that their child is in the correct car seat for the size. Always refer to the instructions of the manufacturer's car seat and the owner's manual for your vehicle when making the decision. You can also seek expert advice from a technician for car seats who is accredited in your area. When an infant grows out of their car seat, they can change to a convertible car seat. The seats start in the rear-facing mode and then switch to forward-facing mode when they reach their weight and height limits. They can then upgrade to a booster seat using a lap-sash seatbelts for adults when they've reached the recommended weight and age. Convertible Many new parents are torn between choosing an infant car seat or a convertible one. Both have their benefits, but which one is best for your family? A car seat for infants is perfect for infants However, if you're looking for something that lasts for many years, a convertible is probably a better option. As your child grows, convertible infant car seats can be moved from rear-facing to front-facing. Based on the model, they are able to be used for children as young as late elementary school. Some rear-facing car seats have greater weight and size limitations than infant car seat that allow for more use. If you choose to purchase convertible infant car seats Be sure to verify 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 get to the smallest slots on the straps, and then pushes them forward slightly to stop their head from sliding back against the straps of their harness or the buckle on the crotch of the seat (which puts the child at risk of asphyxia). Car seats for infants also tend to have a handle parents use to move them between vehicles, and some of them can click into strollers to create a travel system. This feature makes it easy to move from your car to your stroller, without waking your baby for trips to the supermarket, mall, or doctor visits. Your child will eventually outgrow their infant car seat. This could happen when they reach their weight or height limit. Many experts agree that it's time to upgrade to a convertible car seat once 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 prepared. While convertible car seats might appear more expensive initially than car seats for infants, they may be cheaper in the long run because you'll be able to use them for many years. Certain models also have lower anchors, which allow for easier installation. This can reduce the risk of injuries in a crash. Safety Ratings When it comes to buying an infant car seat, safety should be top of mind. All infant car seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government, but some surpass the minimum requirements to provide extra peace of mind for parents. Premium features like anti-rebound bars and no-rethread adjustable harnesses can ensure your child's safety maintained. Load legs that brace the base of the seat and reduce the force in the event of a crash, are also available. One way to find out the safety of an infant car seat is prior purchasing it is to check its crash test ratings and reviews. It is essential to remember that the use of a car seat for infants will determine how secure it is. Based on our conversations the majority of accidents that occur in infant car seats result from improper use, either through improper installation or inadequate restraints of the child. To ensure that you're using a car seat for your infant correctly, look for one that has a clear instructions manual and lots of indicators to show it's secure and level, including bubbles at the base which tell you EXACTLY where to place the seat. When installing the seat, tighten the straps around the baby's chest and abdomen. The ratcheting noise it makes when you tighten is an excellent indication. When you're out and about with your child in car seats, don't leave it unattended, even when you're just going to the shop or taking a short visit to the park. It is not only dangerous in the event of a crash however, leaving an infant carrier or car seat on a hard surface could cause injuries and falls. Car seats and carriers that tip over or roll can also hit and injure infants or, even more dangerously and even cause them to suffocate. While the choice between an infant car seat and convertible car seats or an all-in-one car seat may feel like it comes down to cost at this point be aware that you will need an additional booster seat at some point. Choose a convertible car seat or an all-in-one seat to save money over the long run. These seats will provide more options and last longer than infant car seats.