How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

Parents should have car seats. But what makes one better than another?

A dedicated infant seat is the ideal option for small babies. It is also lighter, making it easy to transport outside of the vehicle. Consider features that are convenient, like premium lower-anchor connectors with non-rethreading harness pads and single button handles. Also, look for security features like load legs and body/head cushions.

Safety

As every parent knows choosing the correct car seat is among the most crucial decisions you'll make for your child. The best car seat infant seat will ensure they're positioned correctly in the car, and ensure they're protected in the event of an accident.

While every car seat sold in the US must conform to strict standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) However, not all seats are created equal. Certain models come with special features to protect infants, like load legs that limit the impact of crashes by absorbing the force of impact on the car seat and base as well as built-in bubble levels for easy installation and adjustable headrests that increase with your baby.

Dedicated infant car seats are also designed to fit small babies best and often include extra crash-tested inserts to aid in this, according to Choi. They're also lighter than convertible car seat inserts for newborns seats and can be easily converted into a stroller. This makes them perfect for ride-shares, daycare drop-offs, and pick-ups. You can purchase an used one for only a fraction of the cost as they're only used for your baby's first 12 months.

Another factor to be aware of is that while having a high NHTSA rating and excellent crash test results are crucial, the way you use your car seat is even more critical to your child's safety. A study by Portland's leading children's hospital found that 95% of parents made a mistake at least once when installing or changing their car seat.

It is important to familiarize yourself before your baby is born with appropriate guidelines for car seats. We suggest you look for a car seat that has clear and concise instructions, is light enough to be able to carry your child in it and has simple adjustment mechanisms.

Make sure that the infant car seat that you're thinking about purchasing meets the requirements of the vehicle's size. And if you're worried about your ability to install and operate the car seat properly take it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) for an in-person tutorial prior to when the baby is born.

Convenience

Some infant car seats come with additional features that make them more user-friendly. Certain infant car seats have features that make them simpler to use. For instance, they might include a base that the seat can be clicked into and out, or they could feature an easy-to-use adjustment mechanism. These features make it simpler to set up and remove the car seat, especially if there is another child in your care.

It is also crucial to consider the weight and height limits of an infant car seat. If your child is growing rapidly, it might be worth investing in an infant car seat with higher limits to ensure that you are able to utilize it for as long as you like.

In addition to safety features, your child's car seat must also be comfortable. Look for padded straps which will not rub or pinch their shoulders, and for soft fabrics that feel at ease beneath them. Choose a seat that has the ability to lie flat. This allows your child to ride in an upright position, which helps to keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.

Dr. Segura advises that you should not purchase any accessories for infant car seats that aren't included in the seat because they haven't been crash-tested and may be unsafe. You should also avoid buying used car seats for infants, as they may have been involved in a crash and can be damaged or worn out.

While the best infant car seats range between $100 and $600 There are a few things that all the top picks have in common. All are lightweight easy to put in and remove, and are comfortable for the infant. Some have features that make them more flexible such as the ability to swivel and clip into strollers, without the need for adapters. For more information about the different options available, check out our review of the top infant car seats.

Comfort

The top infant car seats have comfort features that make it easy to get the baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch that eliminates the need to grip both straps at the same time, and cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. Also, you should think about the weight of the seat. Since you'll be using it without a base, a lighter one is preferable. This Baby Trend Secure Lift is a good example. It weighs less than 13 pounds.

The height and weight limit of infant car seats are crucial. If you plan on keeping the car seat for a long time choose a model that can adapt to your baby's needs and fit them into toddlerhood. You'll be capable of using it for longer and save money on a second car seat.

You'll also want to consider the dimensions of the seat and whether it's wider or wider than other models. This can be an advantage for vehicles with smaller dimensions, while the latter may be helpful if you have two kids in back-to-back car seats or need to drive with three children in the back seat at some point. If you plan to use a car seat in conjunction with a pram, select one that is compatible with the most popular strollers and has detachable seats. Car seat brands such as Graco and Nuna offer options that meet this requirement.

Review the rating of a car seat for the ease of use. Guides and indicators clearly labeled that let you know the seat is level and securely fastened -- like bubble levels or color codes--can assist in easing the burden on new parents. Certain seats come with innovative features, such as load legs. They are shock-absorbing components that extend from the base or beneath the seat all the way to the floor of your vehicle and absorb the force of impact during a crash.

There are also accessories that claim to increase the convenience and comfort of your car seat. Be aware that anything that's not included in the seat hasn't been subjected to safety tests. Segura advises that you shouldn't put anything else in your car seat, including an accessory like a blanket or harness that you bought elsewhere.

Style

It can be a challenge for parents with young children to choose the right infant car seats. It's crucial to know the budget you have set and the features you'd like to have. There are many options for special features, stroller compatibility, and fabrics. However, it all boils down to comfort.

It's important to note that convertible car seats aren't suitable for infants and are only suitable until the age of one year. Some even include extended kits that have been tested in a crash which can help them last longer. They also tend to have more recline modes for proper positioning of smaller children and are generally lighter to make it easier to carry around. They are more likely to work when used in conjunction with a travel system. This is beneficial for new parents looking to save money and time by buying seats that serve two functions.

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

Many parents prefer baby car seats that can be converted from base to carrier, and then click into a stroller without needing any extra attachments. This will save you a lot of time, particularly on busy days where you need to complete the errands.

Other convenient features include a harness that doesn't need to be rethread with magnetic buckle holders, as well as an easy installation process. Finally, you should look for an arm and head support insert that can assist infants in avoiding slumping in their seats or carriers when they are asleep.

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