How to Choose the Best Infant Carrier Car Seat
Parents must consider a variety of factors when selecting the best infant car seat. Some parents concentrate on safety features, such as impact testing results while others are more concerned with convenience and ease of use.
A versatile 3-in-1 design that converts from a car seat into a stroller and baby carrier. Our product testers appreciate the ease of being able to switch between modes.
Safety
Baby carriers are convenient, but they can also be a risk including suffocation, falling and even suffocation. Be sure to use your baby carrier according to the instructions, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on proper position and weight and height guidelines for your child. Visit the CPSC website prior to purchasing to determine if there are any safety recalls. If your baby carrier is removed from the market, don’t buy it. Contact the manufacturer to request an exchange.
You’ll also need to ensure that your infant car seat is comfortable and easy to use. For instance, the most comfortable infant car seat should have waist belts that expand to accommodate various body types and an ergonomic design that aids your child’s hip development. You’ll want to make sure the carrier is forward-facing, outward or forward-facing position, as well as an incline rear carry.
Some infant car seats include features like a plush insert for infants with an auto-retracting LATCH system as well as bubble level indicators for quick installation and adjustments. There are other unique features, such as an extended canopy and stroller compatibility, in many models.
Consider the Graco KeyFit35 if you are looking for a secure infant car seat that is affordable. It has superior crash test results and comes with an infant insert that is soft to help newborns sleep. This model is also GREENGUARD Gold certified for chemical emissions, and JPMA certified to meet the industry’s most stringent safety standards. Its reclining base comes with an anti-rebound bar to minimize movement in rear-end collisions. It also has seven different headrest positions.
Whatever features you pick, keep in mind that infant car seats are designed only for transportation and not to be used as a substitute for a bassinet or crib. Babies do die from falls or drowning when infant car seats are left on soft surfaces or furniture like beds. A study found that over 88,000 babies are treated each year for injuries caused by baby carriers that tip or roll. It is also not recommended to leave a sleeping infant in the car seat for more than 15 minutes, since this can put them at the risk of heat exhaustion and death.
Easy of Use
Parents should also search for car seats that are easy to use. This includes a base which 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 the need to change the harness or rethread it. Parents should also look for a seat with clearly written instructions and a base that has bubble levels built in to let you know when the seat is secure in the car.
Infants should also be comfortable, so search for a seat that has plenty of padding and support for the back and head. Seats that are soft and have straps are the best car seat for newborn. The more comfortable the car seat is the less likely that your child will cry. This means that they’ll be safer during the ride.
Some infant car seat swivel seats have extra features that make them more practical like the ability to rotate the baby to face you when getting them in and out of the seat. Furthermore some infant car seats can be plugged directly into strollers, which is ideal for families that frequently change cars or use public transportation.
It’s important to find an infant car seat that has a simple cleaning process. The spit-up of a baby spills, diaper blowouts and sticky hands can make it difficult to clean the seat.
Infant carriers are rear-facing car seats that are suitable for infants and newborns weighing up to 13kg, or 4 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 through toddlerhood and can be used as a forward-facing seat when they’re nine months old or older (9 to 18kg). This type of car seat is bigger and may not fit in certain vehicles without an adapter. Alternatively, you can get an infant car seat attachment for your current stroller and is more flexible.
Convenience
A car seat for infants is a rear-facing seat that snaps into the base of your vehicle. They keep babies in a safe and comfortable environment from birth until they reach their height and weight limits, typically around 18 kg. Some models can be transformed into a travel system that you can use when you travel. These car seats all-in-one are perfect for families that need to change cars frequently or travel frequently.
When you are choosing an infant car seat, look for one that is simple to set up and adjust. Buckles, installation straps and the handle should be easy to access and operate. The harness and headrest adjusters should be easy to tighten or loosen, particularly for children who grow quickly. Find a simple design that includes a variety of safety features, such as built-in bubble levels that will help you achieve a proper fitting.
Some models allow you to rotate the seat 360 degrees, which is useful if your child falls asleep while in the car or if you’re trying to get them in and out of it. It is recommended to select an infant car seat with a lie-flat position, which gives babies more support and lowers the chances of sudden death.
A convenient handle or canopy can make an enormous difference in your daily routine. The best car seat infant infant car seats come with handles that require only one push, which simultaneously raises and lower. They are easy to use even when you have hands full or your child is asleep in the seat. Some seats also have an umbrella that can be pulled down from the bottom to safeguard your child.
If you’re planning to travel with your baby a often, an infant car seat that has integrated ISOFIX connectors is an excellent option. They make it easier to attach the seat using the car’s seat belt which is a safer option. These are also perfect for taxi rides, flying holidays, and trips in rental cars or grandparents’ vehicles.
Value
You don’t need to spend a fortune on a good infant car seat. The Baby Trend Secure Lift is an excellent example of a budget-friendly alternative that doesn’t sacrifice safety in exchange for cost-savings. This seat is certified by GreenGuard for low chemical emissions, and JPMA certified to meet the highest safety standards. Its Keepsafe(tm) and side-impact protection systems provide newborns with the best protection and its three-position, adjustable base and carry handle with four positions ensure it grows with your baby.
Other cost-saving features are easy installation and removal, and machines-washable fabric covers. Some infant car seats include useful extras like a built in stroller or a rotation feature. These features can help you reduce costs if you are planning to use the car seat for a long period of time or often switch between vehicles.
The seat’s weight and height limits are also important to be considered. If you plan to use the seat for an extended period, choose one that is able to hold your baby up to the 90th percentile in height and weight. This will protect your child from spinal injuries if you’re involved in an accident.
If you are on a budget, you should consider one that is smaller. This makes it easier for the seat to fit into smaller cars and vehicles. There are also budget-friendly models that come with convenient features, such as an expansive canopy and multiple carrying positions.
Choose a seat you can use for several years. The Axkid One iSize is suitable for babies to seven years old, making it a fantastic investment. Mum Rachael says “It is a great investment and I can save money on future convertible car seats as it fits my babies from birth.”
Many parents seek an all-in-one solution in regards to their baby’s gear. This Nuna car seat is a great option for families with an extremely tight budget. Its safety and convenience features, such as a load leg and anti-rebound bar, give peace of mind while its premium fabrics and convenient accessories, like a stroller base lock and cup holder will surely please.