How To Carry A Car Seat – Most Comfortable And Right Ways

Hello, parents, grandparents, caregivers, and anyone else who finds themselves regularly toting around an infant car seat! We all know that carrying these car seats can often feel like participating in an unplanned workout, complete with muscle strain and an awkward balancing act. Perhaps you’re a new parent struggling to figure out the least back-breaking way to carry your new bundle of joy, or you’re a seasoned pro who is tired of the hassle. Either way, you’ve landed on the right page. This guide aims to take you through various methods to carry a car seat, focusing on comfort, safety, and ease to help you and your little one confidently venture into the world.

Easy and Safe Ways to Carry Infant Car Seat

Knowing how to carry a car seat correctly is imperative, not only for your comfort but also for your child’s safety. Here, we’ll explore various approaches to making this task easier and safer.

1. The Classic Elbow Hook

The most common way to hold the car seat is with your elbow bent and the seat hanging on your forearm. Ensure you grip the handle securely to avoid any accidental slips.

2. Over the Shoulder Method

This approach involves running your arm through the handle and resting the seat over your shoulder. This distributes weight more evenly but may obstruct your side view.

3. Two-Handed Grip

If you’re not walking a long distance, using both hands to hold the car seat from the bottom provides maximum control and reduces the risk of dropping it.

4. Side-Hold Technique

Like the Classic Elbow Hook, you hold the handle so that the car seat sits beside you. This gives you a free arm for additional tasks.

5. Using a Car Seat Carrier

A car seat carrier is essentially a small dolly designed for car seats. It allows you to pull the seat along, which is especially useful in airports or malls.

6. Trolley Method

If you’re shopping, many supermarkets offer trolleys that can secure a baby car seat. Just make sure the seat is fastened tightly to prevent tipping over.

7. Stroller Combo

Many modern car seats are part of a system that lets you snap the seat into a stroller. This is convenient for long walks or when shopping.

8. Back-Saving Lift

To protect your back, lift with your legs, keeping the car seat close to your body. This ensures better weight distribution and reduces strain on your back.

9. Teamwork

If you’re not alone, having one person carry the car seat is often easier while the other focuses on additional tasks. Coordination can make all the difference.

What Are Some Other Ways to Carry a Car Seat?

Navigating the world with an infant car seat can sometimes feel like an Olympic sport, especially when trying to simultaneously manage other tasks or kids. While traditional car seat-carrying methods are practical and famous, they might only suit some people’s needs. You may have back issues, or you’re looking for a more convenient setup for quick errands. If you find yourself pondering alternative solutions, we have a couple of out-of-the-box ideas that might make your life a little easier.

1. Car Seat in Centre

Let’s step back and reconsider where we place the car seat in the car itself. Positioning the car seat in the centre of the back seat (1) can make the lifting process less strenuous. You don’t have to lean over as much, which is easier on your back. Additionally, this is often considered the safest spot for your child in case of an accident.

2. Using Baby Carrier

If you have a baby carrier, why not use it? Depending on the carrier’s design and your child’s age, place your child in the carrier on your front or back. Now, your hands can carry the car seat by the handle. This is especially helpful for short trips where bringing the car seat might be necessary, but holding it with a baby inside becomes cumbersome.

What Mistakes Are You Doing While Holding Baby Car Seat?

People make minor but critical mistakes when learning how to hold a car seat. Here are some of the most common errors you should avoid:

1. Bad Posture: Slouching or bending can cause back and shoulder pain. Always maintain good posture.

2. One-Hand Hold: Holding the car seat with one hand can be risky, especially when you have other things to carry.

3. Overloading: Don’t place heavy items on the car seat, as this can cause it to tip over or make it difficult to carry.

4. Ignoring Safety Locks: Always lock the car seat handle before lifting.

5. Speed: Rushing can lead to accidents. Take your time, especially when navigating through stairs or crowded places.

Learning how to carry an infant car seat correctly can make your life easier and keep your little one safe. There are numerous ways to carry a car seat comfortably, from using the Classic Elbow Hook to integrating the car seat into a stroller. Always prioritise safety, be aware of common mistakes, and adjust your methods to suit your circumstances. Safe travels and happy parenting!

References/Resources:

1. Car Seat Safety; Nemours KidsHealth; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/auto-baby-toddler.html

Also Read:

Infant Car Seat Safety
How to Put Car Seat in Shopping Cart