How to Choose
Infant Car Seats Best
Car seats are an essential item for parents. But what makes one superior to another?
A specially designed infant seat is ideal for small babies best, and is lighter for easier transport outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience options such as premium lower anchor connectors, no-rethread harness pads, and one-button handles. Also, look for safety features like load legs and body/head cushions.
Safety
As any parent will tell you, choosing the right car seat is one of the most important decisions you'll have to make for your child. The correct seat will ensure that your child is positioned correctly and adequately protected in case of a car crash.
While every car seat sold in the US must adhere to strict standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), not all car seats are created equally. Certain models have features specifically designed to safeguard infants, such as load legs that limit movement in crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the base and car seat, while others include built-in bubble levels that make for easy installation and adjustable headrests that expand with your baby.
Car seats specifically designed for infants are also designed to fit small babies
best car seat newborn, and typically come with extra crash-tested inserts to help achieve this, according to Choi. They're also lighter than convertible car seat and can easily be transformed into a stroller. This makes them ideal for drop-offs at daycares, rides, and pick-ups. You can buy a used one at less than the cost, since they only last for your baby's first 12 months.
Another factor to keep in mind is that, while having a high NHTSA rating and great crash test results are important but the method you use your car seat is more critical for your child's safety. In fact, a study by Portland's top children's hospital found that 95 percent of parents have made at least one serious mistake when installing or positioning their car seat.
It's essential to familiarize yourself before your baby is born with proper guidelines for car seats. We recommend looking for car seats that have clear and concise instructions, is lightweight enough to be easy to carry your child, and comes with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms.
You should also see whether the car seat for infants you're considering meets the size requirements for your vehicle. If you're concerned about your capability to set up and operate the car seat correctly yourself, you may be able to bring it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your baby is born to receive a hands-on demonstration.
Convenience
Some infant
car seat newborn seats come with extra features that make them more user-friendly. For instance, they might include a base the seat can be clicked into and out of, or they could come with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features make it easier to remove and install the car seat - particularly in the event that you have a child in your care.
The weight and the height limits of an infant car seat are other important aspects to take into consideration. If your child is growing quickly, it might be worth purchasing an
infant car seat cheap car seat with higher limits to ensure that you are able to utilize it for as long as you want.
In addition to safety features, your baby's car seat should also be comfortable. Choose comfortable straps that don't touch or squeeze their shoulders and plush fabric that is soft underneath them for long periods of time. Select a seat with an upright position. This allows your child to ride in an upright position, which helps to keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.
There are a number of accessories for infant car seats however Dr. Segura warns against buying anything that is not included in the seat because it has not been tested in a crash and may be unsafe. Also, avoid purchasing used infant car seats, since they may have been in an accident and may be damaged or worn out.
The best infant car seats range in price between $100 and $600. However they all share certain features. They're all lightweight, easy to put in and take off, and comfortable for babies. Some have extra features that make them more adaptable. For instance, they can swivel or clip onto strollers with no need for adapters. Check out our comparison of the top infant car seats for more information on the various options on the market.
Comfort
Top infant car seats are fitted with features that provide comfort and make it easy to get your baby into and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch system that eliminates the need to grip both straps at the same time, and cushioned padding that makes it less painful to lift the seat. You'll also want to think about the weight of the seat. Because you'll be using it without a base, a lighter seat is preferable. This Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.
The weight and height limits of infant
car seat inserts for newborns seats is also important. If you plan on keeping the car seat for a period of time, look for one that will grow with your baby and will fit them well into toddlerhood. You can use it longer and save money by not purchasing another seat.
You should also take into consideration 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 could be beneficial if you have three kids in the rear seat or two children in back-to back car seats. If you're planning to use a car seat in conjunction with a pram, select one that is compatible with most popular strollers and has detachable seats. Brands such as Graco or Nuna have options that meet your needs.
Check the rating of a car seat for ease of use. Clear guidelines and indicators, such as bubble levels or color-coding which indicate whether the seat is securely fastened and level can ease stress for parents who are new. Some seats also have unique features, such as load legs which are shock-absorbing components found under the seat or base that extend to the floor of the vehicle and absorb some of the force of a crash.
There are also accessories that claim to enhance the convenience and comfort of your car seat. But remember that anything that is not included with the seat hasn't been subjected to safety tests. Segura recommends that you don't put anything in your car seat, including an accessory like a blanket or harness that you purchased elsewhere.
Style
For parents who are new, figuring out how to select the best car seat for your infant can be quite an issue. It's essential to understand your budget and what features you'd like to have. There are numerous options for special features, stroller compatibility and even fabrics. But it all boils down to comfort.
For instance it's important to note that dedicated infant seats are more suitable for babies than convertible car seats and are suitable for the first year of life (though some might come with extended kits that have been tested and crash-tested to ensure they last longer). They usually offer more recline options to ensure the proper positioning of tiny children. They are also lighter and easier to carry. They are more likely to work when used with an existing travel system. This is a great option for new parents looking to save money and time by buying seats that serve two functions.
Car seat weight and width are also important factors to consider for the majority of families. For instance, some infant car seats are designed to be smaller than others for a better fit in the back of your car, or for use with siblings' seats. Some are also heavy enough to test your biceps to lift and transfer from car to stroller.