Capsule

The short definition

A capsule is a small rearward-facing car seat for a newborn that unclips from its base and lifts out of the car.

What it actually means

The base stays belted into the car. The capsule is the part with the handle, and it clicks on and off.

That is the whole point of it. A sleeping baby comes out of the car without being unbuckled and without being woken up.

A capsule only fits a baby for the early months, so some Australian families hire one instead of buying it.

Where Dadda will hear it

In the shop, in the same breath as "convertible", "newborn insert" and a price. Also from anyone who has had a baby in the last five years, who will have strong feelings about it.

Not to be confused with

A convertible car seat. A convertible seat does the same safety job but stays in the car and turns around to face forward later. It does not lift out.

Both are built and approved to do the same job. Neither is safer than the other because of this difference.

Also look at

• Read the full item: capsule or convertible car seat
• What is the difference between a pram, a stroller, a bassinet and a capsule?