best car seat Car Seats For Infants and Babies
While convertible car seats are ideal for kids who are growing however, an infant car seat is ideal for babies and newborns. They are also lighter and easier for you to click into strollers than their larger counterparts.
CPST instructor Kecia Healy praised the Chicco KeyFit’s recline foot with springs and bubble indicator on the base, as well as its ease of use (the more user-friendly a car seat is and is, the more likely parents will be to put it in the correct position). The model also fits three across in most midsize vehicles.
1. Clek Liing Infant Car Seat
The Canadian manufacturer Clek is known for their best-rated convertible car seats and the infant Liing is one of their top infant seats. It is fitted with best-in class safety features, such as a metal load-leg, and easy installation. It also comes with 7 different recline positions that can be adjusted to match the slope of your car’s seat. Additionally, a simple bubble indicator makes it simple to make sure the seat is in the correct angle before your baby rides in it.
The base for the Liing is easy to put in using rigid LATCH connections that fit into your vehicle’s lower anchors which makes the seat much easy to be secured. This makes the Liing an excellent choice for families who plan to change vehicles often or for those looking for a fast, reliable method to install their baby’s car seat. You can also utilize the belt-tensioning system to secure your child.
One of the features that makes the Liing apart from other infant car seats is its 2 piece Newborn Support System. It includes an lower insert that is able to slide over the crotch strap, and a headrest that attaches to harnesses to stop newborns from slumping forward or pushing their heads backwards while in the seat. It’s a game-changer for tiny preemies and babies and is one of the few rear facing infant car seats that offer this kind of support.
Another great feature of the Liing is its crash-testing frame, which can reduce crash forces by up to 40 percent in comparison to other infant seats. The shell of the seat is reinforced with EPP foam, which shields your child’s head and body in a crash. The seat’s base is engineered with a load leg made of metal that absorbs energy and helps reduce the likelihood of crashes, in addition.
2. Chicco KeyFit
This is the top-rated infant seat. It’s easy to set up, simple to use and will grow with your child. It also works well with strollers for a travel system.
The KeyFit is a great choice for parents who want an easy-to-use, safe and versatile seat. It scores a top score in crash tests, is light and comfortable to carry. It also offers a wide range of height/weight limits. It was also made with babies’ comfort in mind. The click-in point has soft materials surrounding it so that your baby won’t be burned by the metal. The infant insert comes with an enclosed head-skirt to shield their heads and the seat pad your baby sits on is surrounded by energy absorbing foam cushions to ensure comfort.
Installation is simple. It is essential to install the seat correctly, as incorrect installation can increase the chance of getting injured. The KeyFit’s premium LATCH connectors that come with a SuperCinch tightener provide a secure fit that requires minimal effort. Additionally, the base comes with a ReclineSure leveling foot and two RideRight bubble level indicators that help ensure the correct angle of the vehicle and quick installation. For a second installation, using the belt on the vehicle, clear belt routing and lock-offs make it simple to install, position and tighten the belt on the car seat.
The rethread harness height adjustment is a feature prevalent on many Chicco seats, including the original Keyfit model. This means that you need to manually re-thread the straps to move from one level to another. However, this is an acceptable trade-off for the convenience this seat offers.
3. Joie i-Snug 2
The light Joie i-Snug 2 is an infant car seats that swivel car seat that is built to the most stringent safety standards. It features a no-rethread belt and is compatible with Joie Strollers that accept Maxi Cosi style adapters. It’s simple to use, with clear installation guides as well as built-in bubble levels that aid in alignment. The car seat is comfy, with plenty of padding. It also comes with a handy canopy that protects your child from the sun.
The i-Snug 2 comes with an ISOFIX base for secure vehicle attachment and can be used in tandem with a compatible stroller for an entire travel system. It’s an infant car seat that is rear-facing that offers maximum head and neck protection for babies and newborns. The exclusive Tri-Protect headrest has an additional layer of Intelli-Fit memory foam that protects your baby from side impact crashes.
You’ll require a new infant car seat when your child reaches the weight and height limits, or their first birthday. You can then upgrade to convertible car seats or an all-in one car seat. This will allow your child to be rear-facing for longer and is more secure.
A convertible car seat is more spacious and has a higher rear facing infant car seat-facing weight and height limit than an infant seat, and generally has a bigger space inside. To stop your child from becoming too big for the seat in a hurry, it’s best Car Seat to change to a car seat that converts as soon as you are able to. In certain situations, parents can make the transition into an all-in one car seat without the need to purchase an additional infant car seat. This is why it’s crucial to pick the best convertible car seat for your family. Take a look at our comprehensive guide for all the info you require to make the best car seat infant choice.
4. Nuna Pipa Aire RX
The Nuna Pipa Aire RX is one of the most rated infant car seats because of its safety, light weight design and the flexibility. It can be installed with a rigid lower anchor in the seats that are outboard of most vehicles, and with the vehicle seat belt that uses Euro Routing (which utilizes the entire length of the belt to secure the installation). It also comes with an organic GOTS baby insert which is a great option for parents who are eco conscious and want to use organic products for their children.
The Pipa Aire RX weighs only 6 pounds. without the canopy or inserts. It is one of the lightest infant car seat available. This is thanks to the revolutionary Aeroflex foam, which is extremely light but incredibly durable, reducing the the force that is transferred to your baby during a crash. Other safety features include a 5-second steel-reinforced True base lock installation side impact protection, and a multi-position steel stability leg with a crumple zone that reduces forward rotation, resulting in greater rear-facing security.
Other highlights include an ergonomic aluminum carry handle that’s comfortable and light with leatherette accents for comfort and a great grip. Magnetic buckle holders keep straps out from the way when you buckle your child and color-coded indicators for installation confirm correct connections. The low-profile base allows for super-fast loading, and the wide belt pathway with lock-off secures shoulder and lap belts.
The process of parenting can be messy, but cleaning up shouldn’t be a chore. The fabrics and inserts in the Pipa Aire RX are machine washable, so you can keep your car seat looking as fresh as new after each use.
5. Nuna Pipa Urbn
While Nuna’s PIPA rx and PIPA Air RX car seats are both great alternatives, the recently launched Pipa Urbn takes it all to a new level. This ultralight infant car seats is extremely easy to carry and weighs less than 7 pounds with the canopy and insert attached. It also has elegant, user-friendly design that includes useful features such as buckle holders with magnetic buckles to help keep straps out of the way while you’re buckling baby in and a red/green indicator to ensure the installation is secure (we wish that all car seats came with this! ).
The innovative pipaFIX system allows it to be used without the base, unlike the Pipa RX or other base-compatible PIPAs that need a base to be installed. This makes it a great option for parents who frequently take taxis, rideshare services, or travel.
Like other Nuna products, the Pipa Urbn is designed with environmentally-friendly materials that are free of added fire retardant chemicals, and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. These eco-friendly materials include a Merino Wool and Tencel branded blend of lyocell fibres as a headrest, and a machine washable, water-resistant cover.
The biggest drawback to the Pipa Urbn is that it only has a rear-facing weight limit of 30 to 35 pounds. This means you might have to upgrade to a convertible car seat sooner than some other brands. It is still a top pick for infants. The car seat is compatible with travel systems and works with all Nuna strollers. You just need to click it on or attach with the rings adapter.