How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Parents should have car seats. What makes one seat better than the other?
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 options such as premium lower anchor connectors, no-rethread harness pads, and one button handles. Also, consider safety features such as load legs and head/body cushions.
Safety
As every parent will tell you, choosing the best car seat for your child is one of the most important decisions you could make. The right seat will ensure they're positioned properly in the car and that they are adequately protected in the event of a crash.
While every car seat sold in the US must meet the strict standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) However, not all car seats are created equal. Certain models have features specifically designed to safeguard infants, like load legs that help reduce movement during crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the base and car seat and others have built-in bubble levels to make it easy for installation and adjustable headrests that grow with your baby.
Dedicated infant car seats are also designed to fit babies at their most comfortably and usually include crash-tested inserts to aid in this, according to Choi. They're also lighter than convertible car seats and can easily be converted to a stroller. This makes them perfect for drop-offs at daycares, rides and pick-ups. And because they'll only last through your baby's first year and beyond, you can always purchase a second-hand one for only a fraction of the cost.
Another point to consider is that even though a high NHTSA rating and excellent crash test results are important, the manner you use your car seat is more important for your child's safety. A study conducted by Portland's top children's hospital revealed that 95% of parents have made at least one mistake when installing or changing their car seat.
It's a good idea to spend a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the correct car seat usage guidelines before your little one arrives. We recommend that you choose a car seat that has clear and concise instructions. It must also be light enough that it is easy to carry around your baby.
Make sure that the infant car seat you're thinking about purchasing meets the car's dimensions. If you're concerned about your ability to install and operate the car seat properly yourself, you might be able to bring it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your baby is born for a hands on instruction.
Convenience
Some infant car seats have extra features that make it simpler to use. For instance, they could come with a base that the seat can be clicked into and out of, or they may have easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features make it easier to remove and install the car seat - especially when there is a child in your care.
It is also important to consider the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If your child is growing rapidly it may be worthwhile to invest in a car seat with greater limits to ensure that you can use it for as long as you like.
Aside from the safety features, an infant car seat should be comfortable for your baby. Find comfortable straps that don't squeeze or rub their shoulders and soft fabric that is soft under them for extended durations. Select a seat that is in a lie-flat position. This allows your baby to sit in an upright position, which helps to keep their airways wide open and oxygen saturation levels high.
Dr. Segura advises that you should not buy any accessories for infant car seats that aren't included in the seat as they have not been crash-tested and may be unsafe. Also, avoid purchasing used infant car seats, as they may be involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn out.
The top infant car seats cost from $100 to more than $600. However, they all share a few characteristics. They are all lightweight and easy to install and remove, and comfortable for the infant. Some models have additional features that make them even more adaptable. For example they can swivel, or clip onto strollers without the need for adapters. For more information about the various choices available, read our review of the top infant car seats.
Comfort
The best infant car seats feature comfort features that make it easy to get your baby in and out of the seat. The top infant car seats have a one-handed clasp system that lets you grip both sides simultaneously. They also come with cushioned padding to make it easier to lift the seat. It is also important to think about the weight of the seat. Since you'll be using it with no base, a seat that is lighter is better. This Baby Trend Secure Lift, for example, weighs less than 13 pounds.
The height and weight limit of the infant car seats are important. If you are planning to keep the car seat, choose one that can grow with your child and accommodate them into the toddlerhood. You'll be able to use it for a longer period of time and save money on a second car seat.
You should also think about the seat's dimensions and if it's smaller or wider than other models. The first can be useful for smaller vehicles. The second could be helpful when you have three kids in the rear seat or two children in back-to back car seats. If you plan to use your car seat along with a stroller, look for one that has detachable car seats that are compatible with a wide range of strollers. Brands such as Graco or Nuna have options that satisfy your requirements.
For ease of use, take a look at the ratings a car seat receives for installation. Clear guides and indicators, such as bubble levels or color codes which indicate whether the seat is secure and level can help relieve the stress of new parents. Some seats have innovative features, like load legs. These are shock-absorbing parts that extend from the seat base or underneath the seat to the floor of the vehicle and absorb some impact force during a crash.
There are accessories that claim to improve the comfort and convenience of your car seat. Be aware that anything not included with the seat hasn't passed safety testing. Segura suggests that you don't place anything in your car seat, including the blanket or harness you bought elsewhere.
Style
It can be difficult for new parents to figure out the best infant car seats. It's important to know what your budget is and the features that you're looking for. There are many choices in terms of features, stroller compatibility and fabrics, but it all comes down to what's comfortable for baby.
For example it's worth noting that dedicated infant seats fit smaller babies better than convertible car seats and are suitable for the first year of life (though some may come with crash-tested extension kits to help them last longer). They typically have a greater number of recline options to ensure the proper positioning of small children. top rated baby car seats are also lighter and easier to carry. They are more likely to be compatible when used in conjunction with the travel system. This is beneficial for new parents wanting to save money and time by buying a seat that will serve two functions.
Another aspect to be aware of is that car seat width and weight are important aspects for the majority of families. For example, some infant car seats are designed to be a bit narrower than others, allowing them to fit in the back of your vehicle or to be used in conjunction with siblings' seats. Some are heavy enough to test your biceps strength and move from stroller to car.
In terms of convenience, a lot of parents choose infant car seats with the capability to move from the base to the carrier and then click into a stroller without the need for additional attachments. This will save you lots of time, particularly on days when you have to run the errands.
Other useful features include a magnetic buckle holder and a strap that is not rethread, and a simple installation process. Lastly, look for an arm and head support insert that can assist infants in avoiding slumping in their seats or carriers in the event of a nap.
Some car seats feature rigid latches that can be flipped out from the base if installed correctly. This kind of installation is more secure and limits the amount of movement a car seat can move during a crash.