How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant
The cost of infant car seat rear facing car seats can go through from one to the other, based on the type of material, style and other add-ons. But you don’t have to spend a lot to get a great car seat for infants.
Our product testers rated the best-performing infant car seats in five key categories including safety, ease of use reliability, comfort, and adjustability.
Safety Ratings
The best infant car seats are rigorously crash-tested. The best infant car seats come with clear instructions and features such as bubble levels or padded seating to provide good support for the baby. We also loved seats that were simple to adjust, and didn’t require the child to be removed from the car. If the procedure is quick and simple, parents are more likely maintain the correct fitting harnesses.
A seat that’s machine washable is a benefit, and we looked for models that allow for the seat to be positioned on the base, reducing the risk of a dropped or damaged buckle during washing. If you’ll be using your car seat often, and particularly on public transportation it could be worth spending more for a model that has self-retracting straps and a reclining mechanism to ease the strain on your back.
The choice of a baby car seat is one of the most important purchases you’ll make as a parent. Therefore, we suggest researching thoroughly prior to making your purchase. Check out reviews from consumers and child safety advocacy organizations. It’s also a good idea to visit the manufacturer’s website and review any recall notices prior to you purchase a car seat.
An infant car seat is a small, movable car seat designed for newborns and babies until their first birthday. They are typically used rear-facing. Most infants outgrow their car seat they were in by the time they are one. In the case of convertible and all-in-one seats the child is transitioned into a toddler seat. Infant-only car seats are designed to be used rearward-facing until your child is at the maximum weight and height limits set by the manufacturer. Then, they can be changed to forward-facing car seats. The convertible or all-in one car seat newborn insert seat can be used in both directions, but it is more secure for your child to remain in the rear-facing position until they are old enough to be able to move forward.
Simple to use
It is important to choose a car seat that’s simple to use for parents and children, even though safety is the primary factor. This is why we consider things like buckles, harness adjustments, and handles in our tests, as well as how easy it is to set up the car seat into the vehicle. If a car seat is difficult to use, you could end up using it incorrectly. This could affect your baby’s safety.
If you’re worried about putting in your infant car seat correctly, you should consider having a consultation with a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) before bringing your baby home. They will show you how to use the seat and give you the video of a crash test. Be sure to read the car seat’s manual. This will aid you in avoiding common mistakes when installing the seat.
Contrary to convertible car seats, which are designed for toddlers and older children infant car seats will only last until your child outgrows them or reaches the highest weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. It is important to select the right seat that will last as long as it can, before switching them into an adult car seat that is suitable for older children.
Some infant car seats can be converted into strollers, so you can get more for your budget. It’s important to note that seats that can be used as a stroller are heavier than those that are used as an infant car.
Another factor to be aware of is the width of your infant car seat is. This can affect how easy it is to fit into your car and whether it’s compatible with other seats in the back row. You should also be aware of the weight of the seat, as a light seat is easier to lift into and out of a car. This is especially important if you intend to use the infant seat frequently and transport it between vehicles. In our best infant car seats review, we prefer models that are slimmer and lighter.
Reliability
Keeping your child safe is a top priority. And while every car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards, some surpass. best car seat newborn uk of the Bump winner Clek’s Liing, for example is two-stage body supports which helps keep babies comfortable and cozy and is compatible with a variety of popular strollers. Consumer Reports also gave it an excellent score in the crash test.
It is crucial to keep in mind, however, that even the safest infant car seat is only as safe in the way it is installed and used. Unsafely installed or mishandled car seats pose a significant danger to children and infants of all age groups. That’s why Vybiralova Stanton recommends reading the manufacturer’s manual and looking for videos of installation online. “You’ll discover that manufacturers are much more invested in ensuring you have the best seat for your vehicle and baby,” she says.
The most reliable infant cars seats come with features that make it simple to set up and use, such as an easy-to-use harness buckle release, magnetic strap holders that won’t get caught on clothing and a no-rethread harness. They also feature durable materials and a range of adjustment mechanisms that operate effortlessly.
A base that can be used in conjunction with or without the LATCH system in the vehicle or shoulder belt is another option to think about. This can be useful for parents who frequently take taxis or who will be using their seats in several vehicles.
It’s also important to take into consideration the amount that the car seat weighs and whether you can carry it comfortably. Some models weigh more than others, and they can be a strain on your shoulders and arms when you’re carrying other children or traveling long distances.
In the end, a cheaper infant car seat can save you both money and time. But, be wary to buy one just because it’s cheaper. A lower price could indicate that the manufacturer has made a mistake on safety features or quality. Before making a decision it’s a good idea to look over reviews and seek recommendations from other parents.
Convenience
The best infant car seats make it easy to keep your baby secure. They are easy to put in and have features that make buckling and unbuckling easier and include other convenient features like comfortable fabrics and a no-rethread harness. They also come with features that make them more protective in a crash such as load legs, which are shock absorbing parts on the base or the car seat, which reduce movement and thus impact forces on your child.
Look for an baby car seat if you have a small car or plan on changing vehicles often. This kind of seat can easily fit in narrower vehicles, and many of them come with a distinctive handle that makes it simple to carry. They’re also generally lighter than convertible car seats, which means they’re easier to lift in and out of the vehicle.
Another great feature of this infant car seat is that it transforms into a stroller with no requirement for an additional attachment. This is a huge advantage for families who are always on the go or reside in areas where public transportation is more frequent. It’s a bit bigger than a traditional car seat for an infant, but not as large as a convertible one.
It’s simple to use and our product testers loved its buckle holders with magnetic buckles and no-rethread harness. This makes it quick to get the baby in and out. It also has a lot of features that make it more convenient, such as a button-operated four-position recline and steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that slide out from the base and turn green once secure.
Choosing the right infant car seat is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make as the new parent. This is why it’s crucial to study and read reviews of different options before making a decision. You must make sure that the car seat you select is specifically designed with your child’s safety in mind, and that it conforms to the standards set by the national safety council.