Can I use an infant car seat without the base?

Question

I live in Alabama. I have a rear facing infant car seat that I think originally came with a base, but I don't have that. It does have instructions printed on it for use without the base. If you have a web sight I could check out on the specific law, I would appreciate it. The baby is 8 months old.

Answer 1

Whether or not you can use it without the base depends upon the seat. Check the manual. If you don't have the manual, find the model number, serial number, and date of manufacture on a label on the seat and go online to the manufacturer and you can likely download it. there's no law against it. Except that some states do have a 'proper use' clause in their car seat provisions, so technically if you use wrong its breaking the law, lol.

Worth noting: did you get the seat used or new? Its actually unsafe to get a used car seat unless it is coming from a trusted friend or relative and you are 100% positive:

1)it has never been in any wreck

2)it has all the original pieces, including manual

3)it has never been dropped, which means never been checked as luggage at the airport, either, since this frequently happens when checked or gate checked .

4)it is less than 6 years old

5)the straps have never been completely submerged or washed with anything other than mild soap(it messes up the flame retardent treatment)



If you wouldn't trust the seller with your child's life, don't buy a car seat from them. For $40 you can get a Cosco Scenera from Walmart. It rear faces to a whopping 35lbs, which is important b/c kids should stay rear facing as long as possible, the American Academy of Pediatrics says keep them rear facing preferably for their first 2 years of life. Then it goes to 40lbs front facing. It won't last child as long forward facing as some others, but for $40, its a great deal. Or, call your local police station and ask about car seats. Most have programs in place to give free/inexpensive car seat to families that need them.

Also, at 8 months old, there's a good chance your baby has outgrown the seat. Rear facing seats are outgrown when:

1)the weight limit is reached -22lbs on most carriers

         OR

2)there is less than 1" of seat above the child's head.

Check to make sure he/she still fits appropriately. And if the seat is used, get rid of it and get a convertible car seat instead, but keep it rear facing until your child reaches the 30-35lbs rear facing limit or is at least 2 years old.

Even seats that say you can use them without the base are often very difficult to do so thesedays. Its incredibly inconvenient to have to install/uninstall the seat every time you get in/out of the car.

Answer 2

Use this site, it is very helpful.............

http://www.childseatcenter.com/article10...

Answer 3

Look this is not worth it.  Even some of the best car seats are sketchy and yours doesn't even have the base.  Get rid of it , get another one and think about your baby's safety.

If you still want to use the seat call the manufacturer, they will tell you.

Answer 4

yes you can use it without the base.  the base is only there to make taking the car seat out and putting it back in easier.  Some car seats are sold without bases.