How to Find the
Best Car Seat InfantCar seats for infants are offered in a wide range of prices, based on the type of material, style and accessories. However, you don't need to spend a fortune to find a high-quality car seat infant.
Our product testers have rated the top-performing infant car seats in five main categories: Safety, ease of use and reliability as well as adjustability, convenience and safety.
Safety Ratings
The best infant car seats are rigorously crash tested. The best infant car seats have clear instructions and features like bubble levels or padded seats to offer a good amount of support for the
infant car seat cheap. We also found it beneficial to have a seat with easy-to-use adjustments that don't require the baby out of the car to loosen or tighten them, or utilize clips and hooks for quick adjustments. If the process is quick and easy, parents are more likely to keep their properly fitted harnesses.
We looked for seats that can be washed in the washing machine and models that could be used with the base to decrease the possibility of a buckle getting dropped or lost in washing. If you'll be using your car seat often and especially in public transport, it may be worth spending more for one that retracts automatically straps and a recline mechanism to ease the strain on your back.
Selecting a car seat for your infant is among the most important purchases you'll make as a parent, and we suggest doing your research on thoroughly prior to making your purchase. Check out reviews from consumers and child safety advocacy groups. Before purchasing an automobile seat, it's a good idea also to check the manufacturer website and look up any recalls.
Infant car seats are small, portable car seats that are designed for infants or babies until their first birthday. They are usually used rear-facing. The majority of infants outgrow their car seat by the age of one or in the case of convertible or all-in-one seats, are transitioned to a toddler car seat. Infant-only car seats should be used with the rear facing side until the child reaches the maximum height and weight limits set by the manufacturer. Then, they must be switched over to a car seat that faces forward. The convertible or all-in-one car seat can be used in both directions, however it is safer for your child to remain in the rear-facing position until they have reached the age of maturity to move forward.
Easy of Use
While the safety of the car seat is essential, it's also important to choose one that is easy for parents to use. We test the buckles, handles, and harness adjustments, as well as its ease of fitting into a vehicle. If the car seat is difficult to use, it could end up being used incorrectly which could compromise the safety of your child.
If you're concerned about installing your infant car seat correctly, think about meeting with a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) prior to bringing your baby home. They'll be able to show you an instructional crash test video and teach you how to use your new car seat. And don't forget to read the instructions that comes with the car seat, as this will help you avoid common mistakes in installation.
Car seats for infants aren't convertible, and they can only be used until your child outgrows it or attains the weight or height limit specified by the manufacturer. That's why it's a good choice to select a seat that can be used the longest time possible prior to changing your baby into a big kid car seat.
Some infant car seats can even convert into a stroller, which will provide more value for your money. It's important to remember that car seats that can be used as a stroller weigh more than those that work only as an infant car.
Another aspect to consider is the width of your infant car seat is, which will affect how easy it is to fit into your car and if it's compatible 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 the car. This is particularly important if you intend to use your infant seat often and carry it between vehicles. In our top infant car seats review, we prefer models that are smaller and lighter.
Reliability
Your child's safety is your top priority. While every car seat sold must adhere to federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Best of the Bump winner Clek's Liing, for example comes with two-stage body support that keeps babies comfortable and cozy and is compatible with many popular strollers. Consumer Reports also gave it the top score in an impact test.
It is crucial to keep in mind, however, that even the safest infant car seat is only as safe as how well it's installed and used. Unsafely installed or mishandled car seats are a major security risk for children and infants of all different ages. Vybiralova Stanton suggests that you read the manual of the manufacturer of your car seat and look for videos on installation online. "You'll find that manufacturers are more concerned with making sure you have the correct seat for your vehicle and baby," she says.
The most reliable infant car seats come with features that make it easy to install and use, including an easy-to-use harness buckle release and magnetic strap holders that don't cling on clothing and a no-rethread harness. These seats are made of strong materials and feature various adjustment mechanisms that function smoothly.
A base that can be used without or with the vehicle's LATCH system or shoulder belt is another option to think about. This can be useful for parents who regularly take taxis or who will be using their seats in multiple vehicles.
It's also important to consider how much the car seat weighs, and if you are able to carry it comfortably. Some models are heavier than others, and can be a strain on your shoulders and arms when you're transporting other children or going long distances.
In the end, a car seat that is priced lower can save you money and time. Don't buy a low-cost car seat just because it's cheap. A price that is low could suggest that the manufacturer shirked on the quality of the material or safety features. It's always recommended to review reviews and get recommendations from other parents before making your final purchase.
Convenience
The best car seats for infants make it easy to ensure your baby's safety. They are easy to install and have features that make buckling and unbuckling easier and come with other convenience features such as soft fabrics and a no-rethread harness. They also have design features that make them safer in a crash. For instance they come with load legs, which absorb shock. parts on the base of the seat. This reduces movement and therefore impact forces on your baby.
Choose an infant car seat if you have a smaller car or plan on changing vehicles often. This kind of seat can fit easily in smaller cars and most come with a handle, making them easy to carry. These seats are often lighter than convertible car seats which makes them easier to lift into and out of vehicles.
The car seat for infants converts into a baby stroller without needing an additional attachment. This is a huge benefit for families who are always on the go or who reside in areas where public transportation is more common. It is a little more bulky than a traditional infant car seat, but it's not as big as the convertible model.
The top-rated infant car seat is easy to use, and our testers liked it for its harness that is not rethread and magnetic buckle holders that make it quick to get the baby in and out. It has many features that make it easy to use, such as an adjustable recline via a button that can be operated in four positions and steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that are able to pop out of the base after being secured.