Which type of car seat is designed for infants?

The type of car seat designed specifically for infants is the infant car seat, which is typically rear-facing. These seats are engineered to provide optimal support and protection for newborns and small babies, as their developing bodies require specific positioning to enhance safety and comfort. The rear-facing orientation is crucial because it helps to absorb and distribute the forces of a crash more effectively than other seating positions. Additionally, infant car seats come with features such as a detachable base, allowing for easy transfer between the car and other locations without disturbing the baby.

In contrast, forward-facing car seats are intended for older children who have outgrown their infant seats and are ready for a position that offers different safety mechanisms suitable for their size and weight. Convertible car seats can switch between rear-facing and forward-facing configurations, but they are designed to accommodate a broader age range rather than being exclusively for infants. Lastly, booster seats are meant for children who have outgrown forward-facing car seats, positioning them to ensure proper seatbelt fit for older kids, making them unsuitable for infants.