How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Parents must have car seats. But what makes one better than the other?
A dedicated infant seat is the ideal choice for infants who aren't big enough. It is also lighter, which makes it easy to 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 security features like load legs and body cushions for the head and neck.
Safety
As every parent will tell you, selecting the right car seat for your child is among the most important decisions you could make. The right seat will ensure that they're placed correctly in the car and that they're adequately protected in the event of an accident.
Not all car seats are equal. While every seat sold in the US must adhere to the strict safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration However, not all car seats come with the same features. Some models have features specifically designed to protect infants. For example, load legs prevent movement in crashes by absorbing impact forces onto the car seat and base. Some include bubble levels that make installation easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.
Choi says that dedicated infant car seats are designed to be able to accommodate babies in the best way. They usually come with crash-tested inserts, which help to achieve this. They're also lighter than a convertible car seat and can easily be transformed into a stroller. This makes them suitable for daycare drop-offs, ride-shares, and pickups. You can buy used ones at only a fraction of the cost because they're only good for the first 12 months.
A high NHTSA score and great crash test results are important however, the way you use the car seat of your child is more important. In forward facing infant car seat , a study conducted by Portland's leading children's hospital revealed that 95 percent of parents have made at least one critical mistake when installing or positioning their car seat.
This is why it's a great idea to take a few minutes to get familiar with the correct car seat use guidelines before your little one arrives. We suggest looking for a car seat with clear and concise instructions, is lightweight enough to be easy to carry your child, and comes with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms.
Examine if the infant car seat that you are considering fits the car's dimensions. If you're concerned about your capability 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 even born for a hands-on demonstration.
Convenience
Some infant car seats include extra features that make it easier to use. Some infant car seats have features that make them simpler to use. For instance, they may include a base that the seat can be clicked into and out, or they may feature an easy-to-use adjustment mechanism. These features make it easier to install and detach the car seat, especially when you have a child to attend to.
It is also essential to think about the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If your baby is growing rapidly it could be worth purchasing an infant car seat with higher limits to ensure you can use it for as long as you want.
In addition to safety features, your child's car seat must also be comfortable. Find comfortable straps that don't touch or squeeze their shoulders and soft fabric that feels soft under them for extended periods of time. It's also an excellent idea to select a seat with a lie-flat mode which allows your infant to ride in a more relaxed position that keeps their airways open and oxygen levels high.
Dr. Segura warns you that you should avoid buying any accessories for infant car seats that aren't included in the seat, since they are not tested for safety in a crash and could pose a risk. Avoid purchasing a used car seats for infants because they may have been involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn.
While the best infant car seats cost anywhere from $100 to $600, there are a few things that all the top picks have in common. They're all lightweight, simple to put in and take off and are comfortable for infants. Some even come with special features that make them more versatile, like the ability to swivel and clip into strollers without the need for additional adapters. Check out our review of the best infant car seats for more details on the different options on the market.
Comfort
The top infant car seats feature comfort features that make it easy to get your baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch system that eliminates the need to grip both sides of the strap simultaneously, as well as cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. In addition, you'll need to consider the weight of the seat--you'll be using it without a base, in the end and a lighter weight is the best. The Baby Trend Secure Lift is a good example. It weighs less than 13 pounds.
The weight limit and height of the infant car seats is also crucial. If you intend to keep the car seat, pick a model that will adapt to your child's needs and fit them into the toddlerhood. This way, you'll be able to use it for longer and save money on a new car seat.
You should also take into consideration the dimensions of the seat, and whether it is wider or narrower than other models. The first one is useful for vehicles with smaller dimensions. The second could be helpful when you have three children in the rear seat or two children in back-to back car seats. If you are planning to use your car seat along with a stroller, look for one that has detachable car seats and is compatible with the majority of strollers. Brands like Graco or Nuna have options that satisfy your requirements.
Examine the rating of a car seat to determine its ease of use. Clear guides and indicators, like bubble levels or color codes which indicate whether the seat is secure and level, can ease stress for parents who are new. Some seats have innovative features, such as load legs. These are shock-absorbing parts that extend from the base or beneath the seat all the way to the floor of your vehicle and absorb some impact force during a crash.
There are also some accessories that claim to increase your car seat's comfort and convenience, but keep in mind that any product not included in conjunction with the car seat hasn't been evaluated or vetted for safety. "Anything you purchase that's not from the manufacturer, including an accessory like a harness or blanket you shouldn't put in the car seat," Segura says.
Style
For new parents, figuring out how to choose the best infant car seat can be quite an exercise. It's important that you know your budget and what features you'd like to have. There are a variety of options for special features, stroller compatibility and even fabrics. But it all boils down to comfort.
It is important to remember that convertible car seats aren't as suitable for small babies and are only suitable up to the age of one year. Some even come with extension kits that have been tested for safety, which will help them last longer. They also offer more recline options for proper positioning of small children and are generally lighter, making it easier to carry around. They are also more likely to work with a travel system, which is beneficial for parents who are trying to save time and money by purchasing one seat that can do double duty.
Car seat weight and width are important aspects to take into consideration for most families. Some infant car seats, for example are narrower and can fit better in the back of your car or close 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.
In terms of convenience, many parents prefer infant car seats that have the ability to move from base to carrier and then snap into a stroller without the need for extra attachments. This can save a lot of time, especially during busy times when you're running errands your children.
Other useful features include an adjustable buckle holder that is magnetic and a strap that is not rethread, and a streamlined installation procedure. Look for a head-and-body support insert to prevent infants from settling into the carrier or seat as they fall asleep.
Most car seats have flexible straps to secure their lower anchor connectors, however, some feature rigid latches that flip out of the base and turn green when properly installed. This type of installation is more secure and can restrict the amount that a seat moves in the event of a crash.