How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

Car seats are a must-have for parents. What makes one seat superior to another?

A specially designed infant seat is ideal for small babies best, and is lighter for easy transport outside of the vehicle. Consider convenience features like premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one-button handles. Also, look for safety features like load legs and head and body cushions.

Safety

As any parent will tell you that choosing the best car seats newborn car seat is among the most important decisions you'll have to make for your child. The correct seat will make sure that your child is positioned correctly and adequately protected in case of a car crash.

While every car seat sold in the US must meet the strict standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), not all car seats are created equally. Certain models come with special features to safeguard infants, for instance, load legs that help reduce the impact of crashes by absorbing the force of impact on the base and car seat as well as built-in bubble levels that make for easy installation and adjustable headrests that increase with your child.

Car seats specifically designed for infants are also designed to fit tiny babies most comfortably and usually include crash-tested seats to accomplish this, according to Choi. They are also lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily converted into a stroller. This makes them suitable for drop-offs at daycares, rides, and pickups. Since they'll only last through your baby's first year it's possible to purchase a second-hand one for only a fraction of the cost.

Another thing to consider is that while a high NHTSA rating and excellent crash test results are crucial however, the manner you use your car seat is even more important to your child's safety. A study by Portland's leading children's hospital found that 95% parents made at least one error when installing or adjusting their car seat.

It is important to familiarize yourself prior to when your baby is born with correct car seat guidelines. We suggest that you select a car seat that has clear and concise instructions. It must also be light enough it's easy to carry around your child.

You should also see whether the car seat for infants you're considering meets the requirements for size for your vehicle. If you're concerned about your own ability to install and operate the car seat properly, consider taking it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) to receive a hands-on tutorial before your baby's birth.

Convenience

Some infant car seats have additional features that make it simpler to use. For example, they may come with a base that the seat can be clicked into and out of, or they may feature easy-to-use adjustments. These features can make it more convenient to install and detach the car seat, particularly when you have a child to take care of.

The weight and the height limits of a car seat for infants are other important aspects to consider. If your child is growing rapidly it may be worth investing in a car seat with greater limits to ensure you can use it as long as you'd like.

In addition to safety features, your baby's car seat must also be comfortable. Choose padded straps that won't touch or squeeze their shoulders and plush fabric that feels soft underneath them for long periods of time. Select a seat that is in a lie-flat position. This allows your child to sit in an upright position, which helps to keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.

Dr. Segura warns you that you should not purchase any accessories for infant car seats that swivel car seats that are not included in the seat, because they haven't been tested for crash safety and could be dangerous. Avoid buying used car seats for infants because they may be involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn.

The best infant car seats can cost between $100 and $600 There are a few characteristics that all the top picks have in common. They're all light, easy to put in and take off, and comfortable for babies. Some even come with special features that make them more adaptable including the ability to pivot and clip onto strollers without the need for additional adapters. Take a look at our review of the best infant car seats for more information on the various choices available.

Comfort

The best infant car seats are equipped with comfort features that allow you to easily get your baby into and out of the seat. The top infant car seats come with a single-handed clasp system that eliminates having to grip both sides at once. They also have cushioned padding to make it easier to lift the seat. It is also important to think about the weight of the seat. Because you'll be using it with no base, a lighter seat is preferable. This Baby Trend Secure Lift is a good example. It weighs less that 13 pounds.

The weight limit and height of infant car seat that swivels car seats are important. If you intend to keep the car seat, select one that can adapt to your child's needs and fit them into toddlerhood. You can use it longer and save money by not purchasing another seat.

You should also consider the dimensions of the seat, and whether it is wider or narrower than other models. The former can be a boon for cars with smaller sizes, and the latter could be beneficial for families with two children in back-to-back car seats, or need to drive with three kids in the back seat at some time. If you are planning to use a car seat in conjunction with a pram, you should choose one that is compatible with the most popular strollers and has removable seats. Car seat brands like Graco and Nuna offer options that can meet this need.

For ease of use, look up the ratings a car seat receives for installation. Clearly labeled guides and indicators that inform you that the seat is level and securely fastened - like bubble levels or color-coded markings--can assist in easing the burden on new parents. Some seats have innovative features, such as load legs. These are parts that absorb shock that extend from the base or underneath the seat all the way to the floor of your vehicle and absorb some impact force in the event of a crash.

You'll also find some accessories that claim to improve your car seat's comfort and convenience, but remember that any device not sold with the car seat hasn't been tested or approved for safety. "Anything you purchase that's not directly from the manufacturer, such as a blanket or harness is not recommended to put in the car seat," Segura says.

Style

It can be a challenge for parents with young children to determine the best infant car seats. It's important that you know your budget and the features you'd like. There are numerous options for special features, stroller compatibility and even fabrics. But it all comes down to comfort.

For example it's worth noting that infant seats designed specifically for babies fit small babies better than convertible car seats and can be used for the first year of life (though some might come with crash-tested extension kits to make them last longer). They typically 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 is beneficial for new parents who are trying to save time and money by buying one seat that is able to do double duty.

Another aspect to be aware of is that car seat size and weight are key elements for families with a large number of children. For instance, some infant car seats are designed to be smaller than others to allow a better fit in the back seat of your car, or for use with siblings' seats. Others are enough weighty to test your biceps by lifting and transfer from stroller to car.

Many parents choose an infant car seat that can be changed from base to carrier, and then convert into a stroller without needing any additional attachments. This can help you save a lot of time, especially during busy times when you have to run the errands.

Other features that are useful include a magnetic buckle holder, a no-rethread strap, and a simple installation process. Look for a head and body support insert to prevent infants from settling into the seat or in the car as they fall asleep.

Certain car seats come with rigid latches that can be flipped out from the base when they are installed correctly. This kind of installation is more secure and limits the amount a seat can move during a crash.