How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Car seats are a must-have for parents. But what makes one superior to another?
A specially designed infant seat is the best option for babies who are small. It is also lighter, which makes it easy to transport outside of the vehicle. Look for features that make life easier like premium connectors for lower anchors with non-rethreading harness pads and single button handles. Also, look for security features like load legs or head and body cushions.
Safety
As every parent knows, choosing the right car seat is among the most important decisions you'll have to make for your child. The
best car seat newborn uk seat will ensure that your child is positioned correctly and adequately protected in case in the event 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 seats are created equal. Some seats have features that are specifically designed to protect infants. For instance load legs can reduce movement in crashes, by absorbing impact forces on the car seat and base. Other features include bubble levels that make installation easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.
Car seats specifically designed for infants are also designed to fit tiny babies most comfortably and usually include crash-tested inserts to aid in this, says Choi. They're also lighter than convertible car seat and can be easily converted into a stroller. This makes them perfect for drop-offs at daycares, rides, and pick-ups. You can purchase a used one at less than the cost as they're only used for your baby's first 12 months.
Another factor to keep in mind is that, while an excellent NHTSA rating and excellent crash test results are crucial, the method you use your car seat is even more important for your child's safety. In fact, a study conducted by Portland's most prestigious children's hospital discovered that 95% of parents made at least one critical mistake when installing or positioning their car seat.
That's why it's a good idea to take a few moments to learn the correct car seat usage guidelines before your baby arrives. We suggest looking for car seats that have clear and concise instructions, is lightweight enough to easily carry with your child in it and has simple adjustment mechanisms.
It is also important to determine if the infant car seat you're considering meets the size requirements for your vehicle. And if you're worried about your ability to install and operate the car seat correctly, consider taking it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) for an interactive session prior to the time the baby is born.
Convenience
Some infant car seats include extra features that make it easier to use. Some infant car seats have features that make them easier to use. For instance, they may have a base on which the seat can be clicked into and out, or they might feature an easy-to-use adjustment mechanism. These features can make it more convenient to install and detach the car seat, particularly if you have another child to take care of.
The weight and the height limits of a baby car seat (
click the up coming article) are also important factors to take into account. If your baby is growing quickly it could be worth investing in an infant car seat with higher limits to ensure that you can use it as long as you like.
In addition to safety features, your infant's car seat should also be comfortable. Choose cushioned straps that don't touch or squeeze their shoulders and soft fabric that feels cozy underneath them for long periods of time. Select a seat with the ability to lie flat. This allows your baby to ride in an upright position, which helps to keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.
Dr. Segura warns that you should avoid buying any accessories for infant car seats that are not included in the seat as they have not been tested for safety in a crash and could pose a risk. Avoid purchasing a used infant car seat as they could have been involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn.
The best infant car seats are priced from $100 to over $600. However they all share some features. They are all lightweight easy to put in and take down, and are comfortable for the baby. Some even come with special features that make them more adaptable, like the ability to swivel and clip into strollers without the need for adapters. Check out our comparison of the
best car seats for newborns infant car seats to get more information on the various choices available.
Comfort
The top infant car seats have comfort features that make it easy to get your baby in and out of the seat. The
best car seat newborn infant car seats feature one-handed clasps which eliminates the need to grasp both sides simultaneously. They also come with cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. It is also important to consider the weight of the seat. Because you'll be using it without a base, a lighter seat is better. The Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.
The weight and height limits of the infant car seats are also important. If you plan to keep the car seat for a while choose one that will adapt to your baby's needs and fit them into the toddler years. This way, you'll be capable of using it for a longer period of time and save money on a second car seat.
You should also consider the dimensions of the seat and if it's smaller or wider than other models. The first one is useful 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 plan to use a car seat in conjunction with a pram, you should choose one that is compatible with most popular strollers, and includes removable seats. Brands such as Graco or Nuna offer options to meet your needs.
Review the rating of a car seat for user-friendliness. Clear guidelines and indicators, such as bubble levels or color-coding, that indicate whether the seat is securely fastened and level can ease stress for parents who are new. Certain seats come with innovative features, like load legs. They are shock-absorbing components that extend from the base or beneath the seat all the way to the floor of your vehicle and absorb some impact force during a crash.
There are also a few accessories that claim to increase the comfort of your car seat and convenience, but keep in mind that any accessory not included with the car seat hasn't been tested or approved for safety. "Anything you purchase that isn't from the manufacturer, including an accessory like a 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 choose the right infant car seats. It's important to know what your budget is 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 worth noting that dedicated infant seats fit smaller babies better than convertible car seats and are suitable for the first year of life (though some might include crash-tested extension kits to ensure they last longer). They also tend to have more recline modes for proper positioning of smaller children and are generally lighter to make it easier to carry. They are more likely to work when used in conjunction with an existing travel system. This is beneficial for parents who are new and want to save money and time by purchasing seats that serve two functions.
Another aspect to be aware of is that car seat width and weight are important aspects for the majority of families. Some
infant car seat rear facing car seats, like, are narrower to be able to fit in the back of your vehicle or in the vicinity of other seats.