How to Choose the Best Infant Car Seat

Think about what you would like from your car seat. "If you're looking for an automobile seat that can adapt to your child's needs, consider an all-in-one model like the Graco 4Ever DLX," Saxton says. The seat can be converted to a high-back booster or an unbackless booster. It comes with a huge rear facing infant car seat-facing weight limit.

It also scores high for comfort and quality with soft cushioning that is machine washable. Other features that are helpful include load legs, which are shock-absorbing elements on the base or in the car seat that limit the movement of the car seat in a crash.

Safety

Car seats for infants are made to fit small babies the Best car Seat, which is why they usually have more padding and cushioning than convertible carseats. They also tend to be lighter and easier to take out of the car, or put on a stroller frame rather than convertible car seats, which is crucial since you'll likely have to transport your child in the car seat frequently out of your vehicle. Dedicated infant car seats also have the advantage of often being designed to last for your child's first year, so you don't have to worry about them outgrowing their height or weight limits in the same way that a convertible car seat may.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's standards for car seats are rigorous, but it is still a good idea to do your own research prior to purchasing. Consider reading reviews by other parents and looking at car seat safety guides from organizations like Consumer Reports or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both have crash test data that can be shared with families.

Find features that can help your family. This could include the ability to release the strap, a no-rethread harness, or a leveling foot with spring-loaded mechanisms. These features can make it easier to buckle up your child, but keep in mind that even the most safe seats are useless when they aren't used properly.

Other factors to be aware of are the weight and width of the car seat. Many infant seats can be installed in your car alongside older car seats. Some can expand with your child, and can be converted to an adult booster simultaneously. If you plan to use the car seat to travel or take taxis and taxis, then an portable infant car seat car seat that can be fitted using only your vehicle's seatbelt is a good option.

In general, it is recommended to purchase the safest seat that you can afford. The most affordable models don't always meet the most stringent standards of crash safety. Avoid models that do not include side impact tests, and allow manufacturers to self-certify.

Convenience

The best car seats for infants are those that fit inside your vehicle with your family They are also easy to install, and come with useful extras like a built-in jogging stroller or rotation capability. It must also be affordable. The price of infant seats is between $180 and $500. They may cost more when they're convertible and will be used as a toddler and infant seat.

The convenience features include the ability to be positioned using the LATCH system, or a seatbelt. Additionally it is possible to adjust the headrest and harness without removing the infant from the seat. You need to be able to install and remove the seat easily, especially if you switch it between cars frequently or take Uber rides with your child. The seat should also be light and have clearly labeled installation guides and bubble levels to ensure you can swiftly install the car seat properly installed.

You should be able to adjust the harness and buckles and move the seat when not in use. Before you buy an infant car seat, you need to check its weight and height limitations. Also, consider if your child will outgrow the seat by the time they turn one. As a rule, choose a car seat for your child that will grow with them until they reach the 90% percentile.

While the safety standards of the federal government are the minimum, some manufacturers go above and beyond to include additional crash-testing and convenience features in their car seats. The Clek Liing, a top pick by our gear editors as well as Consumer Reports, is an excellent example of a highly rated infant seat that offers more than just crash protection. It also comes with a load leg, which helps stabilize the seat in a crash, and reduces forces on the child's body by 40 percent. This alone could save the life of a child, which is why it's worth the extra cost for car seats that are safe and has added convenience features.

Comfort

One of the most important aspects to consider when selecting a baby car seat is the comfort, as infants spend a lot of time in their car seats. The most comfortable ones feature large, breathable fabrics as well as plenty of padding on the headrest and harness. They come with easy-to-use adjustments such as strap covers, buckles and headrest adjustments that don't need to be rethread.

The size and weight of a car seat for infants can affect comfort, especially when you are planning to change cars or use the seat frequently. Certain models are smaller which makes it easier to fit them in the back seat with other car seats newborn seats or siblings' seats. Although all have minimum and maximum heights and weight limits, certain models are lighter than others, which could help keep your biceps from becoming sore when you carry it around town or between vehicles.

Certain infant car seats come with extra features to allow them to be more flexible. For instance they can be rotated or be clicked into a stroller with no need for adapters. Some models come with high-end features, such as an adjustable strap that doesn't rethread or anti-rebound bar to provide extra security in the event of the possibility of a crash. Although these features aren't essential to an enjoyable ride, they can add to the overall experience of using the seat.

Parents want their children to be in a comfortable, clean car seat. They also value safety and convenience. Pick a car seat that is machine washable, stain-resistant and easy to take off for cleaning. Some seats can be cleaned in the dishwasher making it easier to keep them looking new.

Some models go beyond to ensure their customers' experience is safe and smooth, such as the Graco SnugRide(tm) Elite, which comes with an anti-rebound bars and meets the Graco ProtectPlus Engineered(tm) standards to withstand front and rear collisions. The seat features a Silent Shade canopy to keep baby quiet and comfortable and has an indicator that lets you know when the seat is properly secured. The seat's carry handle is adjustable, harness tightener, and indicator will let you know when it is properly attached to the base.

Design

The manufacturers of infant car seats design their products with safety and ease of use as their primary goals. However, the wide range of features can make it difficult to choose which one is right for your family. You'll want to consider factors like weight and height limits and the number of belt buckles and belt paths. Other features like load legs that are not bound, anti-rebound bar and no-rethread straps could raise the cost of the seat but improve the comfort of your baby. Consider features that help you get your child into and out of the seat, like rotational mechanisms. You should also pay attention to the dimensions and the weight of the seat as not every seat will fit in all cars.

The ease of attaching and detaching the base is one feature that's important. This is influenced by the quality of the LATCH connectors and whether they're strong or flexible. You should also consider whether the straps are easy to tighten and loosen, and whether there is a single-hand release mechanism for installing and uninstalling the seat.

Some models allow you to use the seat without a base which is useful for those who frequently use taxis or plan to switch cars often. Find models equipped with a built-in lock, as well as bubble level indicators to help make sure that the seat is placed correctly.

Other features that may be worth paying extra for include a headrest that expands with the baby, a five-position recline and an extended canopy that locks in the position. Our product testers also said that having a seat which can be used for a highback booster with belt positioning or a backless booster once the baby is no longer using it is an additional bonus.

Doona is a car seat for infants that will spoil parents. It's loaded with features that address nearly every complaint parents have about infant car seat swivel car seats, which is why our testers scored it highly in all categories. It's affixed for air travel and has an anti-rebound handle, and can be converted directly into a stroller. Its crash test results are impressive and it's GREENGUARD Gold certified.