25 Surprising Facts About Infant Car Seat Travel
Car Seat Travel
A car seat for infants or newborns that snaps into the bottom of your car. A lot of infant car seats are also part of a travel system, integrating seamlessly with strollers compatible for easy transitions.
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Safety First
When you are looking to purchase an infant car seat, you should take safety into consideration first. You must ensure that the car seat you choose to purchase is compatible with your vehicle and comes with a LATCH system. Also, look for materials that are shock-absorbing and provide side impact protection. You should ensure that the harness is comfortable for your child and easy to adjust. It is also important to confirm the information of the manufacturer on where the car seat was designed. In the ideal scenario, you should choose an infant car seat that is not made in China.
Also, make sure the car seat is equipped with an holder for cups and a sun canopy/drape to shield your baby from the elements. If you plan to travel with your infant car seat, find out if you can gate check it (carry it along with you to the airport). Also, you should have a stroller to which the infant car seat can be connected.
Another aspect to be aware of when shopping for an infant car seat is that you should take your child with you in an rear-facing car seat for as long as you can. It's safer for babies to travel in the rear-facing car seat rather than in a forward-facing one, especially when you're driving on curvy or winding roads.
When your child has outgrown the car seat he was in as a baby and has reached the weight limit or height limit for that seat, it is time to transition to a car seat facing forward. If you're changing from an infant car seat to a convertible car seat, ensure that you use the top tether strap.
It may be difficult to travel with a newborn car seat, but it's worth the effort to protect your child. It's possible to borrow the car of a friend or relative but there's nothing better than having your own. The peace of mind knowing that your child is safe and happy in their car seat is invaluable. Explore the various types of infant car seats to determine which one is right for you.
Backseat with an adult or older child who is responsible
Car seat travel can be stressful for infants and toddlers who are used to sitting in a stroller or on their parent's laps. A parent in the back seat will allow you to handle their needs when they occur and keep them on track, which will make the journey less stressful for everyone. This includes feeding or changing diapers, as well as soothing babies that are agitated. If you don't have a parent to sit in the backseat with your child, think about purchasing a convertible car seat that allows you to use it as a booster or seat for older kids (although you'll need to purchase an additional booster seat for long journeys).
Car seats are typically allowed on the plane however they must be checked in and stored away before you can board. Check your airline's policies before booking. Some airlines charge fees for this service. Make sure your car seat is FAA certified for air travel. It's good to double-check, even if the majority are.
Certain car seat manufacturers have special models that are made specifically for use on planes. These seats can be smaller and lighter than standard seats. This will make it easier to pack your luggage. Some seats have straps that lock which help keep the seat in place, and also serve as provide a sleeping bag for your infant. Some international airlines offer inflatable seats extenders at an additional cost to make an inflatable seat that can be used as a bed for your child.
Another factor to keep in mind is that certain cars come with different attachment systems for car seats and may require specific attachments or tools to install the seat. Certain car seats come with rigid LATCH connectors that don't have to be tightened, and also have an auto-retracting mechanism. This makes them our favorites for their ease of use. Some car seats have adjustable center straps which can be cinched easily to adjust the angle of the base to ensure a perfect fit.
One thing to remember is that car seats brought from outside of the US aren't legal in Europe. If you are involved in an accident occurring in Europe, your insurance company might not be able to cover you if your US-made seat isn't recognized as a valid seat. Fortunately, it's rare for this to happen, but always be aware of the rules of the road when traveling abroad with your infant car seat.
Car Seat with a Stroller
It is important to have a stroller for traveling with a baby. Many parents decide to purchase a car seat that is attached to the stroller to create a travel system. It is easy to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller, and vice versa, with no worries of waking him up. Travel systems can be especially useful when you are running errands or taking longer walks with your baby, as they allow you to spend more time in the outdoors.
When choosing a stroller-car seat combo, it's vital to make sure that the base and seat are able to be joined seamlessly and securely. Look for an locking mechanism that makes a loud clicking sound when it's attached to the stroller or base as well as an indicator light to show you when the seat is leveled properly. You should consider a model that comes with adjustable height handles, padding for the harness and seat and a well-designed ergonomic design to keep your caregivers comfortable.
Some parents choose to leave their stroller and car seat at home and rent the equipment when they reach their destination, but this could be a hassle when the rental options are not plentiful or are not available at the area you'd like to visit. The rental might not meet safety requirements, which could leave your baby less protected in an accident.
Experts recommend against letting your child sleep in the car seat while you are walking. Your child should only be able to sleep in a car seat if they're in a licensed vehicle or, even then, it's recommended to limit the length of their sleep in this position since it puts pressure on the head and neck muscles. A stroller with a bassinet attached is a better option for your baby.
A stroller and a car seat are two different purchases It's a good idea to test drive both before you make your decision. Then, you'll know exactly how the system works and be sure that your child is safe and comfortable while traveling.
Having a Travel System
A travel system is a good investment if you are planning to spend a significant portion of time with your baby moving around. This includes a car seat and a stroller that you can be easily linked to save you the hassle of moving your child from the car to the sidewalk, and then back even when they're asleep.
If your car comes with a system for connecting the infant car seat to a car seat base or another vehicle which you plan to drive regularly it might be worthwhile to consider an auto travel system that is compatible with those systems too. This will make it easier to move from the car to walking and back without waking your sleepy child.
Modern travel systems offer a variety of features to customize their look and feel. These include plush padding, recline positions and storage spaces. Some even feature an integrated snack tray to keep your child's food within easy reach. Some are designed to be used throughout the year without making your child too cold or hot.
Travel systems that come with an infant car seat with stroller are more expensive than those that don't however, they usually provide greater value in terms of features. It could be worthwhile to invest in a model that suits your lifestyle and fashion.
While many parents are still debating whether they should invest in an infant travel system, there is no denying that it's extremely practical for parents who spend an extensive amount of time in the car with their infants. If you're doing errands or embarking on an international trip, a good travel system will make the transition from car and stroller swift and easy so that you can concentrate on your child and the journey. Find the perfect baby travel system.