How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Car seats are an essential item for parents. But what makes one better than the other?
A special infant seat is the best option for small babies. It is also lighter, making it easy to transport outside of the vehicle. Look for features that make life easier such as premium lower-anchor connectors with non-rethreading harness pads and single button handles. Also, consider safety features like load legs and body cushions for the head and neck.
Safety
As any parent will tell you, choosing the most appropriate car seat for your child is one of the most crucial decisions you can make. The right seat will make sure that your child is placed correctly and properly secured 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 specifically designed to protect infants. For example load legs can reduce movement in crashes, by absorbing the impact forces on the base and car seat. Others include bubble levels that allow for easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.
Choi says that car seats for infants are designed to provide the perfect fit for babies. They often have crash-tested inserts which can help achieve this. They’re also lighter than a convertible car seat and can be easily converted to a stroller. This makes them suitable for ride-shares, daycare drop-offs and pick-ups. They’re also durable. through the first year of your baby’s life and beyond, you can always purchase an used one at only a fraction of the cost.
Another point to consider is that, while having a high NHTSA rating and excellent crash test results are crucial, the way you use your car seat is even more critical for your child’s safety. In fact, a study conducted by Portland’s leading children’s hospital revealed that 95% of parents made at least one serious error when installing or putting in their car seat.
That’s why it’s a good idea to take a few moments to learn the correct car seat use guidelines before your little one arrives. We recommend that you choose a car seat with clear and concise instructions. It should also be lightweight baby car seat (Hubstack link for more info) so it’s easy to carry around with your baby.
You should also check to see whether the infant car seat you’re considering meets the requirements for size for your vehicle. If you’re worried about your ability to set up and operate the car seat properly by yourself, you may consider taking it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your baby is even born to receive a hands-on demonstration.
Convenience
Some infant car seats include additional features that make it simpler to use. Certain cheap infant car seats car seats come with features that make them easier to use. For instance, they may include a base that the seat can be clicked in and out, or they may include an easy-to-use adjusting mechanism. These features make it easier to install and remove the car seat, especially when there is a child in your care.
It is also essential to think about the weight and height limits of an infant car seat. If your baby is growing quickly it could be worth investing in an infant car seat with higher limits to ensure that you are able to utilize it for as long as you like.
Apart from the safety features, an infant car seat should be comfortable for your baby. Find padded straps that will not rub or pinch their shoulders, and for plush fabric which feels comfortable underneath them. It’s also recommended to choose a seat with an option to lie flat which allows your infant to ride in a more reclined position, which helps keep their airways open and their oxygen levels high.
Dr. Segura advises that you should not buy any accessories for infant car seats that are not included in the seat, since they are not tested for crash safety and could be dangerous. You should also avoid buying used car seats for infants, since they may have been involved in a crash and can be damaged or worn out.
The top rated baby car seats infant car seats range in price between $100 and $600. However they all share a few features. All are lightweight, easy to install and remove, and are comfortable for the child. Some even come with special features that make them more flexible including the ability to rotate and clip into strollers without the need for adapters. For more details on the different choices available, read our review of the top infant car seats.
Comfort
The best infant car seats have comfort features that make it easier to get baby in and out of the seat. The best car seat for newborn infant car seats have a one-handed clasp system that lets you grip both sides simultaneously. They also have padding that is cushioned to make it easier to lift the seat. Additionally, you’ll need to consider how much weight the seat weighs. You’ll be using it without a base, after all so a lighter model is the best. The Baby Trend Secure-Lift is a good example. It weighs less than 13 pounds.
The weight and height limits of infant car seats are crucial. If you plan to keep the car seat, pick a model that will expand with your child and fit them into the toddlerhood. You can use it longer and save money by not buying a second seat.
It is also important to think about the seat’s dimensions and whether it’s narrower or wider than other models. This can be an advantage for smaller vehicles, and the latter may be helpful when you have two kids in back-to-back car seats, or need to drive with three children in the back seat at some time. If you are planning to use the car seat in conjunction with strollers, choose one that is able to be removed from car seats and is compatible with a wide range of strollers. Car seat brands such as Graco and Nuna offer options that meet this requirement.
For ease of use, look up the ratings the car seat is given for installation. Clearly labeled guides and indicators that indicate the seat is level and securely fastened — like bubble levels or color-coded markings–can aid in reducing stress on the new parents. Some seats have innovative features, like load legs. These are shock-absorbing parts that extend from the base or beneath the seat to the vehicle’s floor and absorb some impact force during a crash.
There are also accessories that claim to increase the convenience and comfort of your car seat. But remember that anything that’s not included in the seat hasn’t been subjected to safety tests. “Anything you purchase that isn’t from the manufacturer, even the harness or blanket, you should not put in the car seat,” Segura says.
Style
For parents who are new trying to figure out how to select the most suitable infant car seat can be quite an issue. It is important to determine what your budget is and the features that you want. There are a lot of options for special features, stroller compatibility, and fabrics, but it all is based on what’s comfortable for baby.
For example, it’s worth noting that dedicated infant seats fit smaller babies better than convertible car seats and are suitable for the first year of life (though some might have extended kits that have been tested and crash-tested to ensure they last longer). They typically have a greater number of recline modes to allow for the correct positioning of small children. They are also lighter and more convenient to carry. They are more likely to be compatible when used in conjunction with an existing travel system. This is a great option for new parents wanting to save money and time by purchasing a seat that will serve two purposes.
Another important thing to remember is that car seat size and weight are key elements for families with a large number of children. Certain infant car seats, for instance are narrower and can be able to fit in the back of your vehicle or next to other seats. Others are heavy enough to really test your biceps to lift and transfer from stroller to car.
In terms of convenience, many parents opt for infant car seats with the capability to move from base to carrier and then click into a stroller, without the need for additional attachments. This can save you a lot of time, particularly during busy times when you need to complete around for errands.
Other convenient features include a harness that is not rethread with magnetic buckle holders, as well as a streamlined installation process. Look for a head-and-body support insert to prevent infants from collapsing into the carrier or seat as they sleep.
Certain car seats come with rigid latches which flip out from the base if installed correctly. This type of installation is more secure and limits the amount of movement a car seat can move in a crash.