Infant Car Seats
What are infant car seats?
Infant seats are the “bucket” seats that you see parents using with strollers and carrying in their arms. There is a base that you install in your vehicle and then the bucket seat snaps into the base. If you need to transport your babies in two or more vehicles on a regular basis, you can buy extra bases and keep the bases installed in all vehicles. Infant seats can only be used rear-facing.
Do I need infant car seats?
Most parents – especially parents of multiple birth children – find that infant car seats are more than a luxury. They are a necessity! The infant car seats fit newborns, especially premature and small babies, better than convertible car seats. It is easier to properly support your newborn’s head when you are getting the baby in and out of the infant seat. The babies can be easily moved from place to place even while they are sleeping which makes it easier to get out of the house. You can get the baby settled into their seat – with blankets on top when it is cold - without dealing with the outside weather. During the hot summer months, the infant seat is inside with the air conditioner so it doesn’t get burning hot. Many parents also use the infant car seats inside the home to keep babies who have reflux, colic or a cold with congestion in a more upright position.
How long do babies use infant car seats?
Infant car seats are outgrown when babies a) reach the weight limit or b) when there is less than one inch of hard shell above the baby’s head. Most babies will outgrow the infant seats by height before they are at the maximum weight for the car seat. Infant seats that are rated to 22 lbs will usually last until babies are 7-9 months old, but some large babies outgrow them at 4 months of age. Most babies will be able to use the 30lb seats until close to their first birthday.
What features should you look for in infant car seats?
- 5-point harness
- “From birth” or 4lb lower limit for premies/small babies
- Front-adjuster (place to tighten the harness is down by the baby’s feet)
- 22lb or higher maximum weight limit
- Headrest insert (or alternatively, used a tightly rolled up towel as a headrest)
- Ability to leave the handle up in the car (important in smaller cars; See Carry Handle Positions for Infant Only Seats)
- Ability to install the bucket seat without the base
- Fit in your vehicle
What should you avoid in infant car seats?
- 3 point harness
- Infant seats that require the base
- Rear-adjuster (place to tighten harness is under the seat behind baby’s back)
- Any aftermarket products that go between the baby and the harness like a headrest or a snowsuit/blanket wrap
Are there any other tips for buying and using infant car seats?
- If you need to cut costs, buy a less expensive infant car seat and save money to buy a more expensive convertible car seat.
- Always use the infant seat in the rear-facing position
- Make sure the harness is at or below the baby’s shoulders
- DO NOT place the infant seats in the top part of a shopping cart. This can make the cart top heavy so it falls over.