Why do people use car seats as baby carriers?

[Polestar50]

Genuine question.
I have fairly recently has a baby and have only just noticed that most parents use their car seats to carry their babies if walking a short distance (in and out of baby classes etc.)

It hadn’t occurred to me to do that. I just get my baby out and carry him in my arms, which seems much easier to me. He normally stays asleep snuggled up to me.
I find it much more comfortable to have him in my arms than to carry a bulky heavy car seat around and it’s not as though you can leave them in the car seat for any length of time once inside so what is the benefit?

AIBU to think that faffing around with a car seat is much more difficult and uncomfortable, for both parents and baby, or is there some advantage that I’m not seeing here ?

Because it was and still is easier to have a child tied down and strapped into something! I just wish I could have something like this for my 5YO now.

There aren't that many rules. Lots of opinions, mind.

That's why my post said 'rules'. I remember educated and professional women doing to ask the permission of the HV to do things like weaning. Do what you want.