How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

Parents should have car seats. What makes one car seat better than another?

A specially designed infant seat is ideal for the smallest of babies and is lighter for easier transportation outside of the vehicle. Look for features that make life easier like premium lower-anchor connectors, non-rethreading harness pads, and single button handles. Also, think about safety features such as load legs and head/body cushions.

Safety

As every parent knows, choosing the right car seat is one of the most important decisions you'll have to make for your child. The right seat will ensure they're positioned correctly in the car and that they are adequately protected in the event of an accident.

Not all car seats are created equal. While every car seat sold in the US must adhere to strict safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, not all seats have the same features. Some models have features that are specifically designed to protect infants. For example load legs can minimize movement during crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the base and car seat. Some include bubble levels that allow for easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby seat.

Car seats specifically designed for infants are also designed to fit small babies most comfortably and usually come with extra crash-tested inserts to aid in this, says Choi. They are also lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily converted to a stroller. This makes them suitable for daycare drop-offs, ride-shares and pick-ups. You can buy used ones at only a fraction of the cost, since they only last for your baby's first 12 months.

Another thing to consider is that while having a high NHTSA rating and excellent crash test results are essential but the manner you use your car seat is even more crucial to the safety of your child. A study by Portland's most renowned children's hospital found that 95% of parents made at least one error when installing or changing their car seat.

It's important to familiarize yourself prior to when your baby is born with correct car seat guidelines. We suggest that you select a car seat with clear and concise instructions. It must also be light so it's easy to carry around your baby.

Make sure that the infant car seat you're considering fits your vehicle's size requirements. And if you're worried about your own abilities to install and operate the car seat correctly take it to a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) to receive a hands-on tutorial before your baby's birth.

Convenience

Some infant car seats include additional features that make it easier to use. For example, they may have a base that the seat snaps into and out of, or they might come with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features make it easier to remove and install the car seat - particularly when there is a child in your care.

It is also important to consider the limits on height and weight for an forward facing infant car seat car seat. If you have a baby who is growing rapidly, it may be worth the extra cost to invest in a car seat that has higher limits so that you can utilize it for as long as is possible.

In addition to safety features, your infant's car seat must also be comfortable. Find comfortable straps that don't rub or pinch their shoulders and plush fabric that feels cozy beneath them for extended durations of time. Select a seat with the ability to lie flat. This allows your child to ride in an upright position, which helps keep their airways wide open and oxygen saturation levels high.

There are many accessories for infant car seats, but Dr. Segura cautions against buying any item that isn't included in the seat, as it is not crash tested and could be unsafe. It is also recommended to avoid buying used car seats for infants, because they could be involved in an accident and may be damaged or worn out.

The best infant car seats range in price from $100 to over $600. However, they all share some features. They are all lightweight, easy to install and remove, and comfortable for the child. Some have extra features that make them even more versatile. For instance they can swivel, or clip into strollers with no need for adapters. For more information about the various choices available, read our comparison of best infant car seats.

Comfort

The best infant car seats are equipped with comfort features that make it easy to get your baby in and out of the seat. This features a single-handed latch system that eliminates the need to grip both straps at once, plus cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. Additionally, you'll need to consider the weight of the seat--you'll be using it without a base after all and a lighter weight is more suitable. This Baby Trend Secure Lift, for example, weighs less than 13 pounds.

Other important aspects include the height and weight limits of the infant car seat. If you are planning to keep the car seat, choose one that can expand with your child and fit them into toddlerhood. You can use it longer and save money by not buying a second seat.

You'll also want to think about the seat's dimensions and if it's smaller or wider than other models. This can be an advantage for smaller vehicles, and the latter could be beneficial if you have two kids in back-to-back car seats or have to drive with three kids in the back seat at some moment in the future. If you plan to use a car seat along 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 meet this need.

To make it easier to use, take a look at the ratings that a car seat gets for installation. Clear guides and indicators, such as bubble levels or color-coding which indicate whether the seat is secured and level can help relieve stress for parents who are new. Some seats come with unique features, like load legs. These are parts that absorb shock that extend from the base or underneath the seat all the way to the floor of your vehicle and absorb the force of impact during a crash.

There are also accessories that claim to improve the comfort and convenience of your car seat. However, remember that anything not included in the seat hasn't undergone safety tests. Segura advises that you shouldn't put anything else in your car seat, such as an accessory like a blanket or harness that you bought elsewhere.

Style

It can be a challenge for parents with young children to choose the right infant car seats. It is important to determine what your budget is and what features you want. There are a variety of options for special features, stroller compatibility, and fabrics. However, it all boils down to comfort.

For example, it's worth noting that infant seats designed specifically for babies fit small babies better than convertible car seats newborn 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 help them last longer). They also include more recline settings to ensure proper positioning for smaller children and are generally lighter to make it easier to carry. They are more likely to be compatible when used in conjunction with an existing travel infant car seat system. This is a great option for new parents wanting to save money and time by purchasing seats that serve two purposes.

Car seat weight and width are also important to consider for families with a large number of children. Some infant car seats, for instance are narrower, which allows them to be able to fit in the back of your vehicle or close to other seats. Some are so heavy that they test your biceps when you lift them and transfer them from the car to the stroller.

Many parents choose an the infant car seat that can be changed from a base to a carrier and then click into a stroller without needing any additional attachments. This will save you a lot of time, particularly on days when you are running around for errands.

Other useful features include an adjustable buckle holder that is magnetic, a no-rethread strap, and a simple installation process. Also, look for an arm and head support insert, which can help prevent infants from slumping in the seat or carrier in the event of a nap.

Most car seats have flexible straps for their lower anchor connectors however, some have latches that are rigid and flip out of the base and turn green once installed. This type of install is more secure and may limit the amount a seat moves during an accident.