How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Car seats are an essential item for parents. But what makes one superior to another?
A dedicated infant seat is the ideal choice for infants who aren't big enough. It is also lighter, which makes it easy to transport outside of the vehicle. Consider features that are convenient, such as premium lower-anchor connectors and harness pads that are not rethreading, and single button handles. Also, look for safety features like load legs or head/body cushions.
Safety
As every parent will tell you, choosing the best car seat for your child is one of the most crucial decisions you could make. The best seat will ensure that they're placed correctly in the car and ensure they're secured in the event of an accident.
Not all car seats are equal. While every car seat sold in the US must adhere to strict safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, not all seats have the same features. Some have special features designed to protect infants, such as load legs that reduce movement during crashes by absorbing the force of impact on the car seat and base and others have built-in bubble levels that make for easy installation and adjustable headrests that increase with your baby.
Choi says that car seats for infants are designed to fit babies the best. They usually include crash-tested inserts which can help achieve this. They are also lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily converted to a stroller. This makes them ideal for ride-shares, daycare drop-offs and pickups. You can buy a used one at only a fraction of the cost, since they only last for your baby's first 12 months.
A high NHTSA score and impressive crash test results are crucial however, the way you use the car seat of your child is more important. A study conducted by Portland's top children's hospital showed that 95% of parents have made at least one mistake when installing or adjusting their car seat.
It's a good idea to take a few minutes to learn the correct car seat usage guidelines before your baby arrives. We recommend looking for car seats that have clear and concise instructions, is light enough to easily carry with your child in it and that has easy-to-use adjustments.
You should also check to determine if the infant car seat you're thinking of purchasing meets the dimensions required for your vehicle. If you're concerned about your ability to install and operate the car seat properly yourself, you may consider taking it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before the baby is born for a hands on tutorial.
Convenience
Some infant car seats have extra features that make them easier to use. For example, they may have a base that the seat clicks into and out of, or they could have easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features can make it more convenient to attach and remove the car seat, especially if you have another child to take care of.
It is also crucial to take into consideration the limits on height and weight for an infant car seat. If best infant carrier car seat have a baby who is growing quickly, it may be worth the extra cost to purchase a car seat with higher limits so that you can keep it in use for as long as possible.
In addition to safety features, your infant's car seat must also be comfortable. Find cushioned straps that don't rub or pinch their shoulders and plush fabric that feels cozy underneath them for long durations. Choose a seat that has the ability to lie flat. This allows your baby to sit in an upright position, which helps keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.
There are many accessories available for infant car seats, however Dr. Segura advises against purchasing anything that is not included in the seat, as it is not crash tested and could be dangerous. It is also recommended to avoid buying used infant car seats, because they could have been involved in a crash and can be damaged or worn out.
The best infant car seats cost between $100 and $600. However they all have certain features. They're all light, easy to put in and take off and comfortable for infants. Some have extra features that make them more adaptable. For example they can swivel, or clip into strollers without the need for adapters. Check out our review of the top infant car seats for more information about the various choices available.
Comfort
The top infant car seats come with comfort features that make it easy to get your baby in and out of the seat. The top infant car seats come with a single-handed clasp system that lets you grip both sides at the same time. They also come with padding that is cushioned to make it easier to lift the seat. You'll also want to think about the weight of the seat. Since you'll use it with no base, a seat that is lighter is preferred. This Baby Trend Secure Lift, for instance, weighs less that 13 pounds.
The height and weight limit of infant car seats is also crucial. If you plan on keeping the car seat for a period of time, look for an infant car seat that will adapt to your baby's needs and fit them into the toddler years. This way, you'll be able to use it for longer and save money on a new car seat.
You should also consider the dimensions of the seat and whether it is narrower or wider than other models. The first is a good option for vehicles with smaller dimensions. The second may be useful if you have three children in the rear seat or two children in back-to-back car seats. If you plan to use a car seat along with a pram, choose one that is compatible with the most popular strollers and comes with detachable seats. Car seat brands like Graco and Nuna offer options that meet this need.
To make it easier to use, take a look at the rating that a car seat gets for installation. Clear guidelines and indicators, like bubble levels or color coding to indicate if the seat is secure and level can help relieve the stress of new parents. Some seats come with unique features, like load legs. These are parts that absorb shock that extend from the base or beneath the seat to the vehicle's floor and absorb the force of impact during a crash.
There are additional accessories that claim to increase the convenience and comfort of your car seat. However, remember that anything not sold with the seat hasn't undergone safety tests. "Anything you purchase that isn't directly from the manufacturer, such as the harness or blanket, you should not put in the car seat," Segura says.
Style
For new parents, figuring out how to pick the best infant car seat is a bit of an issue. It's crucial to know your budget and what features you'd like. There are many options for special features, stroller compatibility and even fabrics. But it all boils down to comfort.
It's important to note that convertible car seats aren't suitable for babies and are only suitable until the age of one year. Some may even come with extension kits that have been tested for safety that will allow them to last longer. They typically have a greater number of recline options to ensure the proper positioning of small children. They are also lighter and more convenient to carry. They are more likely to work when used in conjunction with the travel system. This is a great option for parents who are new and want to save money and time by purchasing seats that can serve two purposes.
Another thing to keep in mind is that car seat width and weight are important factors for most families. For example, some infant car seats are designed to be narrower than others to allow a better fit in the back of your vehicle or to be used in conjunction with siblings in their seats. Some are enough weighty to test your biceps by lifting and move from stroller to car.
Many parents opt for an infant car seat that can be changed from a base to a carrier and then convert into a stroller, without any additional attachments. This will help you save a lot of time, particularly during busy times when you need to complete around for errands.
Other features that are useful include the magnetic buckle holder, a no-rethread strap, and a simple installation process. Also, look for an arm and head support insert, which will help prevent infants from slumping in the seat or carrier in the event of a nap.
The majority of car seats utilize flexible straps to secure the lower anchor connectors, but there are some that have latches that are rigid and flip out of the base and turn green once installed. This type of installation is more secure and restricts the amount of movement a car seat can move in an accident.