Car Seat Travel
A car seat that snaps into a base in your vehicle and is suitable for newborns and infants. Many infant car seats are also part of the travel system, and work seamlessly with strollers compatible for easy transitions.
Bring a child's seat If you're flying with Southwest or Spirit. One car seat is checked at no cost per passenger.
Safety First
Safety is the most important factor to consider when buying car seats for infants. You must make sure that the car seat you are buying is compatible with your vehicle and also has a latch. Also look for materials that are shock-absorbing and provide side impact protection. You'll want to ensure that the harness is comfortable for your child and simple to adjust. It is also important to verify the information provided by the manufacturer regarding the location where the car seat was manufactured. Ideally, you want to pick a baby car seat that is not made in China.
Make sure that the car seat you pick includes a cupholder as well as a sun canopy or drape so that your baby is safe from the weather. If you are planning to travel with your infant car seat, check out if you can gate check it (carry it with you through the airport). You should also have a stroller to which your infant car seat can be attached.
Another thing to keep in mind when looking for an infant car seat is that it's best to use the rear-facing car seat as long as possible. Rear-facing car seats are more secure for babies than forward-facing ones, especially when you're driving on curvy or twisty roads.
If your child is outgrowing the car seat he was in as a baby and reached the weight limit or the height limit for that seat, it's the right time to switch him to a car seat facing forward. If you're transitioning from an infant car seat to convertible car seats, make sure you use the top tether strap.
While traveling with an infant car seat can be somewhat challenging, it's worth the extra hassle to protect your child. It's possible to borrow the car of a friend or relative however nothing beats having your own. It's a blessing to have the peace of mind knowing that your child is secure and safe in their own vehicle. Make sure you research the different types of infant car seats to determine the best one that meets your needs.
Backseat with an adult or older child who is responsible
Car seat travel can be a stressful experience for infants and toddlers who are used to being in a stroller, or on their parent's lap. A parent in the backseat will allow you to take care of their needs as they occur and keep them on schedule, which can make the journey less stressful for everyone. This includes feeding or changing nappies, as well as calming fussy infants. If you don't have someone to be in the back seat with your child, think about buying a convertible car seat that permits you to use it as a booster or seat for older kids (although you'll need purchase a separate booster seat for long flights).
Car seats are generally allowed on planes, but must be checked in and put away prior to boarding. Some airlines charge for this service, so check your airline's policy before you book. Also be sure that the car seat is FAA-approved for air travel. It's good to double-check, even if the majority are.
Certain car seat manufacturers have special models that are designed specifically for airplane travel. These seats are often smaller and lighter than conventional seats. They can also help you save space in your luggage. Some seats come with locking straps that can help keep the seat in place, and also serve as provide a sleeping bag for your infant. Some international airlines offer inflatable seats extenders for a fee to make a seat that can be used as a bed for your child.
It is important to note that different cars could have different attachment systems, and require special tools or attachments to install the car seat. Certain car seats come with rigid LATCH connectors that don't need to be tightened and have an auto-retracting mechanism. This makes them our favorites for their ease of use. Some have adjustable center straps that can be easily cinched to adjust the angle of the base to ensure the perfect fit.
One thing to remember is that car seats brought from outside of the US aren't legal in Europe. If you have an accident in Europe and your insurance company finds out that your US-made car seat isn't approved this could invalidate your coverage. It's not often, but it can happen. Be aware of the road rules when you travel with your child in car seats.
Car Seat with a Stroller
A stroller is essential for walking around with a baby, and many parents opt to buy a car seat that is attached to a stroller in order to create an overall travel system. This makes it easy to transfer your child from the car to the stroller, and back without waking them. Travel systems are especially useful for longer walks and running errands with your baby.
When choosing a car seat/stroller combination, it's crucial to make sure that the base and seat go together securely and smoothly. Look for the mechanism that locks and creates a loud, booming sound when it's connected to the stroller or base and an indicator light that tells you whether the seat is positioned correctly. A good ergonomic design also helps keep caregivers comfortable, so consider an adjustable height model that has handles and padding for the seat and harness.
Some parents opt to rent their stroller or car seat when they arrive at their destination. However, this could be a hassle because rentals might not be readily available or restricted in the area you want. Also, a rental may not meet safety standards and could mean that your baby is less protected in the event of an accident.
Although it may be tempting to allow your child to sleep in their car seat while walking but experts advise against it. Your baby should only sleep in a car seat when they're in a licensed vehicle or, even then, it's best to limit the length of their sleeping in this position as it can cause pressure on the head and neck muscles. If you want to find a better solution, opt for a stroller with a bassinet attachment that can be used to let your baby to rest during travel.
A stroller and car seat are two distinct purchases, so it's a good idea to try both before making your choice. You'll be able to understand how the system works and you'll be certain that your baby will be safe and secure on the move.
car seat for newborn
If you're planning on spending lots of time in the car with your child, it may make sense to purchase a travel system. This could include an infant car seat and a stroller that can click together easily to alleviate the stress of transferring your child from car to sidewalk and back again, especially while they're asleep.
If your car is equipped with an option to connect the infant car seat to a seat base, or if you have another vehicle that you plan to drive frequently, it can also be worth investing in an accessory for travel that can work with those systems too. This will allow you to travel from car to walk and back again without waking your sleeping little one up.
The majority of modern travel systems are equipped with a wide selection of features you can pick from to tailor the look and comfort for your child, such as soft padding, recline positions, and storage spaces. Some even come with an integrated snack tray to keep your baby's snacks within easy reach. They can also be made with the weather in mind, ensuring they can be used all year round without worrying about your baby getting too hot or cold.
Travel systems that include the infant car seat with stroller might be more expensive, but they are typically better in terms value. It could be worthwhile to buy the model that best suits your style and lifestyle.
Many parents are debating whether or not they should invest in an equipment for travel, there is no denying that it's extremely practical for parents who spend an extensive amount of time traveling with their newborns. A quality travel system will make it easy to switch between the car and stroller, whether you're on a trip or running errands. This allows you to focus on your baby while you travel. Shop for the perfect baby travel system.