Why a Portable Infant Car Seat is a Must-Have

Parenting is a journey filled with many decisions. A portable infant car seat should be a must for parents who frequently take taxis or rideshares.

These baby seats detach from their base and click into strollers that work with them, so you can transport your baby asleep without disturbing them up or disturbing their car journey.

Safety Features

Newborns are especially vulnerable to head and neck injuries in an accident. This is why infant-only car seats are made to be as safe as they can be. Depending on the model you select the infant-only car seat may have energy-absorbing foam or Side Impact Protection pods to protect your child in the event of an accident. Other features include a no-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 tangles. Some models have the stability foot made of steel to prevent the car seats from rotating during an accident.

Many parents are pleased to know that infant car seats are often compatible with strollers, allowing you to easily transfer your child from the car seat to a stroller. This is particularly beneficial when you intend to use the car seat for public transportation or taxis. Additionally, the majority of infant car seats are FAA-approved for air travel, so you are able to use them in airplane cabins too.

A portable infant car seat also lets you take your child on more family adventures such as camping and hiking excursions. These seats are smaller and less bulky than the convertible car seats. This makes them easier to maneuver, particularly in smaller vehicles or on uneven terrain. Furthermore the majority of portable infant car seats come with handles built-in to make it easier for you to carry them.

If you're unsure of how to install your portable infant car seat make sure you consult a certified child safety technician (CPST). Find one in your locality by visiting the National Child Passenger Safety Website. Local police and fire departments have CPSTs who can assist you for no cost. You can also join a group like Tot Squad for virtual or in-person assistance from a qualified expert.

When making this decision, it's important that you take into consideration your lifestyle and the size of your vehicle. For example, a convertible car seat may not fit into your car's trunk, and will require you to install the base separately. Additionally, it usually weighs more than an infant-only car seat and can't be used as an infant booster.

Comfort

It's not what parents consider when it comes to infant car seats but a relaxing ride is important for both parents and children. Some of the best portable infant car seats feature soft shoulders and headrests for extra cushioning, while others have adjustable reclining options to find a custom fit. Some also have built-in sunshades and storage pockets that are convenient for toys, snacks and other items.

When you are choosing a car seat for your baby safety is the most important consideration. There are many features to consider. For example, some seats come with a no-twist harness indicator that makes buckleing up your child easier, whereas others have a built-in bubble level for fast and precise installation. Many portable infant car seats are designed to be used in conjunction with strollers to create a travel system, meaning you can effortlessly move your baby between the car and your destination.

Other aspects to consider when shopping for a portable infant newborn car seat seat include the size and weight of the seat and how easy it is to install, and whether or not it comes with additional safety features. For example certain seats come with an Euro belt route that makes it easier to ensure a secure fit without the base on certain European vehicles, and some are certified GREENGUARD Gold for low VOC and chemical emissions. A seat that is lightweight is more convenient to carry around.

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 particularly beneficial for parents who travel infant car seat by taxi or rideshares regularly, as they can keep their child's car seat in place even when they change cars. Examples of this type of Portable Infant Car Seat (King-Wifi.Win) include the Doona that comes with integrated wheels to turn it into a stroller and is FAA-approved to be used on airplanes. Other convertible infant car seats options include the Graco SnugRide 35 DLX, and the Evenflo Litemax DLX.

Convenience

Designed for newborns and infants, portable infant car seats are usually smaller and lighter than convertible car seats. Their small size makes them easy to transport from one vehicle to another, particularly if you're using the seat with a stroller that is compatible as part of a travel system. Most of the time, these car seats also feature a canopy that provides extra protection from the sun.

Infants and new born babies require an appropriate, secure fit in their carseats and that's why portable infant car seats are a great option for families. They usually have extra padding around the head, which can protect a premature baby's head in the event of an accident. They also come with a five-point safety harness, as well as side impact protection that has been specifically designed to ensure your baby's safety and comfort.

Many portable infant car seats come with an attached base to your vehicle. The car seat can be plugged into the base or a stroller that can be used with the carrier, making it simple to move your baby between the car and the stroller without disturbing them. It is also typical for car seats to have an automatic lock-off feature, which keeps your baby from being able to unbuckle or remove their straps in the seat.

When you are moving your infant car seat newborn car seat from one vehicle to another do not loosen or remove the harness straps. This can cause strangulation if there is a crash. Instead, make sure they're always buckled and place blankets or coats on the top of the straps in cold weather.

It's also a good idea to think about how long think your child will be in their infant car seat before purchasing one. Because they're specifically designed for newborns and infants, they tend to have a shorter life span than convertible car seats, meaning that you may have to buy another car seat earlier than you expected. Most infant car seats are used until your child is no longer using them, which is typically within the first year of their life.

Cost

There are a few costs that are important to be aware of when choosing a portable infant car seat to purchase. You may have to purchase a separate base to mount your car seat in your vehicle. Some models require you install them using LATCH them. This can increase the cost of the purchase, but you will save money in the long run by not needing to purchase an additional base for each vehicle.

You should consider purchasing a convertible car seat that is a 3-in-1 or 4-in-1. These seats can adapt to your child, from rear-facing infants to toddlers facing forward and then to boosters for older children. These seats are a great choice for parents who frequently travel or have their child move from one vehicle to the next. You will need to purchase an appropriate base for each vehicle that you plan to use the seat in. They are also heavier than baby car safety seats.

Another issue to consider is that many infant car seats don't work with strollers, so you will have to wake up your sleeping baby to transfer them. This could be a challenge for parents who have a busy commute or run errands a lot with their child. If you are a parent who uses rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, this type of car seat may be a good choice for you, since these models permit you to quickly convert the seat into a stroller that is compatible and continue your trip without disturbing your child.

Parents may also opt to buy a travel system that includes an infant car seat and a stroller. This could be a good option if you're expecting a premature or smaller than average baby, since these types of models offer the ideal fit for newborns.

Most children will outgrow their infant car seats by around the age of a year, depending on their height and weight. As a result, you'll require a new model even if your child hasn't reached the weight or height limit.