Car Seat Travel
A car seat that snaps into a base that is installed in your car. It is suitable for newborns and infants. Many infant car seats are also part of the travel system, and work seamlessly with strollers that are compatible for easy transitions.
Consider taking a seat for your child, especially in the event of flying with Southwest or Spirit, where one car seat per person can be checked at no cost.
Safety First
Safety is the primary aspect to take into consideration when purchasing car seats for infants. You want to make sure that the car seat you choose to purchase is compatible with your vehicle and is equipped with a LATCH system. It's also important to look for shock-absorbent materials and side impact protection. You should ensure that the harness is comfortable for your child, and easy to adjust. Review the information provided by the manufacturer to see where the car seat is made. pushchairsandprams should choose the car seat for your baby that was not made in China.
Also, make sure the car seat comes with a cup holder and a sun canopy/drape to keep your baby protected from the elements. If you're planning to travel with your infant car seat, find out if you can gate check it (carry it along with you to the airport). You should also have a stroller that your infant car seat could be connected.
Another important thing to remember when shopping for a car seat for your infant is that it's best to take your child with you in the rear-facing car seat as long as possible. It's safer for babies to travel in an rear-facing car seat than a forward-facing one, especially when you're driving on curvy or windy roads.
Once your child has outgrown their infant car seat and reached the weight or limit on height, it's the time to move them to an forward-facing car seat. If you're transitioning from an infant car seat to a convertible car seat ensure that you use the top tether strap.
It's not easy to travel with an infant car seat, but it's worth the effort to protect your child. You can always borrow car seats from a relative or friend, but there's nothing like having your own. The peace of mind that comes from knowing that your child is safe and content in their own car seat is unbeatable. Explore the various types of infant car seats to find the one that is ideal for your child.
Backseat with an adult or older child who is responsible
Traveling in a car seat can be stressful for toddlers and infants who are used being in a stroller or sitting on the laps of their parents. A parent in the backseat will allow you to attend to their needs as they arise and ensure they stay on track, which will make the trip less stressful for everyone involved. This includes feeding, changing nappies and calming children who are agitated. Consider a convertible car seat. It can be used as a booster seat for older children or a seat for older children.
Car seats are usually allowed on planes but must be checked in and stowed away prior to boarding. Some airlines charge for this service, so check your airline's policy before you book. Make sure that your car seat is FAA approved for air travel. It's good to double-check even if the majority are.
Some car seat manufacturers have models specifically designed for air travel. These can be lighter and more compact than standard seats, which can save you space in your luggage. Some have features like locking straps to help keep the seat secure as well as a sleeping pouch for your baby to rest in during the flight. Inflatable seat extenders are available for an additional cost on certain international airlines to create a lie-flat seat which can be used as an extra bed for your child.
Another factor to be aware of is that certain cars have different attachment systems for car seats and may require special attachments or tools to attach the seat. Certain car seats have rigid LATCH connectors that do not require tightening and come with an automatic retracting mechanism. These are our favorite for their ease of use. Certain car seats come with adjustable center straps that can be easily cinched to adjust the angle of base for an ideal fit.
One thing to keep in mind is that car seats purchased outside of the US can be illegal in Europe. If you are involved in an accident occurring in Europe your insurance company might not be able to provide coverage if your American-made seat isn't approved. Fortunately, it's rare for this to happen, but always be aware of rules of the road when you travel overseas with your child's car seat.
Stroller and Car Seat: How to Use Them Together
A stroller is essential to walk around with an infant, and many parents opt to buy a car seat that attaches to a stroller, creating an entire travel system. It is simple to move your child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa, without awakening him. Travel systems can be especially useful when running errands and walking for longer periods with your child, since they let you spend more time outdoors.
When choosing a car seat/stroller combination, it's important to ensure that the base and seat go together securely and smoothly. When you connect the seat to the base it should trigger the base click with a loud sound. Also look for an indicator light that will show that the seat is leveled properly. A good ergonomic design also makes it easier for caregivers to be comfortable, so consider an option with adjustable height handles and padding for the seat and harness.
Some parents prefer to leave their stroller and car seat at home and rent the equipment when they arrive at their destination, however this can be inconvenient when the rental options are not plentiful or not available in the area you'd like to visit. A rental may not be in compliance with safety standards, and could make your baby less secure in the event of an accident.
Although it could be tempting to allow your child to sleep in their car seat while strolling however, experts advise against this. Only let your child sleep in their car seat if they are traveling in an approved vehicle. Even then, limit the time that they spend in this position, as it could cause stress on the neck and head muscles. If you want to find a better solution, opt for a stroller with an attachment for a bassinet that can be used to allow your baby to sleep while traveling.
A stroller and a car seat are two different purchase, so it's a good idea to try both before making a decision. You'll be able to understand what the system does and you'll be able to rest assured that your child is safe and secure on the go.
A Travel System
If you're likely to be spending lots of time on the go with your child it might be a good idea to purchase a travel system. This could include an infant car seat and a stroller that can be easily linked to alleviate the stress of moving your child from the car to the sidewalk and back when they're asleep.
If your car has a system to connect the infant car seat to a seat base, or if you have another vehicle you plan to drive frequently it might be worthwhile to consider an auto travel system that is compatible with those systems too. This can make it easier to go from car to walk and back again without waking your sleeping child.
Modern travel systems are equipped with many features you can pick from to customize the look and comfort of your child, including plush padding, recline positions and storage spaces. Some even come with a built-in snack tray to keep snacks in reach. They are also constructed with weather conditions in mind, ensuring they are suitable all year long without your baby becoming too hot or cold.
Travel systems that include an infant car seat and a stroller can be more expensive than those without however, they usually provide higher value in terms functionality. If you can find the right model to match your lifestyle and fashion preferences, it may be worth investing in one.
While a lot of parents are debating whether or not they should invest in an equipment for travel it is a fact that it can be incredibly useful for parents who spend an extensive amount of time on the go with their infants. A well-designed travel system will make it simple to switch between the stroller and the car, no matter if you're traveling or running errands. This allows you to focus on your baby when you're on the road. Shop for your perfect baby travel system today.