An infant carrier, or a rear-facing infant seat, is a type of car seat specifically designed for use by children from birth up to approximately 30 pounds, depending on the model, and 1 year of age. These car seats are small, have carrying handles and come with a base that can be left in the car. The seat clicks into and out of the base so that the base does not have to be installed each time it is used.
When looking for an infant carrier, be sure to choose one that best fits your baby and fits in your car (see About Fit). Also, try the infant carrier to be sure that it is easy for you to use. The seat should fit securely into every vehicle that you use.
At Britax, we recommend that you choose an infant carrier with the following features:
- More than one set of harness slots to allow room for your baby to grow.
- An adjustable buckle strap for growing babies.
- Angle indicators that help you to achieve proper recline.
- A harness adjuster that is both easy to reach and use.
- A five-point harness, which represents five points of attachment: two at the shoulders, two at the hips, and one at the crotch.
- A seat that provides side impact protection against side impact collisions.