How to Choose the Best Infant Carrier Car Seat
When selecting the ideal infant carrier car seat parents must consider a variety of aspects. Some concentrate on safety features such as the results of impact tests, whereas others prioritize user-friendliness and convenience.
A versatile 3-in-1 design that transforms from a car seat into stroller and baby carrier. Our product testers love the ease of being able to switch modes.
Safety
Baby carriers are practical, but they also carry risks such as suffocation and falling. Make sure you adhere to the instructions, and adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations on weight and height for your child. Visit the CPSC website before purchasing to see if there are any recalls for safety. If your baby carrier is removed from the market, don’t buy it. Contact the manufacturer to get an alternative.
You’ll also want to make sure that the car seat for your infant is comfortable and user-friendly. For instance, the ideal infant car seat should have waist belts that are able to expand to accommodate different body types, and an ergonomic design that aids your child’s hip development. It is also important for the carrier to be front-facing with an inward and outward pointing as well as a back carry.
Some infant car seats have features like a plush insert for the infant car seat travel and an auto-retracting latch system and bubble indicators for the level to make adjustments and installation easy. You can find other special features, such as an extended canopy or stroller compatibility in a variety of models.
If you’re looking for a low-cost infant car seat with robust safety features, consider the Graco KeyFit 35. It has superior crash test results and comes with a plush infant insert to help newborns sleep. It is also GREENGUARD Gold certified for chemical emissions, and JPMA certified to meet the industry’s highest safety standards. Its reclining seat base has an anti-rebounding bar, which helps reduce movement in rear-end collisions. It also has seven different headrest positions.
Whatever features you select, keep in mind that infant car seat rear facing car seats should only be used to transport children. They are not intended to replace a crib or bassinet. Infant car seats left unattended in furniture or on soft surfaces such as beds can cause infants to fall and to suffocate. In fact, a study has found that more than 8,000 infants a year are treated for injuries suffered when baby carriers tip over or roll over. Don’t leave a sleeping baby in a car longer than 15 minutes as it can lead to overheating or death.
Easy of Use
In addition to safety features, parents should search for a car seat that is easy to use. This includes a base that is easy to fit into your vehicle, a handle that is easy to remove from the base, and straps that can be easily adjusted without having to change the harness or rethread it. Parents should also look for seats with clearly labeled installation guides and a base with built-in bubble levels to indicate whether it’s secured in the vehicle.
The comfort factor is also crucial for babies, so it’s helpful to find a seat that is well-padded and offers plenty of support for their back and head. This includes seats with soft fabrics and straps that aren’t rough or stiff against the skin. The more comfortable the car seat is, the less likely your child will cry. This means that they’ll be more secure on the journey.
Some infant seats have additional features that make them more practical. For instance, they have a rotating feature that allows you to turn your top rated baby car seats toward you when putting them in or out of the seat. Furthermore certain infant car seats click directly into strollers, which is great for families that frequently switch cars or use public transport.
Also, you should look for a seat that is easy to clean. Babies spit up, have diaper blowouts, and spread their sticky hands on everything, so it’s best to find a car seat that can be easily cleaned down or tossed into the washer with no fuss.
An infant carrier is usually rear-facing car seats that are suitable for infants and newborns up to 13kg or approximately four months old. Based on your needs you may want to consider an all-in-one or convertible car seat that is designed to grow with your child into toddlerhood and can also be used as a forward-facing vehicle when they’re nine months or older (9 to 18kg). However, this type of car seat requires more space in the car and isn’t able to fit into certain vehicles without a special adapter. Alternately, you can purchase an infant car seat attachment to your existing stroller that is a more flexible option.
Convenience
An infant carrier car seat is a rear-facing vehicle seat that clicks into a base installed in your vehicle. These seats are designed to keep babies secure and comfortable until they reach their limits of weight and height. This is usually around 18kg. Some models can also be used as a travel system, making them into a stroller to use on the go. These car seats that are all-in-one are perfect for families who require changing cars or travel frequently.
When selecting an infant car seat, look for one that is simple to set up and adjust. The buckles, straps for installation and handle must be easy to access and simple to use. The adjusters for the harness and headrest must be easy to adjust or loosen, particularly for children growing rapidly. Choose a design that has plenty of safety features, such as built-in bubble levels to aid in achieving a good fit.
Certain models let you rotate the seat in 360 degrees. This can be beneficial if your child falls asleep in the car, or when you’re putting them in and out of the seat. The ideal choice is an infant car seat that has an upright position that offers better support for babies and lowers the chance of sudden death.
A well-designed handle or canopy can make an enormous difference to your daily routine. Some of the best infant car seats feature handles that require only one, simultaneous push to raise and lower. This makes them very easy to use even when your hands are stuffed or your baby is asleep in the seat. Some seats come with a canopy that can be pulled down easily from the bottom.
If you plan to travel with your baby often, an infant car seat that comes with ISOFIX connectors is a great option. They make it easier to install the seat by using the seat belt of your vehicle, which is a safer alternative. They are also ideal for taxi rides, flying holidays, and trips in grandparent’s or rental car’ vehicles.
Value
A high-quality infant car seat isn’t cheap, but you don’t need to spend a fortune either. Affordable options like the Baby Trend Secure-Lift prove that you don’t need to sacrifice safety features in order to save money. This seat is GREENGUARD-certified for low emissions of chemicals, and JPMA certified to meet the highest standards of safety. The Keepsafe(tm), side-impact protection and adjustable base ensure that the seat can grow with your child.
Other features that save money include simple removal and installation, and machine-washable fabric covers. Some infant car seats come with handy extras, like a built in stroller or a rotation feature. These features can help cut costs if you intend to use the seat for a long time or frequently switch between vehicles.
The weight and height limits are important to consider. If you are planning to use the seat for an extended time, select a seat that is able to hold your baby up to the 90th percentile of height and weight. This will help safeguard your child from spinal injuries if you are involved in an accident.
If you’re shopping on a budget, opt for a model with a narrower size, which will make it easier to install the seat in small cars and vehicles. There are also budget-friendly models, with useful features like the large canopy or multiple positions for carrying.
You’ll also need to select the right seat that will last through several years of use. The Axkid One can be used from infants until seven years old, which makes it a good investment. Mom Rachael says “It is a good investment, and I’m saving money on future convertible car seats because it fits my children from birth.”
Many parents look for a solution that is all-in-one with regards to their baby’s gear. A car seat that doubles as a stroller is perfect and this model from Nuna is a great option for families on a budget. Its safety features as well as conveniences, including a load-leg and an anti-rebound bar give peace of mind, while its premium fabrics, along with convenient accessories such as a stroller lock and a cup holder are sure to please.