Is it illegal to not use the "base" that came with the car seat?

Question

wow ppl can be extremly rude on here. such as the last comment someone wrote. i was just wondering. im a new mother. had never seen the "bases" before with my family members children. i dont use the car seat without the base nor do i just "toss" my child in. glad to see we live in such a nice world today where ppl automatically assume your a complete moron. thanks.

Answer 1

Wow. and wow. not a single GOOD answer yet in the bunch. Let me see if I can be the first, lol. :)

Absolutely not illegal, as long as its allowed per the manufacturer's instructions. Read through the manual and it will tell you whether you can install the carrier without the base or not. Its worth noting though, that what other people do with car seats is not always what they're supposed to be doing. :( I've seen forward facing infant carriers - they're rear facing only, 7 month olds forward facing - supposed to be rear until 2 years old, 2 year olds in boosters - supposed to be in a harness until at least 4 years, etc. 80% of car seats are installed and used incorrectly. 80%!!! So most parents don't read the manual and won't use it correclty.

Most infant carriers on the market today DO allow you to use them without the base, however, its generally not advised b/c without the base they are more difficult to install correctly, and you have to install/uninstall them each and every time you get in/out of the car which completely takes away the purpose of an infant carrier: convenience.

Answer 2

Try theses sites................

http://www.carseatdata.org/

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babie...

Answer 3

Illegal no...but probably unsafe.

Answer 4

Not illegal, but the base makes it safe, because it ropes in, and it's convenient, rather than having to cart the whole thing around and strap it in.

Answer 5

No it is not illegal. But seat has to be fasten to the floor of the vehicle. Other than that you are free to do what every you want. And you connot make it a bed while driving.

Answer 6

Depends on exactly what you mean by your question. If you mean just tossing the carrier in the back seat, that would be illegal. If you mean belting it in according to the instructions of the manufacturer, that should be fine. If you mean trying to shoe horn the carrier into the base of a different manufacturer, probably illegal but unlikely to be caught until your child is killed in an accident.

Edit: I didn't assume anything. Your question wasn't clear, so I tried to cover the bases. Apparently my second scenario was what you were looking for.