Choosing an Infant Car Seat in the UK
Car seat laws in the UK oblige all children to use a child car seat until they reach an age or height. It is important to choose the appropriate car seat for your child's safety.
This rear-facing car seat is described as one of the best by consumer advocate Which? It features a cozy baby-hugg inlay as well as enhanced G-Cell side impact protection. It comes with a rotating feature that allows you to adjust the seat to the optimal position for your vehicle.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing infant car seats are designed to protect babies from neck and head injuries in the event of a crash. Children who ride forward-facing car seats are seven times more likely to suffer serious injuries than those who are rear-facing. Rear-facing infant car seats are typically placed on the back seat, and are smaller and lighter than convertible child safety seats. It is recommended to use a rear-facing infant car seat until the child is no longer using it or has reached the weight or height limit for forward-facing use.
There are two types of rear-facing infant car seats convertible car seats as well as all-in-one car seats. Both are safe, however they each have their own advantages and drawbacks. Convertible car seats start out rear-facing and can be turned to face forward once your child is big enough. All-in-one car seats feature larger rearward-facing weight and size limits so that your child can safely remain in the seat.
Be certain that the rear-facing car seats you pick for your child are compatible with your vehicle and are properly installed. Examine the labels of the manufacturer and your vehicle owner's manual for instructions on how to install the seat. Test the straps on the seat to make sure they are secure and tight. Also, make sure that your child doesn't get a fold on the harness material. Avoid wearing bulky clothing that could cause problems for straps.
Rear-facing car seats are more secure than forward-facing car seats for infants, as the impact force dispersed more efficiently when the baby's body is held in the seat. In addition, rear-facing car seats offer greater protection for infants expelled from a vehicle after an accident with a side impact.
If your child is outgrowing the rear-facing infant seat, you must think about switching to a convertible car seat with a rear-facing weight and height limit. A majority of convertible car seats have rear-facing limits that allow your child to ride in the seat for over two years.
Forward-facing
You can turn your baby around to face forward once they have outgrown the rear-facing infant seat. However, you should not do this until they've reached the height and weight limits of the seat manufacturer. It is also advisable to talk with your child's doctor.
The laws of physics and safety research have demonstrated that children younger than 2 years old are safer if they are in a rear-facing car seat. They can rest more comfortably in their seats and are less likely than other passengers to be injured by a belt or an airbag. This is especially important for infants who's necks and bones are still developing. According to best infant seat pushchairsandprams , infants and toddlers should ride rear-facing for at least 12 months or 20 lbs. Some experts suggest taking a longer time.
If your child outgrows the rear-facing infant seat, you can switch them to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat with a five-point harness. These seats are designed to support your growing child, and many are equipped with a removable newborn positioner. They come with a base so they can be used in a variety of vehicles and you can buy additional bases if you own more than one vehicle.
It is also recommended to use a car seat with an adjustable headrest for infants up to 20 pounds. The headrest should be angled slightly back, but not more than 300 degrees from vertical. It should also cover the baby's ear. If the headrest isn't angled back enough, it could pinch off the baby's airway. The car seat should not be positioned in a manner that could result in a herniated disk developing in the spine.
In a crash, a young child could fall out of a rear-facing car seat, and this may be fatal. You can place a rolled-up towel or pillow under the base of the car seat to assist in reclining it. This will keep your child in the car.
A rear-facing car seats can help reduce injuries to the legs during collisions. In a frontal crash, the legs of an infant facing forward could fly up, hitting the back of the car seat. This could cause serious injuries. In a rear-facing seat however, the child's foot won't strike the seat, and the harness can cushion the impact. This can significantly lower the risk of injuries.
Multi-group
There are many choices for infant car seats, however, not all will meet the needs of your baby. A multi-group infant car seat will fit your child from birth to around age four, and it is compatible with all prams. This kind of seat includes a harness to protect your child, and it is designed to grow with your child, with features such as an adjustable headrest and side impact wings. Some of these seats can be rotated inside the vehicle to give your child a greater view of the road.
A new generation of infant car seats is built around height rather than weight, making them safer for your infant. This kind of car seat, known as i-Size or R129, is EU-approved in the UK and all of them have to comply with strict safety standards before they can be sold. The seat will be branded with a label that shows a capital 'E' in a circle, as well as the letters 'R129'. These seats are easier to put in and offer greater protection against side-impacts.
The Group 0+ or 1 car seat is designed to face rearwards until your child weighs at least 9kg. After that they can be turned around to face forward. They have a harness, and are secured using either Isofix or the car seatbelt. Some have a rotation feature, which allows you to move the car seat from one vehicle to another without having to use the belt of the car. Others can be fitted on most prams.
A group 1/2/3 seat will last your infant until they reach 11 years old and 105cm tall, or until you decide to make them a booster seat. They are the most secure car seats, and they are recommended by Which?. They come with a wide design, a one-handed recline setting and at least 12 headrest positions. Some of them are also designed for travel, with a light carry handle that's designed to fit comfortably into the luggage of a.
Rotation function
The ability to rotate the infant car seat is one of its most significant features. It allows the portion of the seat that is used to hold the baby to spin on a separate base, making it easier for parents to move the child in and out of the car. This feature is especially helpful when the trunk or backseat is small. Additionally, it can make it easier to install the seat in another vehicle.
The rotation feature can also make it easier to access harness buckles without disturbing the sleepy baby. It's a real godsend if you're trying to keep your toddlers in check while trying to get them into the car. Some seats with a rotating feature aren't equipped to accomplish this. It is worth reading online reviews of specific models to find out how well they perform.
Another thing to look for is whether the seat is compatible with a stroller. Many brands offer this combination and is known as a travel system and is ideal for parents who are looking for a single unit that can be used throughout all stages of their child's development. It's also a great option for families that live in a multi-car household because it allows parents to switch cars quickly without disturbing the baby.
Car seats for infants are designed for infants and babies that are less than one year. They are classified into four groups: Group 0, 1 2, and 3. The Group 0 car seat, also referred to infant or carrycots ensures that the child is facing rearward and is attached to the vehicle via a standard seatbelt or ISOFIX fitting. The Group 1 infant car seat is typically connected to the base of the vehicle by using LATCH. This system connects most types of car seats.
A convertible car seat, also known as group 3, is one that adapts to your child from birth until around four years old. These seats have a higher weight and height limit and a padded adjustable headrest that helps protect the child in an accident. They also have an adjustable wedge for support and a luxurious carry handle, which means they can double as a portable carrier.