How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Parents must have car seats. What is it that makes one car seat better than the other?
A dedicated infant seat fits the most tiny babies, and is lighter to facilitate transport outside the vehicle. Look for convenience extras such as premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one-button handles. Also, consider security features like load legs and body/head cushions.
Safety
As every parent will tell you, choosing the right car seat for your child is among the most crucial decisions you could make. The best seat will make sure that your child is placed correctly and properly protected in the event of a car crash.
Not all car seats are equal. While every car seat sold in the US is required to conform to the strict safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration However, not all car seats come with the same features. Certain models come with special features to protect infants, like load legs that reduce the impact of crashes by absorbing the force of impact on the base of the car seat as well as built-in bubble levels to make it easy for installation and adjustable headrests that expand with your baby.
Dedicated infant car seats are also designed to fit tiny babies best, and typically include crash-tested inserts to help achieve this, says Choi. They're also lighter than convertible car seat and can easily be transformed into a stroller. This makes them suitable for daycare drop-offs, ride-shares, and pick-ups. They're also durable. through the first year of your baby's life it's possible to purchase an used one at only a fraction of the cost.
A high NHTSA score and great crash test results are important, but the method you use to install the car seat of your child is more important. A study conducted by Portland's top children's hospital found that 95% of parents made a mistake at least once when installing or altering their car seat.
It's essential to familiarize yourself prior to when your baby is born with proper guidelines for car seats. We recommend that you choose an infant car seat that comes with clear and concise instructions. It must also be light so it's easy to carry around with your baby.
Make sure that the infant car seat you are considering fits the requirements of the vehicle's size. And if you're worried about your own ability to set up and use the car seat correctly take it to a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) to receive an interactive session prior to the time your baby's birth.
Convenience
Some infant car seats include additional features that make it simpler to use. For instance, they might have a base that the seat snaps into and out of, or they might come with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features make it simpler to install and remove the car seat - especially if there is another child in your care.
infant car seat in front seat is also important to take into consideration the weight and height limits for the infant car seat. If you have a baby who is growing quickly it could be worth the extra money to invest in a car seat that has higher limits to ensure that you use it for as long as is possible.
In addition to safety features, your child's car seat must also be comfortable. Choose padded straps that don't rub or pinch their shoulders, and for soft fabric that feels comfy under them. Choose a seat that has the ability to lie flat. This allows your baby to sit upright position, which helps keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.
Dr. Segura advises that you should not buy any accessories for infant car seats that are not included in the seat, since they are not tested for crash safety and could be dangerous. Avoid buying a used infant car seats as they could be involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn.
The best infant car seats cost from $100 to over $600. However they all have certain features. They're all light, easy to install and remove, and comfortable for the child. Some have extra features that make them more versatile. For instance, they can swivel or clip onto strollers without the need for adapters. Check out our comparison of the best infant car seats to get more details on the different options on the market.
Comfort
Top infant car seats are equipped with features that provide comfort and make it easy to get your baby in and out of the seat. The top infant car seats feature a single-handed clasp system that lets you grip both sides simultaneously. They also come with 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 one is preferable. The Baby Trend Secure Lift is a good example. It weighs less than 13 pounds.
Other important aspects include the height and weight limits of the infant car seat. If you plan to keep the car seat, pick one that will expand with your child and allow them to transition into the stage of toddlerhood. Then, you'll be capable of using it for longer and save money on a new car seat.
You should also consider the dimensions of the seat, and whether it is narrower or wider than other models. The first is a good option for vehicles with smaller dimensions. The second may be helpful when you have three kids in the rear seat or two children in back-to back car seats. If you are planning to use the car seat with a stroller, look for one that can be detached from car seats that are compatible with a wide range of strollers. Brands like Graco or Nuna have options that meet your needs.
For ease of use, take a look at the ratings the car seat is given for installation. Clear guides and indicators, such as bubble levels or color codes, that indicate whether the seat is secure and level can ease stress for new parents. Some seats also have innovative features, such as load legs which are shock-absorbing components located beneath the seat or at the base that extend to the floor of the vehicle and absorb some of the impact force of a crash.
There are also some accessories that claim to increase your car seat's comfort and convenience, but remember that any product not included with the car seat hasn't been tested or approved for safety. "Anything you purchase that isn't directly from the manufacturer, such as the harness or blanket, you should not 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 essential to know your budget and the features you'd like. There are a lot of options for special features, stroller compatibility, and fabrics, but it all is based on what's comfortable for babies.
It's important to note that convertible car seats aren't as suitable for small babies and are only suitable up to the age of one year. Some come with extension kits that have been tested for safety which can help them last longer. They usually come with more recline options to ensure the proper positioning of small children. They are also lighter and more convenient to carry. They are more likely to work when used in conjunction with the travel system. This is a great option for new parents wanting to save money and time by buying seats that serve two functions.
Car seat weight and width are important to consider for most families. For example, some infant car seats are designed to be narrower than others, allowing them to fit in the back seat of your car, or to be used in conjunction with siblings seats. Some are so heavy that they test your biceps when you lift them and then transfer them from the car to the stroller.
When it comes to convenience, many parents prefer 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 can save you lots of time, particularly during busy times when you are running errands.
Other features that are useful include a magnetic buckle holder, a no-rethread strap, and a simplified installation process. Also, look for an arm and head support insert that can help prevent infants from slumping in their seats or carriers in the event of a nap.
Most car seats have flexible straps to secure the lower anchor connectors, but there are some that 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 can restrict the amount that a seat can move during the event of a crash.