How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant

The cost of infant car seats can run the gamut, depending on the type of material, style and add-ons. But you don't have to spend a lot to find a high-quality car seat infant.

Our product testers rated the top-performing infant car seats in five key categories: safety, ease of use as well as reliability, convenience, and adjustability.

Safety Ratings

The best car seats for newborns infant car seat is rigorously tested for crash safety. They also have clear instructions and features that help install the seat correctly, like bubble levels and padded seating that offer good support for babies. We also liked seats that were easy to adjust and didn't require the infant to be removed from the car. Parents are more likely to keep properly fitted harnesses if the process is easy and fast.

A seat that can be washed is a benefit and we searched for models that allow for the seat to be placed in conjunction with the base, which reduces the risk of a dropped or lost buckle during washing. If you plan to use your car seat often particularly on public transport, you should consider investing in a model with self-retracting belts and a recline feature. This will ease the strain on your spine.

It's important to do thorough research before you make a purchase. Review reviews from other parents as well as reviews from child safety advocacy groups. It's recommended to visit the manufacturer's website and review any recall notices prior to you purchase a car seat.

Infant car seats are small, lightweight car seats specifically designed for newborns or babies until their one year old. They are usually used with a rear-facing design. The majority of infants outgrow their car seats by 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 the child is at the maximum height and weight limits set by the manufacturer. After that, they need to be switched to a car seat that faces forward. A convertible or all-in one car seat can be used in both ways, but it's more secure for your baby to stay in an rear-facing car seat until they're big enough for an front-facing car seat.

Simple to use

It is important to choose a car seat that's easy for parents to use while safety is the most important factor. That's why we examine 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, you may end up using it improperly. This could affect your baby's safety.

You should consider scheduling a consultation with a certified child safety technician (CPST) prior to you bring your child home if you're worried about correctly installing your infant car seats. They'll be able to show you a crash test video and teach you how to use your new seat. Be sure to read the newborn car seat seat's instruction manual. This will help you avoid common mistakes when installing the seat.

Infant car seats aren't convertible and should only be used until your child is outgrowing it or attains the maximum weight or height limit specified by the manufacturer. It's a great idea to pick the right seat that can be used for as long as possible before switching your little one to a bigger car seat.

Some infant car seats can be converted into strollers, meaning you can get more for your money. However, it is important to keep in mind that any seat that can be transformed into a stroller is likely to be heavier than the ones that only function as a car seat for infants.

A wide car seat for infants can make it easier to fit into your vehicle, and it may also be compatible with other rear-facing seats. Also, you should be aware of the weight of the seat as a lighter seat is more easy to lift into and out of the car. This is especially true if you intend to use your infant seat frequently and transport it between vehicles. In our best infant car seats review, we recommend models that are slimmer and lighter.

Reliability

Your child's safety is the most important concern. And while every car seat available must comply with federal safety standards, a few go above and beyond. Best of the Bump winner Clek's Liing, for example is a two-stage body support system that keeps babies cozy and comfortable and is compatible with many popular strollers. It also earned a dazzling crash test score from Consumer Reports.

It is important to keep in mind, however, that even the most secure infant car seat is only as reliable in the way it is installed and used. A poorly-installed or incorrectly-used car seat can be a major risk for infants and children of all different ages. Vybiralova Stanton suggests that you read the manual of the manufacturer and look for online installation videos. "You'll discover that manufacturers are more concerned about ensuring that you have the best car seat for your baby," she says.

The most reliable infant cars seats have features that make it easy to set up and use, including the buckle release for harnesses that can be operated with one hand and magnetic strap holders that don't catch on clothing, and a non-rethread harness. The seats are made of strong materials and feature a variety of adjustable mechanisms that work seamlessly.

Another aspect to look out for is whether an infant car seat has a base that is able to be used with or without the use of a vehicle's LATCH or shoulder belt systems. This is helpful for parents who often 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 with ease. Some models are heavier than others, and they could put strain on your arms and shoulders if you are carrying other children or traveling long distances.

In the end, a cheaper infant car seat can save you both time and money. Don't buy a low-cost car seat simply because it's inexpensive. A low price could mean that the manufacturer has cut corners on safety features or material quality. It's always a good idea to look through reviews and seek suggestions from other parents prior to making your purchase.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats make it simple to ensure that your baby is safe. They are easy to put in and feature features that allow for buckling and unbuckling with ease and come with other features like comfortable fabrics and a no rethread harness. They also feature design elements that help to ensure their safety in the event of a collision such as load legs which are shock-absorbing components on the base of the car seat, which reduce movements and therefore impact forces on your child.

If you have a smaller car, or if you plan to change between vehicles often, look for an infant car seat that is slim and compact. This kind of seat is able to fit into narrower automobiles, and a lot of them come with a unique handle that makes it simple to tote. These seats are typically lighter than convertible car seat newborn seat and are therefore easier to lift into and out of vehicles.

The car seat for infants can be converted into a stroller for a baby without the need for an attachment. This is ideal for families that are always on the move or those living in cities that have public transport. It's slightly larger than a standard car seat for infants, but not as large as a convertible.

It's simple to use and our testers were impressed by its magnetic buckle holders and harness that does not need rethreads, which makes it incredibly easy to get the baby in and out. It comes with many features that make it easy to use, for example an adjustable recline via a button that can be operated in four positions, and steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that are able to pop out of the base once secured.

Selecting the best infant car seat is one of the most important decisions you'll make as the new parent. This is why it's important to study and read reviews of different options before making a choice. You should ensure that the car seat you select is designed with your child's security in mind, and that it meets all national safety standards.