How to Choose infant car seats best - click for source -

Parents should have car seats. But what makes one superior to another?

A specially designed infant car seat uk seat is ideal for the smallest of babies and is lighter to facilitate transportation outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience extras like premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one button handles. Also, look for security features such as load legs and head/body cushions.

Safety

As any parent will tell you, choosing the right car seat is among the most important decisions you'll make for your child. The correct seat will ensure that they're placed correctly in the car, and that they're adequately protected in the event of a crash.

While every car seat sold in the US must conform to strict standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), not all car seats are created equal. Certain seats come with features designed to protect infants. For instance, load legs minimize movement during crashes by absorbing impact forces on the car seat's base. Some include bubble levels that make installing easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.

Choi says that dedicated infant car seats are designed to provide the perfect fit for babies. They usually come with crash-tested inserts, which aid in this. Plus, they're usually lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily moved to strollers, making them ideal for daycare and ride-share drop-offs and pick-ups. You can buy used ones at only a fraction of the cost because they're only good for your baby's first 12 months.

Another factor to be aware of is that, while having a high NHTSA rating and impressive crash test results are important, the method you use your car seat is more crucial to your child's safety. A study by Portland's leading children's hospital found that 95% of parents have made at least one mistake when installing or adjusting their car seat.

It is important to familiarize yourself before your baby is born with appropriate guidelines for car seats. We recommend looking for a car seat with clear and concise instructions, is light enough to be able to carry your child in it and comes with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms.

Check to see if the infant car seat that you are considering fits the requirements of the vehicle's size. If you're concerned about your capability to install and operate the car seat properly yourself, you might want to take 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 easier to use. For instance, they might 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 can make it more convenient to set up and remove the car seat, especially when you have a child to attend to.

It is also essential to take into consideration the weight and height limits for the infant car seat. If your baby is growing quickly, it might be worth purchasing a car-seat with higher limits to ensure that you can use it for as long as you'd like.

Aside from the safety features, a baby car seat should be comfortable for your baby. Choose padded straps that will not rub or pinch their shoulders, and for soft fabric that feels at ease beneath them. Select a seat that is in a lie-flat position. This allows your baby to ride in an upright position, which helps keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.

Dr. Segura warns that you should not purchase any accessories for rotating infant car seat car seats that aren't included in the seat, as they have not been crash-tested and may be unsafe. It is also recommended to avoid purchasing used car seats for infants, as they may be involved in an accident and may be damaged or worn out.

While the top infant car seats range between $100 and $600, there are a few features that the top choices have in common. They are all lightweight and easy to install and take down, and are comfortable for the child. Some even come with special features that make them more versatile such as the ability to swivel and clip into strollers, without the need for adapters. Check out our review of the best infant car seats for more information on the various choices available.

Comfort

The top infant car seats come with comfort features that make it easy to get the baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch system that removes the need to grasp both straps simultaneously, as well as cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. Also, you should consider the weight of the seat. Since you'll use it without a base, a lighter seat is better. This Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.

The weight and height limits of the infant car seats is also important. If you intend to keep the car seat, pick a model that will adapt to your child's needs and allow them to transition into toddlerhood. You can keep it for longer and save money by not purchasing a second seat.

You should also take into consideration the dimensions of the seat and if it is narrower or wider than other models. This could be a boon for vehicles with smaller dimensions, while the latter may be helpful when you have two kids in car seats that are back-to-back or need to drive with three kids in the back seat at some time. If you are planning to use the car seat along with strollers, you should look for one that has detachable car seats that are compatible with most popular strollers. Brands like Graco or Nuna have options that will satisfy your requirements.

Examine the rating of a car seat to determine its user-friendliness. Guides and indicators clearly labeled that indicate the seat is level and securely fastened -- like bubble levels or color codes--can aid in reducing stress on the new parents. Some seats come with unique features, such as load legs. These are parts that absorb shock that extend from the seat base or under the seat all the way to the floor of your vehicle and absorb some force in the event of a crash.

There are accessories that claim to increase the convenience and comfort of your car seat. However, remember that anything not sold with the seat hasn't passed safety tests. Segura suggests that you don't place anything in your car seat, including a blanket or harness you bought elsewhere.

Style

For parents who are new trying to figure out how to pick the best car seat for your infant is a bit of a puzzle. It's important that you know your budget and what features you'd like to have. There are many choices in terms of features, stroller compatibility, and fabrics, but it all is based on what's suitable for your baby.

It's important to note that convertible car seats are not suitable for infants and can only be used until one year. Some even come with crash-tested extensions kits, which will help them last longer. They tend to have a greater number of recline settings to facilitate the correct positioning of small children. They are also lighter and more convenient to carry. They are more likely to work when used in conjunction with an existing travel system. This is a great option for parents who are new and want to save money and time by purchasing seats that serve two purposes.

Car seat weight and width are important aspects to take into consideration for most families. Some infant carrier seat car seats, for example are narrower, which allows them to be able to fit in the back of your car or in the vicinity of other seats. Some are enough weighty to test your biceps by lifting and transfer from car to stroller.

When it comes to convenience, many parents opt for infant car seats with the capability to move from base to carrier and then click into a stroller without the need for extra attachments. This will help you save a lot of time, particularly on busy days where you have to run around for errands.

Other features that are useful include the magnetic buckle holder, a no-rethread strap, and a streamlined installation procedure. Also, look for an head and body support insert, which can aid in preventing infants from slumbering in their seats or carriers in the event of a nap.

Some car seats have rigid latches that open from the base if installed correctly. This type of installation is more secure and can restrict the amount that a seat moves in the event of an accident.