How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Car seats are a must-have for parents. But what makes one better than the other?
A dedicated infant seat is the best option for babies who are small. It is also lighter, making it easier to move outside of the vehicle. Consider features that are convenient, like premium connectors for lower anchors and harness pads that are not rethreading, and single button handles. Also, consider safety features like load legs and head/body cushions.
Safety
As every parent knows that choosing the best car seat is among the most important decisions you'll make for your child. The right seat will make sure that your child is placed correctly and adequately protected in case in the event of a car crash.
Not all car seats are equal. Although every seat sold in the US must adhere to the strict safety standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, not all seats have the same features. Some models have features that are designed to protect infants. For instance, load legs prevent movement in crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the car seat and base. Others include bubble levels that make installation easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.
Choi says that car seats for infants are designed to provide the perfect fit for babies. They usually have crash-tested inserts which can help achieve this. They're also generally lighter than convertible car seats and are easily transferred to a stroller, making them ideal for ride-sharing and daycare pickups and drop-offs. infant carrier seat can purchase an used one for a fraction of the price, since they only last for your baby's first 12 months.
Another factor to consider is that while a high NHTSA rating and impressive crash test results are essential however, the method you use your car seat is more crucial to the safety of your child. In fact, a study done by Portland's top children's hospital found that 95% of parents made at least one critical mistake when installing or positioning their car seat.
It's a good idea to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the correct car seat use guidelines prior to when your child arrives. We recommend you pick a car seat with clear and concise instructions. It must also be light enough that it is easy to carry around your child.
Examine if the infant car seat that you are considering fits the requirements of the vehicle's size. If you're worried about your ability to set up and operate the car seat properly by yourself, you may want to take it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your baby is even born for a hands on demonstration.
Convenience
Some infant car seats include additional features that make it simpler to use. Certain infant car seats have features that make them simpler to use. For instance, they could have a base into which the seat can be clicked in and out, or they might have an easy-to-use adjusting mechanism. These features can make it more convenient to attach and remove the car seat, particularly when you have other children to look after.
It is also important to think about the weight and height limits of an infant car seat. If your baby is growing rapidly, it might be worth purchasing a car seat with greater limits to ensure that you are able to use it for as long as you like.
In addition to the safety features, a baby car seat should be comfortable for your baby. Look for padded straps which don't rub or pinch their shoulders, and look for soft fabrics that feel comfortable underneath them. Choose a seat that has a lie-flat position. This allows your baby to sit upright position, which helps keep their airways wide open and oxygen saturation levels high.
There are many accessories for infant car seats, however Dr. Segura warns against buying anything that is not included in the seat, as it has not been tested in a crash and may be unsafe. Avoid purchasing a used infant car seat because they might have been involved in an accident and may be damaged or worn.
The top infant car seats are priced between $100 and $600. However they all have some features. They're all lightweight, easy to set up and remove and comfortable for infants. Some even have special features that make them more flexible including the ability to pivot and clip into strollers without the need for additional adapters. For more details on the different options available, check out our comparison of best infant car seats.
Comfort
The best infant car seats have comfort features that make it easy to get baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch system that eliminates the need to grip both straps simultaneously, as well as cushioned padding that makes it less painful to lift the seat. You'll also want to think about the weight of the seat. Because you'll be using it with no base, a lighter one is preferable. The Baby Trend Secure-Lift for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.
The height and weight limit of infant car seats are important. If you plan to keep the car seat, select a model that will grow with your child and allow them to transition into the stage of toddlerhood. It is possible to use it for a longer time and save money by not purchasing another seat.
It is also important to consider the dimensions of the seat and whether it's wider or larger than other models. This could be a boon for vehicles with smaller dimensions, while the latter is a benefit for families with two children in car seats that are back-to-back or require driving with three kids in the back seat at some moment in the future. If you're planning to use a car seat in conjunction with a pram, you should choose one that is compatible with most popular strollers and has removable seats. Car seat brands such as Graco and Nuna provide options that satisfy this requirement.
For ease of use, take a look at the score that a car seat gets for installation. Clear guides and indicators, like bubble levels or color-coding which indicate whether the seat is secured and level can help relieve the stress of new parents. Some seats have innovative features, such as load legs. They are shock-absorbing components that extend from the base or underneath the seat all the way to the floor of your vehicle and absorb some force in the event of a crash.
There are also a few accessories that claim to enhance the comfort of your car seat and ease of use, but remember that any device not sold with the car seat hasn't been tested or approved for safety. "Anything you purchase that isn't from the manufacturer, even an accessory like a harness or blanket, you should not put in the car seat," Segura says.
Style
For new parents, figuring out how to choose the most suitable infant car seat can be a bit of a puzzle. It's important to know what your budget is and the features that you're looking for. There are plenty of different options for special features, stroller compatibility, and fabrics, but it all comes down to what's suitable for your baby.
It's important to note that convertible car seats aren't suitable for babies and are only suitable until one year. Some even have crash-tested extensions kits that will allow them to last longer. They usually have a greater number of recline modes to allow for the correct positioning of small children. They are also lighter and easier to carry. They are also more likely to work with a travel system which is beneficial for new parents who are trying to save time and money by buying one seat that can serve two purposes.
Car seat weight and width are important to consider for families with a large number of children. Certain infant car seats, like are narrower, which allows them to be able to fit in the back of your car or next to other seats. Some are also enough weighty to test your biceps by lifting and transfer from stroller to car.
Many parents opt for an the infant car seat that can be transformed from base to carrier and then convert into a stroller without any additional attachments. This will save you a lot of time, particularly during busy times when you have to run errands.
Other useful features include a harness that doesn't need to be rethread with magnetic buckle holders, as well as a streamlined installation process. Find a head-and-body-support insert to prevent infants from collapsing into the carrier or seat as they sleep.
Certain car seats come with rigid latches which flip out from the base when installed correctly. This type of install is more secure and may limit the amount a seat moves in the event of the event of a crash.