How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

Car seats are a must-have for parents. What makes one seat superior to another?

A specially designed infant seat is ideal for the most tiny babies, and is lighter to facilitate transport outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience extras such as premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one-button handles. Also, look into safety features such as load legs and head/body cushions.

Safety

As any parent knows, choosing the right car seat is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make for your child. The correct seat will make sure that your child is positioned correctly and adequately protected in case of a crash.

Not all car seats are created equal. While every seat sold in the US is required to conform to strict safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, not all seats have the same features. Certain models come with special features to protect infants, for instance, load legs that limit the impact of crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the car seat and base as well as built-in bubble levels to make it easy for installation and adjustable headrests that expand with your child.

Choi says that dedicated infant car seats are designed to provide the perfect fit for babies. They usually include crash-tested inserts which can help achieve this. They are also lighter than convertible car seats and can easily be transformed into a stroller. This makes them perfect for daycare drop-offs, ride-shares, and pick-ups. You can buy a used one at a fraction of the price, since they only last for the first 12 months.

Another point to be aware of is that, while a high NHTSA rating and excellent crash test results are essential, the way you use your car seat is even more crucial for your child's safety. In fact, a study done by Portland's most prestigious children's hospital discovered that 95 percent of parents made at the very least one crucial error when installing or putting in their car seat.

That's why it's a good idea to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the proper car seat usage guidelines before your little one arrives. We suggest you look for car seats that have clear and concise instructions, is lightweight enough to easily carry with your child in it and that has easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms.

Make sure that the infant car seat you are considering fits the car's dimensions. If you're concerned about your ability to set up and operate the car seat properly by yourself, you may consider taking it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your baby is born for a hands-on tutorial.

Convenience

Some infant car seats come with extra features that make them easier to use. For example, they may include a base the seat clicks into and out of, or they could come with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features can make it easier to attach and remove the car seat, particularly when you have a child to take care of.

It is also crucial to take into consideration the weight and height limits for an infant car seat. If your child is growing rapidly it could be worthwhile to invest in a car seat with greater limits to ensure that you can use it as long as you'd like.

Apart from the safety features, a baby car seat should be comfortable for your baby seat. Choose padded straps that won't pinch or rub their shoulders, and for soft fabric that feels comfy beneath them. It's also an excellent idea to select a seat with the option of lying flat which allows your infant to be in a reclined position that helps keep their airways open and their oxygen levels high.

There are many accessories available for infant car seats but Dr. Segura advises against purchasing anything that is not included in the seat because it hasn't been tested for crash and could be unsafe. Also, avoid buying used infant car seats best car seats, since they may have been involved in an accident and may be damaged or worn out.

The best infant car seats range anywhere from $100 to $600, there are a few characteristics that all the top picks have in common. They are all lightweight and easy to install and remove, and are comfortable for the baby. Some even have special features that make them more versatile such as the ability to rotate and clip into strollers without the need for adapters. For more details on the different options available, check out our review of the top infant car seats.

Comfort

The best infant seat infant car seats have comfort features that make it easier to get your baby in and out of the seat. The top infant car seats come with a one-handed clasp system which eliminates the need to grasp both sides simultaneously. They also come with cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. In addition, you'll need to think about how much the seat weighs--you'll be using it without a base in the end and a lighter weight is more suitable. This Baby Trend Secure-Lift, for example, weighs less than 13 pounds.

Other important factors include the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If you intend to keep the car seat, select one that can expand with your child and fit them into the toddlerhood. You'll be in a position to use it for longer and save money on a second car seat.

You should also consider the dimensions of the seat and whether it's narrower or larger than other models. The first one is useful for smaller vehicles. The second may be useful if you have three kids in the rear seat or two children in back-to-back car seats. If you are planning to use your car seat with a stroller, look for one that has detachable car seats that are compatible with the majority of strollers. Car seat brands such as Graco and Nuna offer options that can meet this requirement.

Review the rating of a car seat to determine its the ease of use. Clear guidelines and indicators, such as bubble levels or color coding which indicate whether the seat is securely fastened and level can ease stress for parents who are new. Some seats also have innovative features like load legs, which are shock-absorbing components that are located under the seat or base that extend to the floor of the vehicle and absorb some of the force of a crash.

There are also some accessories that claim to enhance the comfort and ease of use, but remember that any product not included in conjunction with the car seat hasn't been evaluated or approved for safety. "Anything you purchase that's not directly from the manufacturer, such as a blanket or harness is not recommended to put in the car seat," Segura says.

Style

For parents who are new trying to figure out how to pick the most suitable infant car seat can be a bit of an issue. It's important that you understand your budget and what features you'd like to have. There are many options in terms of special features, stroller compatibility, and fabrics but a lot comes down to what's suitable for your baby.

It's important to note that convertible car seats aren't as suitable for small babies and can only be used up to the age of one year. Some even include crash-tested extensions kits which can help them last longer. They also offer more recline options to ensure proper positioning for smaller children, and are generally lighter, making it easier to carry. They are more likely to be compatible when used in conjunction with a travel system. This is beneficial for parents who are new and want to save money and time by purchasing a seat that will serve two purposes.

Another aspect to be aware of is that car seat width and weight are important factors for most families. Some infant car seats, for example, are narrower to fit better in the back of your vehicle or next to other seats. Some are so heavy that they will test your biceps when you lift them and transfer them from the car to the stroller.

In terms of convenience, many parents prefer infant car seats with the ability to go from the base to the carrier and then snap into a stroller, without the need for additional attachments. This will save you a lot of time, particularly on busy days when you're running errands with your kids.

Other features that are useful include a harness that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and a streamlined installation process. Find a head-and-body-support insert to prevent infants from settling into the carrier or seat as they fall asleep.

Certain car seats come with rigid latches which flip out from the base when installed correctly. This type of installation is more secure and can limit the amount of time a car seat moves during the event of a crash.