How to Find the
Best Car Seat InfantInfant car seats are available in a variety of prices, depending on the materials, styles and accessories. There is no need to spend a lot on a good infant car seat.
Our product testers gave the best infant car seats in five key categories including safety, user-friendliness reliability, comfort, and adjustability.
Safety Ratings
The most effective infant
car seat newborn seat is rigorously tested for crash safety. They also come with clear instructions and features that make it easy to install the seat correctly, such as bubble levels and padded seating that provide adequate support for babies. We also liked seats that were easy to adjust and didn't require the baby to be removed from the car. If the procedure is quick and simple, parents will be more likely to keep their the correct fitting harnesses.
We looked for seats that could be machine washed, and models that can be used in conjunction with the base to decrease the risk of a buckle being dropped or loosened during washing. If you'll be using your car seat often, and particularly on public transportation it could be worth the extra expense for a model that has self-retracting straps and a reclining mechanism to ease the strain on your back.

Selecting a car seat for your infant is among the most important purchases you'll make as a parent, so we suggest taking the time to research thoroughly prior to buying. Read reviews from parents and child safety advocacy groups. Before purchasing car seats, it's a good idea also to visit the website of the manufacturer and read any recalls.
A car seat for infants is a small, portable car seat that is designed for infants and babies who are up to their first birthday. They are usually used with a rear-facing. Most infants outgrow their car seats by the time they reach the age of one or in the case of convertible or all-in-one car seats, are shifted to a toddler car seat. Infant-only car seats should be used with the rear facing side until your child reaches the maximum weight and height limits that are set by the manufacturer. Then they should be switched to a forward-facing car seat. A convertible or all-in-one seat can be used in both ways, but it's better for your baby to be in a rear-facing car seat until they are big enough for an front-facing car seat.
Easy of Use
While the safety of a car seat is paramount, it's also important to find one that's easy for parents to use. That's why we look at things like buckles, harness adjusters and handles during our tests and also how easy it is to install the car seat in the vehicle. If a car seat is difficult to use, it could end up being used incorrectly and could affect the safety of your child.
If you're worried about installing your infant car seat correctly, consider meeting with a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) before bringing your baby home. They will show you how to use the seat, and also show you the video of a crash test. Make sure to read your car seat's instruction manual. This will make it easier to avoid common mistakes when installing the seat.
Contrary to convertible car seats, that are suitable for older children and toddlers, infant car seats only last until your child is outgrowing them or reaches the highest weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. It's a great idea to pick one that can be used as long as possible before changing your child to a bigger car seat.
Some infant car seats can be converted into strollers that will provide more value for your money. But it's important to note that any car seat that can be transformed into a stroller will be heavier than seats that only work as an infant car seat.
A wide infant car seat can help you fit it into your car and may be compatible with other seats in the back. Also, you should take into consideration the weight of the seat as a light seat is more easy to move into and out of a car. This is an especially important factor to think about if you're planning on using the infant seat often and will be transporting it between vehicles. In our
best car seats for newborns uk infant car seats review, we recommend models that are smaller and lighter.
Reliability
Your child's safety is the top priority. While all car seats must comply with federal safety standards there are certain models that go above and beyond. Best of the Bump winner Clek's Liing, for example, has two-stage body supports which helps keep babies comfortable and cozy and is compatible with a variety of popular strollers. It also scored a top crash test score from Consumer Reports.
It is important to remember, however, that even the most secure infant car seat is only as safe as the way it's put in place and used. A poorly-installed or improperly-used car seat is a significant risk for infants and children of all different ages. That's why Vybiralova Stanton suggests studying the manual of the manufacturer and searching for videos of installation online. "You'll discover that manufacturers are more concerned with making sure you have the correct seat for your vehicle and baby," she says.
The best infant car seats are simple to install and use. They have features like a one-handed buckle release, magnetic strap holders which don't catch clothing, and a non harness that can be rethread. The seats are made of sturdy materials and have several adjustment mechanisms which work smoothly.
Another feature to look for is whether an infant car seat has a base that is able to be used without a vehicle's LATCH or shoulder belt systems. This can be useful for parents who frequently take taxis or who will be using their seat in many vehicles.
It's also important to consider how much the car seat weighs, and whether you can carry it easily. Certain models weigh more than others, and they could put strain on your shoulders and arms especially if you're carrying children around or traveling long distances.
In the end, a cheaper infant car seat will save you time and money. Don't purchase a cheap car seat simply because it's cheap. A lower price could suggest that the manufacturer shirked on quality of materials or safety features. It's always recommended to read reviews and ask for recommendations from other parents prior to making your purchase.
Convenience
The best car seats for infants make it simple to ensure your baby's safety. They are easy to install, feature features that make buckling and unbuckling simpler and come with other amenities such as comfortable fabrics and a no-rethread harness. The car seats also come with design features that make them safer in a crash. For instance, they feature load legs, which absorb shock. parts on the base of the seat. This helps reduce movement and therefore impact forces on your child.
Find an baby car seat if you have a smaller car or plan to switch vehicles frequently. This kind of seat will fit easily in smaller cars and most come with a handle, making them easy to carry. These seats are often lighter than convertible
newborn car seat seat which makes them easy to lift into and out of a vehicle.
This infant car seat also converts into a baby stroller without the need for an additional attachment. This is great for families who are always on the move or those living in cities with public transportation. It's slightly larger than a typical car seat for an infant however, it's not as big as a convertible car seat.
This top-rated infant car seat is easy to use, and our product testers liked it for its harness that is not rethread and buckle holders with magnetic buckles that make it super fast to get baby in and out. It is equipped with features that make it easy to use, for example the recline that is operated by a button with four positions, and steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that can be removed from the base when secured.
Choosing the right infant car seat is among the most important decisions you'll make as a new parent. This is why it's important to study and read reviews of different options before making an informed decision. You want to make sure that the car seat you choose is made with your child's security in mind and that it conforms to all safety standards in the country.