Choosing an Infant Car Seat in the UK
In the UK the UK, all children require a child seat until they reach certain heights or ages. The choice of the correct car seat is essential to keep your child safe.
This rear-facing car seat is described as one of the best by consumer champion Which? It comes with a baby-hugging insert as well as enhanced G-Cell protection from side-impacts. It also has a rotation function that lets you adjust the seat to the best position for your vehicle.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing infant car seats are made to protect infants from head and neck injuries in a crash. Children who ride forward-facing car seats are seven times more likely to suffer serious injuries than those who use rear-facing. Car seats that face the rear for infants are typically placed on the back seat and are smaller and less heavy. 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 limits 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 disadvantages. Convertible car seats are rear-facing, but can be turned forward when your child is big enough. All-in-one car seats feature higher rearward-facing weight and size limitations so that your child can enjoy a longer time in the seat.
If you decide to purchase a rear-facing car seat your baby, make sure it fits your vehicle and is properly installed. Check the manufacturer's labels and the owner's manual for your vehicle for directions on how to install the seat. Check the straps of the seat to ensure that they are secure and tight. Also, make sure that your child cannot pinch a fold on the harness material. Avoid wearing clothing that is bulky and can interfere with straps.
Rear-facing car seats are more secure for infants than forward-facing seats because the impact force is less likely to be dissipated when a baby is in the seat. Car seats with rear-facing windows also offer greater protection for infants who are ejected in a side-impact accident.
If your child has outgrown their rear-facing infant car seat, you might consider switching to a seat that has a large rearward-facing weight limit and size. Many convertible car seats have rear-facing limits, which permit your child to use the seat for longer than two years.
Forward-facing
You can rotate your baby to face forward once they have outgrown the rear-facing infant seat. It is best to wait until your child is at the manufacturer's weight and height limits before doing this. It is also advisable to talk with your child's doctor.
The laws of physics and safety research have shown that children under two years older are more secure when they travel in a rear-facing seat. They are able to rest more comfortably in their seats and are less prone than others to be injured by an airbag or belt. This is particularly important for infants their necks and bones are still developing. The iSize guidelines recommend that all toddlers and infants sit rear-facing until at least 20 pounds or 12 months old, and some experts advise to wait even longer.
If your child outgrows the rear-facing infant seat you can switch them to a convertible or all-in-one car seat that has a five-point harness. These seats are designed to accommodate your growing child, and a lot have an infant positioning device that is removable. They come with a base, which means they can be used in a variety of vehicles, and you can purchase additional bases if you have more than one vehicle.
It is also recommended to use a car seat with a headrest for children weighing up to 20 pounds. The headrest must be angled slightly forward but not more than 300 degrees from vertical. It must also be able to protect the baby's ears. If the headrest is not correctly angled back, it could pinch off the baby's airway. Additionally the car seat should not be placed at an angle that could result in a herniated disc developing in the spine.
In a accident, a child could fall out of a rear-facing car seat, which could be fatal. You can tuck a rolled-up pillow or towel under the seat's base to help it recline. This will make your child more secure in the vehicle.
A rear-facing car seats can minimize leg injuries in crashes. In a frontal collision, the legs of a baby facing forward could fly upwards, striking the back of the car seat. This can cause serious injuries. In a rear-facing seat, the child's legs will not hit the seat and can be cushioned by the harness. This will significantly reduce the risk of injuries.
Multi-group
There are a variety of choices for infant car seats. However there are some that will not meet your baby's needs. A multi-group infant car seat will be suitable for your child from birth to about age 4 and it is compatible with all prams. This type of car seat has a harness that protects your child. It's also designed to grow with it, with features such as an adjustable headrest or side impact wings. Some of these seats can be turned within the vehicle to give your child a greater view of the road.
A new generation of infant car seats is built on height and not weight, making them safer for your infant. These car seats, also referred to as iSize or R129 in the UK they are approved by the EU and must meet stringent safety standards before they can be sold. The seat will come with an inscription that displays an 'E' capitalized in a circle, as well as the letters "R129". These seats are also easy to fit, and they offer greater protection against side-impacts.
Group 0+ and 1 car seats will be rearward-facing until your infant weighs at least 9kg or more after which they can be turned to face forward. They are fitted with a harness and are secured by either Isofix or the car seatbelt. Some models come with a rotation feature which allows you to move the car seat from one vehicle to another without the need for a belt of the car. Others will fit on the majority of prams.
A group 1/2/3 seat will be used until your child reach the age of 11 and are 105cm tall or until you decide to change it to an adult booster. Which recommends these car seats as the safest. These car seats feature a wide design with a one-handed reclining feature and at least 12 headrest positions. newborn car seat insert of them are built for travel, with a lightweight carry handle designed to fit comfortably into a suitcase.
Rotation function
One of the most significant characteristics of infant car seats is its rotating feature. It allows the portion of the seat that is used to hold the infant to rotate on a separate base, making it easier for parents to move the child in and out of the car. This feature is particularly useful when the trunk of the car or backseat is small. It also makes it easier to install a seat into another vehicle.
The rotating feature also makes it easier to reach the harness buckles without disturbing the asleep baby. It's an absolute blessing when trying to keep your toddlers in check while trying to take them to the car. However, some of the seats that rotate have a hard time achieving this goal, and it's worthwhile to read online reviews of specific models to find out how well they perform.
Another important feature to look out for is whether the seat is compatible with a stroller. This type of combination is known as a travel system, and is perfect for parents who are seeking a single unit to help them navigate the different stages of their child's development. It's also a great option for families who live in an automobile-centric household, since it allows parents to switch cars quickly without disturbing the infant.
Infant car seats are made to hold babies and newborns from one year age. They are divided into four groups: Group 0, 1 2, and 3. The Group 0 car seats, often referred to as carrycots, place the child in a rear-facing position. They connect to the vehicle using a standard seat belt or an ISOFIX fitting. The Group 1 infant car seats generally attach to the vehicle's base using LATCH, which is a simple system for connecting most types of car seats.
A group 3 car seat is typically a convertible car seat that expands with the child, from infant to around four years of age. These seats come with a higher weight and height limit and an adjustable headrest with padding that will protect the child from an accident. They also have a removable support wedge and a luxurious carry handle, which means that the seat can also double as a portable carrier.