How to Choose
Infant Car Seats BestCar seats are a must-have for parents. What makes one car seat better than the other?
A special infant seat fits the smallest of babies and is lighter for easier transportation outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience options such as premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one-button handles. Also, look out for safety features such as load legs and body/head cushions.
Safety
As every parent will tell you, selecting the best car seat for your child is among the most crucial decisions you can make. The correct seat will make sure that your child is placed correctly and properly protected in the event in the event of a car 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 have features specifically designed to protect infants, like load legs that limit movement in crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the car seat and base and others have built-in bubble levels for easy installation and adjustable headrests that expand with your baby.
Choi says that dedicated
rotating infant car seat car seats are designed to be able to accommodate babies in the best way. They usually come with crash-tested inserts, which can help achieve this. They're also lighter than a convertible car seats and can easily be converted to a stroller. This makes them perfect for ride-shares, daycare drop-offs and pickups. Since they'll only last through your baby's first year it's possible to purchase an older model for a fraction of the cost.
A high NHTSA score and great crash test results are essential, but the way you use your child's car seat is more important. In fact, a study done by Portland's most prestigious children's hospital discovered that 95 percent of parents have made at the very least one crucial error when installing or putting in their car seat.
It is important to familiarize yourself prior to when your baby arrives with the correct car seat guidelines. We suggest looking for car seats that have clear and concise instructions, is lightweight enough to be able to carry your child, and comes with easy-to-use adjustments.
You should also see whether the car seat for infants you're thinking of purchasing meets the size requirements for your vehicle. If you're concerned about your own ability to install and use the car seat correctly take it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) for an interactive session prior to the time your baby's birth.
Convenience
Certain infant car seats come with extra features that make them easier to use. For example, they may come with a base that the seat snaps into and out of, or they may come with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features make it simpler to remove and install the car seat - particularly in the event that you have a child in your care.
The weight and height limits of a car seat for infants are also important to take into consideration. If you have a baby who is growing rapidly, it may be worth the extra money to purchase a car seat with higher limits so that you can utilize it for as long as you can.
In addition to safety features, your infant's car seat should also be comfortable. Choose comfortable straps that don't rub or pinch their shoulders and plush fabric that is soft underneath them for long durations. It's also recommended to choose an infant seat that has a lie-flat mode, which allows your newborn to ride in a more relaxed position that keeps their airways open and their oxygen saturation levels high.
Dr. Segura warns you that you should not purchase any accessories for infant car seats that are not included in the seat, because they haven't been tested for crash safety and could be dangerous. Also, avoid buying used car seats for infants, since they may be involved in a crash and can be damaged or worn out.
While the top
infant car seats can cost between $100 and $600, there are a few features that all the
top rated baby car seats picks have in common. They're all light, easy to install and remove, and comfortable for the infant. Some models have additional features that make them even more versatile. For instance, they can swivel or clip into strollers without the need for adapters. For more details on the different options available, take a look at our review of the top infant car seats.
Comfort
The best infant car seats have comfort features that make it easier to get your baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch that eliminates the need to grip both sides of the strap at the same time, and cushioned padding that makes it less painful to lift the seat. In addition, you'll want to consider how much weight the seat weighs. You'll be using it without a base, for instance and a lighter weight is more suitable. The Baby Trend Secure-Lift is a good example. It weighs less than 13 pounds.
Other factors to consider include the height and weight limits of the infant car seat. If you intend to keep the car seat, pick one that can adapt to your child's needs and allow them to transition into toddlerhood. This way, you'll be capable of using it for longer and save money on a second car seat.
You should also take into consideration the dimensions of the seat, and whether it is narrower or wider than other models. The first can be useful for vehicles with smaller dimensions. The second may be beneficial if you have three children in the rear seat or two children in back-to-back car seats. If you intend to use the car seat in conjunction with strollers, choose one that can be detached from car seats that are compatible with the majority of strollers. Brands like Graco or Nuna have options that will satisfy your requirements.
Review the rating of a car seat for ease of use. Guides and indicators clearly labeled that inform you that the seat is level and securely fastened--like bubble levels or color coding--can help reduce stress on new parents. Some seats also have unique features like load legs, which are shock-absorbing parts found under the seat or on the base that extend to the vehicle floor and absorb some of the force of a crash.
You'll also find some accessories that claim to enhance your car seat's comfort and convenience, but remember that any accessory not included in conjunction with the car seat hasn't been evaluated or vetted for safety. Segura advises that you shouldn't put anything else in your car seat, including an accessory like a blanket or harness that you purchased elsewhere.
Style
For parents who are new trying to figure out how to choose the best infant car seat can be quite a puzzle. It's crucial to know the budget you have set and the features that you want. There are a lot of options for special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics but a lot comes down to what's suitable for your baby.
It is important to remember that convertible car seats are not as suitable for small babies and can only be used up to the age of one year. Some may even have extension kits that have been tested for safety that will allow them to last longer. They usually offer more recline options to ensure the proper positioning of small children. They are also lighter and more convenient to carry. They are also more likely to work with a travel system which can be helpful for new parents trying to save time and money by buying one seat that is able to serve two purposes.
Car seat weight and width are important aspects to take into consideration for families with a large number of children. Certain infant car seats, for instance are narrower and can fit better in the back of your vehicle or next to other seats. Some are heavy enough to really test your biceps strength and transfer from car to stroller.
When it comes to convenience, many parents opt for infant car seats with the capability to move from the base to the carrier and then snap into a stroller without the need for extra attachments. This will save you a lot of time, especially on busy days when you're running errands your little ones.
Other useful features include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and an easy-to-install process. Lastly, look for a head and body support insert, which will aid in preventing infants from slumbering in the seat or carrier when they fall asleep.
Most car seats use flexible straps to secure their lower anchor connectors, however some come with latches that can be flipped out of the base and turn green when correctly installed. This type of installation is more secure and may limit the amount a seat can move during an accident.