How to Find the best car seat infant (click to find out more)

Car seats for infants are available in a variety of prices, based on the type of material, style, and accessories. But you don't have to shell out a lot of money to find an excellent car seat for your infant.

Our product testers gave the best car seat for newborn uk infant car seats in five key categories: safety, ease of use as well as reliability, convenience, and adjustability.

Safety Ratings

The best infant car seats are thoroughly tested for crash. They also come with clear instructions and features that make it easier to install the seat correctly, such as bubble levels and padded seating that provide adequate support for babies. We also found it beneficial to have a seat with easy-to-use adjustments that don't require taking the baby out of the car to loosen or tighten them, or use a system of clips and hooks for quick adjustments. If the procedure is quick and easy, parents are more likely maintain the correct fitting harnesses.

A seat that is machine washable is a plus, and we looked for models that allow for the seat to be placed on the base, reducing the chance of a tripped or lost buckle during washing. If you plan to use your car seat regularly, especially on public transport, you should consider purchasing a seat with self-retracting belts and a recline feature. This will ease the pressure on your spine.

Choosing an infant car seat is one of the most important purchases you'll make as a parent, so we suggest doing your research on thoroughly prior to purchasing. Look at consumer reviews as well as reviews from advocacy groups for children. Before purchasing an automobile seat it's an excellent idea to check the manufacturer website and look up any recalls.

Infant car seats are small, lightweight car seats that are designed for infants or babies up to the one year old. They are generally used with a in a rear-facing position. The majority of infants outgrow their car seat by the time they reach the age of one or in the case of convertible or all-in-one seats, are shifted to a toddler car seat. Infant-only car seats should be used rear-facing until the child reaches the maximum height and weight limit set by the manufacturer. Then, they must be changed to an automobile seat that is facing forward. A convertible or all-in-one car seat can be used in both ways, but it's safer for your baby to stay in a rear-facing car seat until they're tall enough to be able to sit in a front-facing seat.

Simple to Use

While the safety of the car seat is essential but it's also crucial to find one that is easy for parents to use. That's why we examine things like buckles, harness adjusters and handles during our tests and also how easy it is to install the car seat into a vehicle. If a car seat is difficult to use, it may be used improperly and could affect your baby's safety.

You should consider meeting with a certified child safety technician (CPST) prior to when you bring your infant home, if you are concerned about the correct installation of your infant car seats. They'll be able give you an instructional crash test video and teach you how to use your new seat. Don't forget to read your car seat's instruction manual. This will aid you in avoiding common mistakes when installing the seat.

Unlike convertible car seats, that are suitable for older children and toddlers infant car seats will only last until your baby outgrows them or reaches the highest weight limit or height set by the manufacturer. It's a great idea to choose the right seat that can be used for as long as you can before changing your baby to a bigger car seat.

Some infant car seats can be converted into strollers, so you get more for your money. It's important to note that seats that can double as strollers are heavier than those designed to function as an infant car.

Another factor to keep in mind is how wide your infant car seat is. This can impact the ease of it to fit in your vehicle and if it's compatible with other seats you might have in the back row. You should also consider the weight of the seat as a light seat is easier to take into and out of a car. This is an especially important consideration if you plan to use your infant seat often and will be transporting it between vehicles. For these reasons, we prefer narrower, lightweight models in our best infant car seat review.

Reliability

The safety of your child is the top rated baby car seats priority. While every car seat sold must comply with federal safety standards, some exceed. Best of the Bump winner Clek's Liing for instance comes with two-stage body supports that helps keep small babies comfortable and cozy and is compatible with many popular strollers. It also scored a top crash test score from Consumer Reports.

Be aware, however, that even the most reliable infant car seat will only be as secure in the way it is set up and used. Incorrectly installed or improperly used car seats pose a significant safety risk for children and infants of all age groups. That's why Vybiralova Stanton suggests reading the user's manual for the manufacturer and looking for videos of installation online. "You'll find that manufacturers are more focused on ensuring you have the correct car seat and baby," she says.

The most reliable infant car seats come with features that make them easy to install and use, including a one-handed harness buckle release and magnetic strap holders that don't cling on clothing, and a non-rethread harness. These seats are made of sturdy materials and have a variety of adjustment mechanisms that function seamlessly.

A base that can be used without or with the LATCH system of the vehicle or shoulder belt is a different feature to consider. This is a great option for parents who often use taxis or are using their seat in many vehicles.

It's also important to take into consideration the amount that the car seat weighs, and whether you can carry it with ease. Some models weigh more than others, and can be a strain on your arms and shoulders when you're carrying children around or traveling long distances.

In the end, a less expensive car seat for babies will save you time and money. Don't buy a cheap car seat simply because it is inexpensive. A lower price could indicate that the manufacturer has cut corners on material quality or safety features. Before you make a final decision it's a good idea to read reviews and get suggestions from other parents.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats make it simple to ensure that your baby is safe. This means that they are easy to install, come with features that make buckling up or unbuckling much easier, and come with other convenience features like soft fabrics and a harness that is not rethread. They also have design elements that help to make them more protective in a crash, such as load legs that absorb shock. parts on the base or the car seat that reduce movement and thus impact forces on your child.

Find an baby car seat if you have a small car or plan to switch vehicles frequently. This type of seat can easily fit in smaller cars, and many of them have a unique handle that makes it simple to carry. These seats are often lighter than convertible car seat and are therefore easy to lift to and out of a vehicle.

The car seat for infants transforms into a stroller for babies without the need for an attachment. This is great for families who are always moving around or living in cities with public transport. It's slightly larger than a standard car seat for an infant but not as big as a convertible one.

It's simple to use and our testers were impressed by its buckle holders with magnetic buckles and harness that does not need rethreads, which makes it super quick to get the baby in and out. It has many features that make it more convenient to use, including an adjustable recline via a button that can be operated in four positions, and steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that pop out of the base after being secured.

As a parent of a newborn, choosing the right car seat for your infant is among the most important choices you'll make. This is why it's crucial to read reviews and research of different options before making the decision. You should ensure that the car seat that you choose is made with your child's safety in mind and meets all national safety standards.