How to Choose
Infant Car Seats Best
Car seats are a must-have for parents. What makes one car seat better than another?
A special infant seat fits the smallest of babies and is lighter for easier transport outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience extras like premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one-button handles. Also, look for safety features like load legs and body/head cushions.
Safety
As any parent will tell you, selecting the
best infant car seat car seat for your child is among the most crucial decisions you can make. The right seat will ensure that they're placed correctly in the car, and ensure they're secured in the event of an accident.
While every car seat sold in the US must adhere to strict standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Not all car seats are created equal. Certain models have features specifically designed to protect infants, such as load legs that help reduce movement in crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the base and car seat, while others include built-in bubble levels for easy installation and adjustable headrests that increase with your baby.
Choi says that dedicated infant car seats are designed to provide the perfect fit for babies. They typically include crash-tested inserts which can help achieve this. They're also lighter than a convertible car seat and can be easily converted into a stroller. This makes them perfect for drop-offs at daycares, rides and pick-ups. You can buy used ones at less than the cost because they're only good for your baby's first 12 months.
A high NHTSA score and great crash test results are crucial however the way you use the car seat of your child is more important. A study by Portland's leading children's hospital showed that 95% of parents have made a mistake at least once when installing or altering their car seat.
This is why it's a great idea to take a few moments to learn the proper car seat usage guidelines before your baby arrives. We suggest you look for a car seat with clear and concise instructions, is lightweight enough to be easy to carry your child, and has simple adjustment mechanisms.
You should also determine if the infant car seat you're considering meets the dimensions required for your vehicle. If you're concerned about your ability to install and operate the car seat properly, consider taking it to a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) to receive a hands-on tutorial before the baby is born.
Convenience
Some infant car seats come with additional features that make it easier to use. For example, they may come with a base that the seat can be clicked into and out of, or they could have easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features make it easier to set up and remove the car seat - especially in the event that you have a child in your care.
The weight and the height limits of a car seat for infants are also important factors to consider. If you have a child who is growing rapidly, it may be worth the extra money to invest in an infant car seat with higher limits so that you can keep it in use for as long as is possible.
In addition to the safety features, an infant car seat is a must for a comfortable baby. Find cushioned straps that don't touch or squeeze their shoulders, and a soft fabric that feels cozy underneath them for long periods of time. It's also a good idea to choose the seat with the option of lying flat that allows your baby to sit in a more reclined position that helps keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.
There are a number of accessories available for infant car seats, however Dr. Segura cautions against buying any item that isn't included with the seat as it hasn't been tested for crash and could be unsafe. It is also recommended to avoid buying used infant car seats as they may have been in an accident and could be damaged or worn out.
While the best infant car seats range anywhere from $100 to $600, there are a few features that all the top picks have in common. They are all lightweight, easy to install and take down, and are comfortable for the infant. Some come with additional features that make them even more versatile. For instance, they can swivel or clip into strollers without adapters. For more information about the various choices available, read our review of the top infant car seats.
Comfort
Top infant car seats are fitted with features for comfort that allow you to easily get your baby in and out of the seat. The
best infant carrier car seat infant car seat uk car seats have a single-handed clasp system that lets you grip both sides simultaneously. They also come with cushioned padding to make it easier to lift the seat. In addition, you'll want to consider how much the seat weighs--you'll be using it without a base after all, so a lighter one is better. The Baby Trend Secure Lift, for instance, weighs less that 13 pounds.
The height and weight limit of infant car seats are important. If you are planning to keep the car seat, pick a model that will expand with your child and fit them into the toddlerhood. You'll be in a position to use it for a longer period of time and save money on a new car seat.
You should also think about the seat's dimensions and whether it's wider or wider than other models. This could be an advantage for cars with smaller sizes, and the latter is a benefit if you have two kids in back-to-back car seats, or need to drive with three children in the back seat at some point. If you intend to use your car seat in conjunction with a stroller, look for one that is able to be removed from car seats and is compatible with most popular strollers. Car seat brands such as Graco and Nuna offer options that can meet this need.
For ease of use, take a look at the ratings that a car seat gets for installation. Clear guides and indicators, like bubble levels or color codes which indicate whether the seat is secured and level can ease stress for new parents. Some seats also come with innovative features like load legs, which are shock-absorbing pieces found under the seat or base which extend to the floor of the vehicle to absorb some of the impact force of a crash.
There are also a few accessories that claim to enhance the comfort of your car seat and convenience, but keep in mind that any accessory not included in conjunction with the car seat hasn't been tested or approved for safety. "Anything you purchase that isn't from the manufacturer, including the harness or blanket is not recommended to put in the car seat," Segura says.
Style
For parents who are new, figuring out how to choose the most suitable infant car seat is a bit of a puzzle. It's crucial to understand your budget and what features you want. There are a lot of options in terms of special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics but a lot depends on what's most comfortable for baby.
For example it's worth noting that dedicated infant seats fit smaller babies better than convertible car seats and are suitable for the first year of their lives (though some might have extensions that have been tested for crash to ensure they last longer). They typically have a greater number of recline options to ensure the proper positioning of small children. They are also lighter and easier to carry. They are more likely to work when used with a travel system. This can be useful for parents who are new and want to save money and time by purchasing seats that can serve two functions.
Car seat weight and width are also important to consider for the majority of families. For instance, some
infant car seats on sale car seats are designed to be narrower than others, allowing them to fit in the back seat of your car or to be used in conjunction with siblings' seats. Some are so heavy that they will test your biceps when you lift them and then transfer them from the car to the stroller.
Many parents choose an the infant car seat that can be converted from base to carrier and then convert into a stroller, without any additional attachments. This will save you a lot of time, especially on days when you are running around for errands.
Other convenient features include an adjustable buckle holder that is magnetic, a no-rethread strap, and a simplified installation process. Look for a head-and-body support insert to stop infants from collapsing into the seat or in the car as they fall asleep.
The majority of car seats utilize flexible straps to secure their lower anchor connectors however, some feature rigid latches that flip out of the base and turn green when correctly installed. This kind of installation is more secure and restricts the amount of movement a
newborn car seat insert seat can move during an accident.
