How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Car seats are an essential item for parents. But what makes one better than another?
A specially designed infant seat is the ideal option for small babies. It is also lighter, making it easier to transport outside of the vehicle. Consider convenience features like premium lower anchor connectors, no-rethread harness pads, and one-button handles. Also, look out for safety features like load legs and head and body cushions.
Safety
As every parent will tell you, selecting the most appropriate car seat for your child is among the most crucial decisions you could make. The right seat will ensure that your child is in a position correctly and properly protected in case in the event of a car 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 seats are created equal. Certain models have features specifically designed to safeguard infants, like load legs that reduce the impact of crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the base and car seat as well as built-in bubble levels to make it easy for installation and adjustable headrests that grow with your baby.
Car seats for infants are also designed to fit tiny babies best and often include crash-tested inserts to aid in this, according to Choi. Additionally, they're generally lighter than convertible car seats and are easily moved to strollers which makes them perfect for ride shares and daycare pickups and drop-offs. You can purchase used ones at only a fraction of the cost as they're only used for your baby's first 12 months.
Another factor to keep in mind is that while a high NHTSA rating and excellent crash test results are important however, the way you use your car seat is more important to the safety of your child. In fact, a study done by Portland's leading children's hospital revealed that 95% of parents made at least one critical error when installing or putting in their car seat.
That's why it's a good idea to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the correct car seat use guidelines before your little one arrives. We suggest looking for car seats that have clear and concise instructions, is light enough to be able to carry your child, and that has easy-to-use adjustments.
It is also important to see whether the car seat for infants you're thinking of purchasing meets the dimensions required for your vehicle. And if you're worried about your own ability to set up and use the car seat properly, consider taking it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) for an interactive session prior to the time your baby is born.
Convenience
Some infant car seats have additional features that make them easier to use. For example, they may include a base the seat clicks into and out of, or they could have easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features make it easier to remove and install the car seat, especially when there is a child in your care.
The weight and height limits of a car seat for infants are also important to take into account. If you have a child who is growing quickly, it may be worth the cost to purchase a car seat that has higher limits to use it for as long as is possible.
Apart from the safety features, a baby car seat is a must for a comfortable baby. Look for padded straps that won't squeeze or rub their shoulders and soft fabric that is soft beneath them for extended periods of time. Select a seat that is in a lie-flat position. This allows your baby to sit upright position, which helps to keep their airways wide open and oxygen saturation levels high.
Dr. Segura warns that you should avoid buying any accessories for infant car seats that aren't included in the seat because they haven't been tested for safety in a crash and could pose a risk. It is also recommended to avoid purchasing used infant car seats, because they could be involved in an accident and may be damaged or worn out.
While the best infant car seats range between $100 and $600 There are a few characteristics that the top choices have in common. They're all light easy to put in and remove, and comfortable for the infant. Some even come with special features that make them more versatile, like the ability to pivot and clip into strollers without the need for additional adapters. Take a look at our review of the best infant car seats for more information about the various options on the market.
Comfort
The top infant car seats come with comfort features that make it easy to get baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch that eliminates the need to grip both straps simultaneously, as well as cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. It is also important to consider the weight of the seat. Since you'll use it with no base, a seat that is lighter is preferable. This Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.
The weight and height limits of infant car seats is also crucial. If you intend to keep the car seat, choose a model that will grow with your child and accommodate them into the stage of toddlerhood. Then, you'll be capable of using it for longer and save money on a second car seat.
You should also consider the dimensions of the seat and whether it's wider or wider than other models. The first can be useful for vehicles with smaller dimensions. The second may be helpful when you have three children in the rear seat or two children in back-to back car seats. If you are planning to use your car seat along with a stroller, look for one that is able to be removed from car seats that are compatible with a wide range of strollers. Brands like Graco or Nuna have options that satisfy your requirements.
Check the rating of a car seat to determine its ease of use. Clearly labeled guides and indicators that inform you that the seat is level and securely fastened - like bubble levels or color coding--can help reduce stress on parents who are new. Some seats have innovative features, like load legs. infant car seats on sale are shock-absorbing components that extend from the base or under the seat all the way to the floor of your vehicle and absorb some impact force during a crash.
You'll also find some accessories that claim to enhance the comfort of your car seat and convenience, but keep in mind that any product not included with the car seat hasn't yet been tested or vetted for safety. "Anything you purchase that's not from the manufacturer, even a blanket or harness you shouldn't put in the car seat," Segura says.
Style
It can be difficult for parents with young children to choose the right infant car seats. It's important that you understand your budget and what features you'd like. There are plenty of different options in terms of special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics but a lot comes down to what's comfortable for baby.
For example, it's worth noting that infant seats designed specifically for babies fit small babies better than convertible car seats and can be used for the first year of their lives (though some might include crash-tested extension kits to help them last longer). They usually offer more recline options to ensure the proper positioning of tiny children. They are also lighter and easier to carry. They are also more likely to be compatible with a travel system which can be helpful for new parents who are trying to save time and money by purchasing one seat that can do double duty.
Another aspect to be aware of is that car seat width and weight are important elements for families with a large number of children. Some infant car seats, like, are narrower to fit better in the back of your car or next to other seats. Others are heavy enough to test your biceps to lift and move from car to stroller.
When it comes to convenience, many parents prefer infant car seats that have the capability to move from the base to the carrier and click directly into a stroller, without the need for extra attachments. This can save a lot of time, especially during busy times when you're running errands your kids.
Other useful features include a harness that doesn't need to be rethread with magnetic buckle holders, as well as an easy-to-install process. Look for a head and body support insert to stop infants from settling into the seat or in the car when they fall asleep.
Some car seats have rigid latches that open from the base if installed correctly. This kind of installation is more secure and reduces the amount that a seat can move during an accident.