How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant

The price of infant car seats can go through the gamut, depending on materials, styles and other add-ons. But you don't have to spend a fortune to find a high-quality car seat for infants.

Our product testers rated the best-performing infant car seats in five important categories safety, user-friendliness, reliability, convenience and adjustability.

Safety Ratings

The best infant car seats are tested for safety. The most secure infant car seats have clear instructions, and features like bubble levels or padded seating to provide good support for the baby seat. We also found it helpful when a chair has simple adjustments that don't require taking the baby out of the car to loosen or tighten them, or use a system of clips and hooks for quick changes. If the procedure is quick and simple, parents will be more likely to keep their the correct fitting harnesses.

We looked for seats that could be machine washed and models that can be installed on the base to minimize the risk of a buckle falling off or lost during washing. If you plan to use your car seat regularly, especially on public transport, you should consider purchasing a seat with self-retracting belts and a recline feature. This will ease the pressure on your spine.

Choosing an infant car seat is among the most important purchases you'll make as a parent, and we suggest taking the time to research it thoroughly before making your purchase. Check out reviews from consumers and child safety advocacy groups. It's recommended to visit the website of the manufacturer and review any recall notices prior to you buy a car seat.

A car seat for infants is a small, lightweight car seat designed for newborns and babies who are up to their first birthday. They are usually used with a rear-facing design. Most infants outgrow the car seat they were in by the time they are one. In the case of convertible and all-in-one seats, the child is then transferred to a toddler's seat. Infant-only seats should be used rearward-facing until your child reaches the maximum weight and height limits that are set by the manufacture. Then, they must be changed to an automobile seat that faces forward. A convertible or all-in one car seat can be used both ways, but it's safer for your baby to be in the rear-facing car seat until they're tall enough to be able to sit in a front-facing seat.

Simple to use

It's important to choose a car seat that is easy to use for parents and children, even though safety is the primary aspect. This is why we consider things like buckles, harness adjustments, and handles during our tests as well as how easy it is to set up the car seat in a vehicle. If a car seat is difficult to use, you may end up using it incorrectly. This could affect the safety of your child.

If you're concerned about installing your infant car seat correctly, consider visiting a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) before bringing your baby home. They can guide you on how to use the seat and show you a video of the crash test. Make sure to read the instructions that comes with your car seat, since this can assist you in avoiding common installation mistakes.

Infant car seats aren't convertible and should only be used until your child is outgrowing it or attains the weight or height limit specified by the manufacturer. It is essential to select the right seat for your child that lasts as long as it can, before transitioning them to an adult car seat for older children.

Some infant car seats can be converted into strollers, which means you'll get more value for your price. But it's important to note that any car seat that can be transformed into a stroller is likely to be heavier than the ones that only function as an infant car seat.

Another factor to be aware of is how wide your infant car seat is, which can impact the ease of it to fit into your car and if it's compatible other seats you might have in the back row. You should also consider how heavy it is, as lighter seats are more easy to lift into and out of the car. This is especially true when you plan to use the infant seat often and carry it between vehicles. For these reasons, we prefer lightweight, narrower models in our top infant car seat review.

Reliability

Making sure your child is safe is the top priority. And while every car seat on the market must adhere to federal safety standards, a few go above and beyond. Best of the Bump winner Clek's Liing for instance, has a two-stage body support system that keeps babies cozy and comfortable and is compatible with a variety of popular strollers. Consumer Reports also gave it the top score in an impact test.

It is important to remember that even the most secure infant car seat is only as safe in the way it is installed and used. A poorly installed or used car seat is a significant risk factor for infants and children of all ages. This is why Vybiralova Stanton suggests studying the manual of the manufacturer and looking for installation videos online. "You'll discover that manufacturers are more focused on making sure that you have the right seat for your car and baby seat," she says.

The best infant car seats are easy to install and use. They have features like a single-handed buckle release magnetic strap holders that don't catch clothing, and a non harness that can be rethread. They also come with durable materials and a variety of adjustment mechanisms that operate seamlessly.

Another feature to look for is whether an infant car seat has a base that can be used with or without the use of the use of a vehicle's LATCH or shoulder belt systems. This is a great option for parents who regularly use taxis or are using their seat in several vehicles.

It is also important to think about the amount that the car seat weighs and if you're able to carry it comfortably. Some models are much heavier than others and could tax your arms and shoulders particularly when you have kids to carry around or traveling long distances.

In the end, a baby car seat with a lower price tag will save you time and money. Don't buy a cheap car seat just because it's inexpensive. A low price could mean that the manufacturer has cut corners on safety features or quality. It's always a good idea to read reviews and ask for recommendations from other parents prior to making your final purchase.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seat for travel car seats make it simple to keep your baby safe. They are easy to put in and have features that make buckling and unbuckling easier and come with other amenities such as comfortable fabrics and a non-rethread harness. They also have features that ensure their safety in the event of a crash such as load legs which are shock-absorbing parts of the base or the car seat that limit the movement of the seat and consequently reduce the force on your child.

If you're driving a smaller vehicle, or if you intend to switch between multiple vehicles often you should consider a child car seat that is compact and slim. This type of seat can easily fit in narrower cars, and many of them have a unique handle that makes it simple to tote. They're also typically lighter than convertible car seats, so they're easier to lift in and out of the vehicle.

The infant car seat converts into a baby stroller without needing an additional attachment. This is ideal for families that are always moving around or living in cities that have public transportation. It's slightly larger than a typical car seat for an infant, but not as large as a convertible.

It's simple to use and our product testers were impressed by its magnetic buckle holders and harness that does not need rethreads, which makes it incredibly easy to get the baby out and in. It is equipped with features that make it easy to use, including the recline that is operated by a button with four positions and steel reinforced connectors for LATCH that can be removed from the base once secured.

Choosing the right infant car seat is among the most important decisions you'll make as the new parent. It's important to do research and read reviews prior to making a decision. You should ensure that the car seat that you choose is made with your child's safety in mind and conforms to all safety standards in the country.