Ten Things You Learned At Preschool That Will Help You With Infant Car Seat Travel

Car Seat Travel A car seat that snaps into a base in your vehicle and is used for newborns or infants. Many infant car seats are also part of a travel system, integrating seamlessly with strollers compatible to make it easy to change. Consider bringing one for your child, particularly when you fly with Southwest or Spirit, where one car seat per passenger can be checked at no cost. Safety First When you are looking to purchase an infant car seat you should consider safety first. You should ensure that the car seat is compatible with your car and is equipped with a LATCH system. It's also important to search for materials that are shock-absorbing and have side impact protection. You'll want to ensure that the harness is comfortable for your child, and easy to adjust. Check their website to see where the car seat is manufactured. You should choose an infant car seat infant that is not manufactured in China. Make sure that the car seat you choose includes a cupholder and sun canopy/drape so your baby is shielded from the weather. If you're planning to travel with your infant car seat, check out if it is possible to gate check it (carry it with you through the airport). Also, you should have a stroller that your infant car seat can be connected. Another aspect to be aware of when shopping for a car seat for your infant is that it's best to take your child with you in an rear-facing car seat for as long as possible. Car seats that face the rear are safer for infants than forward-facing ones, 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 is at the weight limit or the height limit for that seat, it's the right time to switch him to a car seat that faces forward. If you're changing from an infant car seat to a convertible car seat be sure to use the top tether strap. It's not easy to travel with an infant car seat, but it's worth the hassle to protect your child. You can always borrow a car seat from someone you know but nothing beats having your own. It is priceless to have assurance that your child is secure and safe in their own car. Explore the various types of car seats for infants to determine which one is right for you. Backseat with an adult or older child who is responsible Car seat travel can be a nightmare for infants and toddlers who are used to sitting in a stroller or sitting on their parent's laps. A backseat adult can take care of the child's needs and keep him on track. This can make the trip less stressful. This includes feeding or changing nappies, as well as calming anxious infants. Consider a convertible car seat. It can be used as a booster seat for older children, or as a seat for older children. Car seats are usually allowed on planes but must be checked in and stowed away before you can board. Some airlines charge for this service, so be sure to verify your airline's policy before you make a reservation. Be sure that your car seat is FAA approved for travel on air. Most are but it's best to verify to be certain! Some car seat manufacturers make models specifically designed for air travel. These seats are typically smaller and lighter than traditional seats. This can make it easier to pack your luggage. Some have features like locking straps to help keep the seat safe as well as a sleeping pouch for your baby to rest in during your flight. Some international airlines provide inflatable seat extenders at an additional cost to create a seat that can be used for the bed of a child. Another factor to keep in mind is that certain cars have different attachment systems for the car seat and may require special attachments or tools for installing the seat. Some car seats come with rigid LATCH connectors which don't require tightening and feature an automatic retracting mechanism. These are our top choice for their ease of use. Some come with adjustable center straps that can be easily cinched to adjust the angle of the base to ensure the perfect fit. One thing to keep in mind is that car seats purchased outside of the US aren't legal in Europe. If you have an accident in Europe and your insurance company discovers that your American-made car seat isn't affixed this could invalidate your coverage. Fortunately, it's very 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 Both A stroller is essential for walking around with a newborn Many parents choose to buy a car seat that is attached to a stroller, creating an overall travel system. This makes it easy to move your baby from the car to the stroller and back without disturbing them. Travel systems are especially useful for longer walks and running errands with your baby. When choosing a stroller-car seat combo, it's important to make sure that the base and seat are able to be joined in a seamless and secure way. Look for a locking mechanism that makes a loud clicking sound when it's connected to the base or stroller, and an indicator light to show you when the seat is leveled properly. You should consider a model that comes with adjustable height handles as well as padding for the harness and seat and a well-designed ergonomic design to keep caregivers comfortable. Some parents opt to hire a car seat or stroller once they get to their destination. However, this could be a hassle because rentals might not be readily available or limited in the desired area. Also, a rental may not meet safety standards, which could mean your baby is less protected in the case of an accident. Although it may be tempting to allow your child to sleep in their car seat while walking, experts recommend against this. Only let your child sleep in their car seat when they are traveling in an approved vehicle. Even then, restrict the time they spend in this position, as it could cause stress on the neck and head muscles. To get the best solution, opt for an infant stroller with a bassinet attachment that can be used to let your baby to rest during travel. A stroller and a car seat are two different purchase, so it's a good idea to test drive both before making your choice. This way, you'll know how the system works and be sure that your child is safe and comfortable traveling. The use of a Travel System If you're likely to be spending much of your time out and about with your baby, it may make sense to invest in a travel set-up. This includes a car seat and a stroller that can connect easily and alleviate the stress of moving your child from the car to the sidewalk, and then back, especially while they're asleep. If your car comes with an option to connect the infant car seat to a car seat base, or if you have another car which you plan to drive regularly, it can also be worthwhile to consider an accessory for travel that can work with these systems as well. This will make it easier to go from your car to walk and back without waking your sleeping little one up. Modern travel systems offer various options to personalize their appearance and feel. These include cushioned padding, recline positions, and storage spaces. Certain travel systems come with a snack tray built in to keep your baby's food in reach. They can also be designed with weather conditions in mind, which means they are suitable throughout the year without causing your baby to become too hot or cold. Travel systems that incorporate an infant car seat and a stroller can be more expensive than those that don't, but they often offer greater value in terms of features. It might be worthwhile to invest in a model that suits your style and lifestyle. Many parents are still debating whether or not to buy a travel system. However, it's undeniable that they can be extremely useful for parents who are always moving around with their babies. A good travel system will make it easy to switch between the stroller and the car, no matter if you're traveling or doing around. This lets you be focused on your child while you travel. Shop for your perfect baby travel system today.