Car Safety Seats — Guidelines for Infant Only Seats
 

There are several different types of car safety seats. Each one is designed for a different weight and age range. Here we look at the guidelines for infant only car seats.

Infant only seats:

  • Only can be used rear-facing
  • Are used for babies from birth or 5 pounds and who weigh up to 20 to 22 pounds depending on the model
  • Are small and portable
  • Come with a 3-point harness or a 5-point harness

Infant-Only Seat Features

Detachable Base
Several infant-only seat models come with detachable bases. The base attaches to the car, and the car safety seat easily snaps into the base. This way, you can carry your baby in and out of the car without needing to install the car safety seat each time. After buckling your baby into the car safety seat, you simply click or snap the seat into the installed base. Some bases come with an angle adjustor that makes it easier to recline newborns correctly. These car safety seats also can be used without the base by installing the safety seat into the vehicle with the seat belt, or you can buy additional bases for other cars. However, this feature is only helpful if the base fits tightly into your car. In some cases, the car safety seat may fit better without the base.

Higher Weight and Height Limits
Several infant-only seats are available for use up to 22 pounds. Most convertible seats also now have higher weight and height limits in the rear-facing position for heavier or taller babies. Keep in mind that many babies may reach the top height limits of the car safety seat before they reach the top weight limits. If your infant's weight or height exceeds the limits of the car safety seat before 1 year of age, use an infant-only seat or a convertible seat that is approved for use rear-facing to a higher weight.

Harness Slots
Infant-only seats that come with more than one harness slot give more room for growing babies. In the rear-facing position, the harness usually should be in the slots at or below your baby's shoulders. Check the car safety seat manufacturer's instructions to be sure. Handles. Carrying handles on car safety seats vary greatly in style and ease of use. Most infant-only seats require the handle to be down during travel. Check the manufacturer's instructions to be sure.

Other Features
Angle indicators, built-in angle adjusters, harness adjusters and head support systems are other features that may make correct use easier to achieve.

 

The recommendations in this statement do not indicate an exclusive course of treatment or serve as a standard of medical care. Variations, taking into account individual circumstances, may be appropriate.