How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

Parents should have car seats. What makes one seat better than another?

A special infant seat fits small babies best, and is lighter for easier transport outside of the vehicle. Consider features that are convenient, like premium lower-anchor connectors, non-rethreading harness pads, and single button handles. Also, look out for safety features such as load legs and head and body cushions.

Safety

As every parent will tell you, selecting the best car seat for your child is one of the most important decisions you can make. The best seat will ensure that they're placed properly in the car and that they are adequately protected in the event of a crash.

While every car seat sold in the US must meet the strict standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) However, not all car seats are created equal. Some models have features designed to protect infants. For instance load legs can minimize movement during crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the car seat's base. Some include bubble levels that make installation easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.

Car seats specifically designed for infants are also designed to fit small babies best, and typically include crash-tested inserts to help achieve this, according to Choi. They're also lighter than a convertible car seat and can be easily converted into a stroller. This makes them suitable for drop-offs at daycares, rides and pickups. You can buy used ones at a fraction of the price because they're only good for your baby's first 12 months.

Another thing to be aware of is that even though having a high NHTSA rating and impressive crash test results are essential but the manner you use your car seat is even more important to your child's safety. In fact, a study conducted by Portland's most prestigious children's hospital discovered that 95% of parents made at the very least one crucial mistake when installing or positioning their car seat.

It is important to be familiar with your surroundings before your baby arrives by ensuring that you know the proper guidelines for car seats. We recommend looking for a car seat with clear and concise instructions, is light enough to easily carry with your child, and has simple adjustment mechanisms.

Examine if the infant car seat that you're considering fits your vehicle's size requirements. If you're concerned about your ability to install and operate the car seat properly yourself, you might want to take it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before the baby is born for a hands-on instruction.

Convenience

Some portable infant car seat car seats come with additional features that make them more user-friendly. Certain infant car seats come with features that make them simpler to use. For instance, they could have a base into which the seat can be clicked in and out, or they could have an easy-to-use adjusting mechanism. These features can make it more convenient to set up and remove the car seat, especially if you have another child to attend to.

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

In addition to safety features, your baby's car seat must also be comfortable. Choose cushioned straps that don't rub or pinch their shoulders and plush fabric that is soft underneath them for long durations. Select a seat with an upright position. This allows your baby to sit upright position, which helps to keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.

Dr. Segura warns you that you should avoid buying any accessories for infant car seat in front seat car seats that aren't included in the seat, since they are not tested for safety in a crash and could pose a risk. Also, avoid buying used car seats for infants, as they may have been involved in a crash and can be damaged or worn out.

The top infant car seats range in price from $100 to more than $600. However, they all share some features. They're all lightweight, easy to set up and remove and are 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. For more information on the different options available, take a look at our comparison of best infant car seats.

Comfort

The best infant car seats come with comfort features that make it easier to get the baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch that eliminates the need to grip both sides of the strap at the same time, and cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. It is also important to think about the weight of the seat. Since you'll be using it with no base, a seat that is lighter is preferred. This Baby Trend Secure Lift, for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.

Other factors to consider include the height and weight limits of the infant car seat. If you intend to keep the car seat, select one that can grow with your child and allow them to transition into toddlerhood. This way, you'll be in a position to use it for longer and save money on a second car seat.

You should also take into consideration the dimensions of the seat, and whether it is narrower or wider than other models. This can be a boon for cars with smaller sizes, and the latter may be helpful for families with two children in back-to-back car seats or have to drive with three kids in the back seat at some point. If you're planning to use a car seat along with a pram, choose one that is compatible with the most popular strollers and has removable seats. Car seat brands such as Graco and Nuna offer options that meet this need.

Examine the rating of a car seat for ease of use. Guides and indicators clearly labeled that inform you that the seat is level and securely fastened -- like bubble levels or color-coded markings--can aid in reducing stress on new parents. Certain seats come with innovative features, such as load legs. These are parts that absorb shock that extend from the base or under the seat to the floor of the vehicle and absorb some force in the event of a crash.

There are accessories that claim to improve the convenience and comfort of your car seat. But remember that anything not included with the seat hasn't passed safety testing. "Anything you buy that's not from the manufacturer, including the harness or blanket you shouldn't put in the car seat," Segura says.

Style

It can be a challenge for new parents to figure out the best infant car seats. It's essential to know your budget and the features you want. There are a variety of options for special features, stroller compatibility, and fabrics. However, it all comes down to comfort.

For example it's worth noting that infant-specific seats are more suitable for babies than convertible car seats and can be used for the first year of their lives (though some might include extended kits that have been tested and crash-tested to ensure they last longer). They typically come with more recline settings to facilitate the proper positioning of tiny children. They are also lighter and easier to carry. They are also more likely to work with a travel system, which is beneficial for new parents who are trying to save time and money by buying one seat that will perform double duty.

Car seat weight and width are also important factors to consider for the majority of families. Certain infant car seats, for instance, are narrower to fit better in the back of your vehicle or next to other seats. Some are so heavy that they test your biceps when you lift them up and transfer them from the car to the stroller.

Many parents prefer the infant car seat that can be transformed from a base to a carrier and then click into a stroller without any additional attachments. This can save a lot of time, particularly on busy days when you're running errands with your little ones.

Other useful features include a harness that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and an easy-to-install process. Look for a head-and-body support insert to stop infants from collapsing into the seat or carrier as they fall asleep.

Some car seats have rigid latches which flip out from the base when installed correctly. This type of installation is more secure and can limit the amount of time a car seat moves in the event of an accident.