How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

Car seats are an essential item for parents. What is it that makes one car seat better than another?

A special infant seat is the ideal option for babies who are small. It is also lighter, which makes it easy to transport outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience options like premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one button handles. Also, look for safety features like load legs or head and body cushions.

Safety

As every parent knows that choosing the best car seat is one of the most important decisions you'll have to make for your child. The right seat will ensure that your child is positioned properly and is adequately protected in case in the event of a car crash.

Not all car seats are created equal. While every seat sold in the US must adhere to the strict safety standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration However, not all car seats come with the same features. Certain seats come with features that are designed to protect infants. For example load legs can reduce movement in crashes, by absorbing impact forces on the car seat's base. Other features include bubble levels that make installing easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.

Dedicated infant car seats are also designed to fit small babies best and often include extra crash-tested inserts to help achieve this, says Choi. They are also lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily transformed into a stroller. This makes them suitable for ride-shares, daycare drop-offs, and pick-ups. You can buy an used one for only a fraction of the cost, since they only last for the first 12 months.

Another point to consider is that, while a high NHTSA rating and impressive crash test results are essential but the manner you use your car seat is more important for your child's safety. A study conducted by Portland's top children's hospital found that 95% parents made at least one error when installing or adjusting their car seat.

That's why it's a good idea to spend a few minutes to learn the correct car seat use guidelines before your baby arrives. We suggest looking for a car seat that has clear and concise instructions, is light enough to easily carry with your child, and that has easy-to-use adjustments.

You should also check to determine if the infant car seat you're considering meets the dimensions required for your vehicle. If you're worried about your ability to install and operate the car seat properly by yourself, you may want to take it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your baby is born for a hands-on demonstration.

Convenience

Some infant car seats come with extra features that make them easier to use. For instance, they could include a base the seat snaps into and out of, or they may feature easy-to-use adjustments. These features make it simpler to remove and install the car seat, especially in the event that you have a child in your care.

The weight and the height limits of a baby car seat are also important to take into account. If you have a child who is growing rapidly it could be worth the extra cost to invest in an infant car seat with higher limits to utilize it for as long as you can.

Apart from the safety features, an infant car seat should be comfortable for your baby. Look for padded straps which will not rub or pinch their shoulders, and for plush fabric which feels comfortable underneath them. Select a seat with an upright position. This allows your baby to sit in an upright position, which helps keep their airways wide open and oxygen saturation levels high.

There are many accessories available for infant car seats but Dr. Segura cautions against buying items that are not included in the seat, as it has not been tested in a crash and may be unsafe. Also, avoid buying used infant car seats, since they may be involved in a crash and can be damaged or worn out.

The top rated infant car seats infant car seats range in price between $100 and $600. However they all have certain features. They're all lightweight, simple to install and detach and comfortable for infants. Some have extra features that make them more versatile. For example they can swivel, or clip onto strollers with no need for adapters. Take a look at our review of the best car seats for infants infant car seat that swivels car seats to get more information on the various choices available.

Comfort

The top infant car seats have comfort features that make it easier to get the baby in and out of the seat. This features a single-handed latch system that eliminates the need to grip both straps simultaneously, as well as cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. Additionally, you'll need to consider the weight of the seat--you'll be using it without a base after all and a lighter weight is better. The Baby Trend Secure Lift, for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.

The height and weight limit of the infant car seats are crucial. If you intend to keep the car seat, pick one that will grow with your child and allow them to transition into the toddlerhood. Then, you'll be capable of using it for a longer period of time and save money on a second car seat.

You should also think about the seat's dimensions and if it's smaller or larger than other models. The first can be useful for vehicles with smaller dimensions. The second could be useful if you have three kids in the rear seat or two children in back-to back car seats. If you are planning to use a car seat along with a pram, select one that is compatible with the most popular strollers and has detachable seats. Brands such as Graco or Nuna offer options to meet your needs.

For ease of use, look up the ratings the car seat is given for installation. Clear guides and indicators, like bubble levels or color codes to indicate if the seat is securely fastened and level, can ease the stress of new parents. Some seats come with unique features, such as load legs. These are shock-absorbing parts that extend from the seat base or beneath the seat to the vehicle's floor and absorb some force in the event of a crash.

You'll also find some accessories that claim to improve your car seat's comfort and convenience, but keep in mind that any accessory not included with the car seat hasn't been tested or vetted for safety. "Anything you purchase that isn't from the manufacturer, even an accessory like a harness or blanket, you should not put in the car seat," Segura says.

Style

It can be difficult for new parents to choose the right infant car seats. It's crucial to know what your budget is and the features you want. There are a lot of choices in terms of features, stroller compatibility and fabrics but a lot depends on what's most suitable for your baby.

It's important to note that convertible car seats are not suitable for infants and are only suitable until one year. Some include crash-tested extensions kits, which will help them last longer. They also tend to have more recline modes to allow proper positioning of smaller children and are generally lighter, which makes it easier to carry around. They are more likely to be compatible when used in conjunction with the travel system. This is a great option for parents who are new and want to save money and time by purchasing seats that serve two functions.

Car seat weight and width are also important factors to consider for the majority of families. Certain infant car seats, for example are narrower, which allows them to fit better in the back of your car or in the vicinity of other seats. Some are so heavy that they will test your biceps as you lift them and then transfer them from the car to the stroller.

Many parents prefer baby car seats that can be transformed from a base to a carrier and then transform into a stroller without any extra attachments. This will save you a lot of time, particularly during busy times when you're out running errands with your children.

Other convenient features include a harness that doesn't need to be rethread with magnetic buckle holders, as well as an easy installation process. Lastly, look for an arm and head support insert, which can aid in preventing infants from slumbering in the seat or carrier when 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 properly installed. This type of installation is more secure and may limit the amount a seat moves during the event of a crash.