How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Car seats are a must-have for parents. What is it that makes one car seat better than the other?
A specially designed infant seat is the ideal option for small babies. It is also lighter, making it easier to move outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience features like premium lower-anchor connectors with non-rethreading harness pads and single button handles. Also, consider security features like load legs and head/body cushions.
Safety
As any parent will tell you, choosing the best car seat for your child is among the most crucial decisions that you can make. The correct seat will ensure that they're in the right position properly in the car and that they're adequately protected in the event of an accident.
While every car seat sold in the US must conform to strict standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), not all car seats are created equal. Some models have features designed to protect infants. For instance load legs help minimize movement during crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the car seat and base. Others include bubble levels that make installation easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.
Car seats for infants are also designed to fit tiny babies most comfortably and usually include extra crash-tested inserts to aid in this, according to Choi. Plus, they're usually lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily transferred to a stroller, making them ideal for ride-sharing and daycare drop-offs and pick-ups. You can buy an used one for less than the cost, since they only last for your baby's first 12 months.
Another point to consider is that, while a high NHTSA rating and impressive crash test results are essential, the manner you use your car seat is more important for your child's safety. In fact, a study conducted by Portland's leading children's hospital revealed that 95% of parents made at the very least one crucial mistake when installing or positioning their car seat.
This is why it's a great idea to take a few minutes to learn the correct car seat usage guidelines prior to when your child arrives. We recommend that you choose a car seat that has clear and concise instructions. It must also be light so it's easy to carry around with your baby.
You should also check to see whether the car seat for infants you're thinking of purchasing meets the requirements for size for your vehicle. If you're concerned about your capability to set up and operate the car seat correctly yourself, you may consider taking it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your baby is born for a hands on instruction.
Convenience
Certain infant car seats come with extra features that make them easier to use. Certain infant car seats come with features that make them simpler to use. For instance, they may have a base into which the seat can be pushed into and out, or they might have an easy-to-use adjusting mechanism. These features make it simpler to set up and remove the car seat, especially in the event that you have a child in your care.
It is also important to think about the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If your child is growing quickly it may be worth investing in a car seat with greater limits to ensure you can use it as long as you'd like.
Aside from the safety features, a baby car seat is a must for a comfortable baby. Look for padded straps that won't rub or pinch their shoulders and plush fabric that is soft under them for extended durations of time. Select a seat with a lie-flat position. infant car seat for travel allows your child to sit in an upright position, which helps to keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.
Dr. Segura warns you that you should not buy any accessories for infant car seats that are not included in the seat, as they have not been tested for crash safety and could be dangerous. Avoid buying a used infant car seat because they may be involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn.
The best infant car seats range anywhere from $100 to $600, there are a few features that all of the top options have in common. They're all lightweight, easy to put in and take off, and comfortable for babies. Some models have additional features that make them even more versatile. For example they can pivot or clip into strollers with no need for adapters. Take a look at our review of the best infant car seats for more details on the different options on the market.
Comfort
The best infant car seats come with features that provide comfort and make it easy to take your child into and out of the seat. The top infant car seats feature a single-handed clasp system that eliminates having to grip both sides simultaneously. They also have cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. In addition, you'll want to consider the weight of the seat--you'll be using it without a base in the end and a lighter weight is the best. The Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less that 13 pounds.
Other factors to consider include the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If you plan to keep the car seat, pick one that will expand with your child and fit them into toddlerhood. This way, you'll be in a position to use it for longer and save money on a new car seat.
You should also consider the dimensions of the seat and whether it is wider or narrower than other models. The first is a good option for vehicles with smaller dimensions. The second may be useful if you have three children in the rear seat or two children in back-to back car seats. If you intend to use the car seat along with a stroller, look for one that has detachable car seats that are compatible with a wide range of strollers. Brands such as Graco or Nuna have options that will satisfy your requirements.
Examine the rating of a car seat to determine its ease of use. Clear guides and indicators, such as bubble levels or color-coding which indicate whether the seat is secure and level, can ease stress for parents who are new. Some seats also have unique features like load legs, which are shock-absorbing pieces located beneath the seat or base that extend out to the vehicle floor and absorb some of the impact force during a crash.
There are additional accessories that claim to improve the convenience and comfort of your car seat. However, remember that anything that's not included in the seat hasn't been subjected to safety testing. Segura suggests that you don't place anything in your car seat, such as the blanket or harness you bought from a different source.
Style
It can be a challenge for parents with young children to figure out the best infant car seats. It's crucial to understand your budget and what features you'd like. There are plenty of different options for special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics, but it all comes down to what's comfortable for babies.
It's important to note that convertible car seats aren't as suitable for small babies and can only be used up to the age of one year. Some have extended kits that have been tested in a crash that will allow them to last longer. They typically 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 work with a travel system which is beneficial for new parents trying to save time and money by purchasing one seat that can serve two purposes.
Another thing to keep in mind is that car seat width and weight are important elements for families with a large number of children. For instance, some infant 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 transfer them from the car to the stroller.
In terms of convenience, a lot of parents choose infant car seats that have the ability to move from the base to the carrier and then click into a stroller without the need for additional attachments. This will save you a lot of time, particularly on busy days when you're out running errands with your children.
Other features that are useful include a harness that is not rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and a streamlined installation process. Find a head-and-body-support insert to prevent infants from collapsing into the seat or carrier as they fall asleep.
The majority of car seats utilize flexible straps to secure their lower anchor connectors, but there are some that have latches that are rigid and flip out of the base and turn green once installed. This type of installation is more secure and can limit the amount a seat can move during an accident.