A lot goes into ensuring that your infant is safe and comfortable during long car rides. From making sure their car seat is properly fitted, to ensuring they are properly strapped in, it’s important to have everything ready before you hit the road. One of the most important things you can do is ensure that your infant sits in the car seat in a way that is comfortable for them. This may mean adjusting their position or using a travel system. If you’re using a travel system, make sure to read our blog post on how an infant sits into a car seat in a travel system. We’ll cover everything from what angles to recline them to how much weight should be placed on their hips and knees.
How to Measure Your Child for a Car Seat
When it comes to car seats, you want to make sure your child is as safe as possible while they’re traveling in their car. You can use a variety of methods to measure your child for a car seat, depending on their size and age.
To measure for a forward-facing car seat for an infant, place them in a sitting position with their legs hanging over the side of the chair. Have someone support their back and hips and measure around the torso from shoulder to shoulder. Be sure to also check the height of the infant’s head from the floor to the top of their head. This will help determine which type of car seat will fit them best.
If your child is older, you can use a measuring tape around their waist and chest or shoulder blade to determine which type of car seat is best for them. Again, be sure to check the height of their head from the floor to the top of their head. If your child is between ages 1 year old and 4 years old, you can use this calculator to find out if they need a convertible or fixed-position car seat.
How to Choose an Infant Car Seat
Choosing the perfect infant car seat for your family can be daunting. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! There are a few things you’ll need to consider when choosing an infant car seat: weight, height, age and weight capacity.
When it comes to weight, make sure the car seat is lightweight enough so it’s easy to lift. Many infant carriers weigh less than 10 pounds. Heavier car seats may be easier to transport but they may not be as safe or comfortable for your baby. Don’t forget that you’ll also need to factor in the weight of whatever else you’re taking with you in the car – groceries, toys, etc.
Height is another important consideration. Most infant carriers are adjustable from 17 inches up to 35 inches tall. Make sure your baby will fit comfortably in the carrier without being too high or too low.
Age is also important when choosing an infant car seat. Remember that child safety seats get bigger as your child grows and becomes taller – so choose a carrier based on your baby’s size rather than their age at birth! Infant carriers that have a Weight Limit of 25 pounds or less are typically suitable for babies up to about 12 months old. Car seats that have a Weight Limit of 26-35 pounds are usually good for babies up to 18 months old. After 18 months old, most children outgrow these seats and will need either a booster seat or an adult-sized car seat.
Lastly, weight capacity is important. Make sure the infant car seat you choose can hold your baby’s weight and any additional items you’re taking with you in the car. Many infant carriers come with a weight limit of 30 or 35 pounds, but be sure to check the weight limit of your specific carrier before purchase.
How to Install an Infant Car Seat
Installation of an infant car seat in a travel system is simple and straightforward. Before starting, make sure the car seat is properly installed in the vehicle. The majority of infant car seats fit into most vehicles without any modifications. However, please verify that your car seat is compatible with your vehicle before proceeding.
Once the car seat is properly installed, follow these steps to install an infant car seat in a travel system:
1) Locate the anchors on either side of the carseat base. Place one anchor on each side of the front passenger’s doorjamb or near the headrests;
2) Connect each anchor to the vehicle using the supplied hardware;
3) Repeat for other passenger’s side. You now have a safe and secure installation for your child!
How to Use an Infant Car Seat
Infant car seats are designed to reduce the risk of injury in a crash. To use an infant car seat, follow these steps:
1. Place the infant in the car seat with their back against the rear wall of the car.
2. Fasten the straps across the child’s chest and buckle them tight.
3. Place your hand between the child’s shoulder blades to help guide their head and body into position.
4. ensure that there is adequate room in front of and behind the child for your knees and shoulders when driving.
5. If using a base or adapter, install it before placing in car seat.
What to do if Your Child Doesn’t Fit in their Car Seat
There are a few things to check if your infant does not fit comfortably into their car seat in a travel system. First, make sure that the harness is tight enough. Newborns can be wiggly and the harness should fit snugly so that it doesn’t slide off. If the harness is too tight, you can adjust it by pulling on either side of the shoulder straps while checking to see if they have openings at the base of the child’s waist. You may also need to move the car seat up or down in order for the infant to fit. If they are too large or too small for their car seat, you may need to switch to using an infant carrier instead. Second, make sure that the baby’s head is adequately covered by their safety helmet/Nose Air Mask. Many infants’ heads are big enough to fit through the neck opening of most car seats, but some are not. Third, make sure that there is plenty of room between your baby and any other passengers in the vehicle. Finally, make sure that your infant is properly restrained in their car seat with a safety belt and buckle.
If all these options fail, you may want to consider switching to an infant carrier instead of using a travel system
What to do if Your Car is Too Small for the Car Seat
If your car seat is not a travel system, you will need to use the guidelines below to find the right size car seat for your infant. Always consult a healthcare professional before using these guidelines.
First, determine the weight of your infant. This can be done by weighing yourself and your infant or by using an online pediatric scale. Next, measure the widest part of your infant’s upper body, just below their chest (excluding their hands and arms). This measurement is called the “shoulder” circumference. Finally, find the corresponding car seat shoulder width on our chart below and compare it to the shoulder circumference measurement you took earlier. If they are within 1 inch of each other, then the car seat should be fine. However, if there is a wide variation in shoulder widths (more than 2 inches), then a different car seat may be necessary.
What to do if you Get a Recall Notice for Your Infant’s Car Seat
If you have a car seat that is subject to a recall, follow the instructions that come with the notice. If you have a travel system, follow the instructions for your specific type of system. Some common recalls are for car seats that don’t meet safety standards, cars that can’t fit the car seat in the vehicle, or car seats that don’t restrain an infant properly.