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Infant Car Seat – What You Need to Know Most baby car seats can be removed from their base and then reassembled into a compatible stroller for easy transport. This makes them very popular for parents who plan to make frequent trips out of town. Regardless of which type of car seat you pick Dress your baby in clothing that allows the harness straps to comfortably fit over their shoulders and hips. The bulky clothing or blankets could hinder a secure harness fit. Rear-Facing Infant car seats, also referred to as convertible car seats with an inclination to the rear, are designed to accommodate infants and small children up to a certain weight and height limit that is set by the manufacturer. They usually come with an infant insert to ensure that the head of a newborn is securely positioned within the seat's shell. The AAP and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommend that infants ride rear-facing until they reach their height or weight limits for the car seat or the weight limit for the car seat, whichever is first. Certain convertible and all-in-one car seats allow your child to remain rear-facing for longer, until around age 4 or 5. Most manufacturers have their car seats designed with a reclining angle that can be adjusted to keep the baby's head from falling backward when the vehicle is stopped. It is necessary to read the manual of your car seat to determine how to adjust the reclining angle or find a video from an influencer of your car seat to learn how to do it. Do not place your baby in bulky clothing such as blankets or coats. They could impede an appropriate fit of the harness and block airflow around their necks and chests. Many parents are reluctant to switch their children from rear-facing to forward-facing as they worry the force of a crash will throw the child's legs and feet, or that their neck and head might be thrown violently forward in a side impact. It's crucial to remember that the rear-facing position offers more protection than the forward-facing one. A video by a car seat influencer depicts an infant sitting in a forward-facing car seat being violently tossed around in an accident simulator. The resultant head injury is horrendous. However, the video of the same crash from the rear-facing car seat not nearly as bad as the head of a child is in the car seat's shell. If your state requires you to face your child forward, ignore it. This does not line up with the best practices, which is the reason why the AAP and NHTSA have now agreed 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 help secure them into the seat. Parents can adjust the headrest, recline angle, and stroller attachments depending on the car seat. Most infant car seats come with the capacity to hold a maximum weight and height and the majority of children will outgrow these seats before they are ready to move to a forward-facing car seat. While it's normal for parents to want to turn their child around as soon as possible The current law requires that kids under one year of age must be rear-facing in car seats until they're 20 pounds and 1 year of age. The reason is that neck muscles of infants aren't strong enough to withstand whiplash caused by a rear-end collision, which happens when a child turns forward in the event of an accident. If a baby's neck is moved forward in a frontal accident, the spinal cord can stretch and tear, which could lead to paralysis or death. But, if a child is seated backwards in the car the neck bones stay together and are protected by the straps of the harness, which help prevent this type of injury. Rear-facing babies are also less likely to end up in the back of the car during an accident. They're also less likely be injured by a seat belt that stretches across their chest instead of their necks in the event of a collision. Parents must ensure that their child is using the correct car seat for the size. Refer to the instructions for car seats from the manufacturer as well as the owner's manual of your vehicle before making a decision. It's also a good idea to visit an accredited car seat technician in your local area for professional help and advice. When a baby grows out of their car seat, he or she can change to convertible car seats. These seats start in the rear-facing direction and switch to forward-facing when they reach their weight and height limits. They can then upgrade to a booster seat with a lap-sash adult seatbelt when they've reached the recommended age and weight. Convertible Many new parents are confused when it comes to choosing between an infant car seat and convertible seats. Both have their advantages but which is the best choice for your family? A car seat for infants is great for newborns However, if you're looking for something that lasts for many years, a convertible is probably a better option. Convertible infant car seats convert 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 heavier weight and height limits in the rear-facing position than car seats for infants, allowing them to be used longer. If you choose to purchase a convertible infant car seat, be sure to check whether it has removable newborn inserts that can 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 moves them slightly forward to stop their head from slipping back against the straps of their harness or the buckle on the crotch of the seat (which puts the child at risk of asphyxia). Some infant car seats come with handles to make it easier to transfer between vehicles. Some can be plugged into strollers, forming a travel system. This feature lets you easily transfer your car to a stroller without waking your baby. Your child will eventually outgrow the infant car seat. This can happen when they reach their weight or height limit. The majority of experts agree that it's time to upgrade to a convertible car seat when your child's head is within one inch of the top edge of the seat. Review the instructions in your seat's manual to ensure your child is ready. While convertible car seats can appear more expensive initially than car seats for infants but they can be more affordable in the long run because you'll be able to use them for several years. Additionally, certain models have lower anchors which permit you to install them with less force than traditional seats, which could lessen the risk of injuries in the event of a crash. Safety Ratings Safety is the primary factor to consider when shopping for infant car seats. All car seats for infants are required to meet the safety standards set by the federal government. However, some go beyond the minimum requirements to give parents additional peace of mind. Premium features like anti-rebound bars and no-rethread harnesses can help to ensure your child's safety kept in mind. Load legs that brace the seat's base and reduce the force during a crash are also available. Examining the crash test ratings and reviews of a car seat for infants can help you determine its safety before purchasing. It's important to remember that the usage of an infant car seat will determine how safe it is. Based on our conversations with NHTSA engineers, the majority of accidents that involve infant car seats result from negligence — either improper installation or improper restraint of a childbut not the actual performance of the seat in a crash. To ensure that you're using a car seat for your infant properly, search for one that comes with an easy-to-read instructions manual and lots of indicators that it is solid and level, with bubbles at the base which tell you EXACTLY where to position the seat. Also, ensure that you firmly tighten the straps to the chest and abdomen of your child when you install it. The ratcheting noise it makes when you tighten it is an excellent indication. Finally, when you're out and about with your infant in a car seat, never leave the car seat unattended, even if you are just running into the shop or taking a short visit to the park. It is not only dangerous in the event of a car crash however, leaving an infant car seat or baby carrier on a hard surface can also lead to injuries and falls. Car seats and carriers that tip over or roll can cause injuries to babies, or worse, suffocate them. While the choice between an infant car seat and convertible car seats or an all-in-one car seats may seem like it comes down to the cost, keep in mind that you will require an additional booster seat at some time. Select a convertible car seat or an all in one seat to save money in the long term. These seats will provide more options and last longer than infant car seats.