How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Car seats are an essential item for parents. What makes one car seat better than the other?
A specially designed infant seat is ideal for the most tiny babies, and is lighter for easier transport outside the vehicle. Consider features that are convenient, like premium connectors for lower anchors with non-rethreading harness pads and single button handles. Also, think about safety features like load legs and body/head cushions.
Safety
As any parent will tell you choosing the correct car seat is one of the most important decisions you'll have to make for your child. The right seat will ensure that your child is in a position correctly and adequately secured in the event in the event of a car crash.
Not all car seats are created equal. While every car seat sold in the US is required to conform to the strict safety standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, not all seats have the same features. Some seats have features that are specifically designed to protect infants. For example load legs can prevent movement in crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the car seat's base. Other features include bubble levels that allow for easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.
Choi says that car seats for infants are designed to fit babies the best. They typically have crash-tested inserts which can help achieve this. Plus, they're usually lighter than convertible car seats and are easily transferred to a stroller which makes them perfect for ride shares and daycare drop-offs 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 point to be aware of is that, while an excellent NHTSA rating and impressive crash test results are important however, the way you use your car seat is more critical for your child's safety. A study by Portland's leading children's hospital showed that 95% of parents made at least one error when installing or changing their car seat.
This is why it's a great idea to take a few moments to get familiar with the correct car seat usage guidelines before your baby arrives. We suggest that you select an infant car seat that comes with clear and concise instructions. It should also be lightweight so that it is easy to carry around with your baby.
You should also check to see whether the infant car seat you're thinking of purchasing meets the requirements for size for your vehicle. If you're worried 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 even born for a hands-on demonstration.
Convenience
Some portable infant car seat car seats have extra features that make it easier to use. For instance, they could come with a base that the seat clicks into and out of, or they may have easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features make it simpler to remove and install the car seat, especially in the event that you have a child in your care.
The weight and the height limits of a car seat for infants are other important aspects to take into consideration. If you have a child who is growing rapidly, it may be worth the extra money to invest in a car seat with higher limits to keep it in use for as long as you can.
In addition to safety features, your infant's car seat should also be comfortable. Look for padded straps that won't rub or pinch their shoulders, and a soft fabric that feels cozy beneath them for extended durations of time. It's also an excellent idea to select the seat with a lie-flat mode which allows your infant to be in a reclined position, which helps keep their airways open and oxygen levels high.
Dr. Segura warns that you should avoid buying any accessories for infant car seats that aren't included in the seat, since they are not crash-tested and may be unsafe. Also, avoid buying used infant car seats as they may have been in a crash and can be damaged or worn out.
While the best car seat newborn uk infant car seats range anywhere from $100 to $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 baby. Some even come with special features that make them more adaptable, like the ability to pivot and clip onto strollers without the need for adapters. For more information about the various choices available, read our review of the top infant car seat best car seats.
Comfort
The best infant car seats feature comfort features that make it easy to get the baby in and out of the seat. The best infant car seats come with a single-handed clasp system that eliminates having to grip both sides at once. They also have cushioned padding to make it easier to lift the seat. Additionally, you'll need to consider how much weight the seat weighs. You'll be using it without a base, after all so a lighter model is the best. This Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less that 13 pounds.
Other important factors include the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If you intend to keep the car seat for a while, look for an infant car seat that will grow with your baby and will fit them well into toddlerhood. Then, you'll be able to use it for longer and save money on a second car seat.
You should also take into consideration the dimensions of the seat, and whether it is wider or narrower than other models. This can be a boon for cars with smaller sizes, and the latter is a benefit if you have two kids in car seats that are back-to-back or require driving with three children in the back seat at some time. If you're planning to use a car seat with a pram, you should choose one that is compatible with the most popular strollers, and includes detachable seats. Car seat brands like Graco and Nuna offer options that can meet this requirement.
Examine the rating of a car seat for the ease of use. Clearly labeled guides and indicators that let you know the seat is level and securely fastened--like bubble levels or color codes--can help reduce stress on parents who are new. Some seats come with unique features, such as load legs. These are shock-absorbing parts that extend from the seat base or under the seat to the floor of the vehicle and absorb the force of impact in the event of a crash.
There are also accessories that claim to enhance the comfort and convenience of your car seat. Be aware that anything that's not included with the seat hasn't been subjected to safety tests. Segura suggests that you don't put anything in your car seat, including an accessory like a blanket or harness that you purchased elsewhere.
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 want. There are numerous options for special features, stroller compatibility and even fabrics. But it all comes down to comfort.
It is important to remember that convertible car seats aren't as suitable for small babies and can only be used up to the age of one year. Some even include extended kits that have been tested in a crash which can help them last longer. They also include more recline settings to allow proper positioning of small children and are generally lighter, making it easier to carry. They are more likely to be compatible when used with an existing travel system. This is beneficial for new parents looking to save money and time by purchasing a seat that will serve two functions.
Car seat weight and width are also important aspects to take into consideration for the majority of families. Some infant car seat travel car seats, for example are narrower and can fit better in the back of your car or in the vicinity of other seats. Some are so heavy that they will test your biceps when you lift them and transfer them from the car to the stroller.
When it comes to convenience, many parents prefer infant car seats that have the ability to move from base to carrier and then snap into a stroller, without the need for additional attachments. This will save you lots of time, particularly on days when you need to complete errands.
Other useful features include a magnetic buckle holder, a no-rethread strap, and a simplified installation process. Look for a head and body support insert to stop infants from slumping into the carrier or seat when they fall asleep.
Some car seats feature rigid latches that can be flipped out from the base if installed correctly. This type of install is more secure and can limit the amount of time a car seat can move during a crash.