How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

Parents must have car seats. But what makes one better than the other?

A dedicated infant seat fits the smallest of babies and is lighter for easy transportation outside of the vehicle. Look for features that make life easier like premium lower-anchor connectors and harness pads that are not rethreading, and single button handles. Also, consider safety features such as load legs and body/head 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 right seat will ensure that they're placed correctly in the car and that they are adequately secured in the event of an accident.

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. Certain seats come with features designed to safeguard infants. For example, load legs minimize movement during crashes by absorbing impact forces on the car seat and base. Some include bubble levels that allow for easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.

Choi says that dedicated infant car seats are designed to fit babies the best. They often come with crash-tested inserts, which aid in this. They're also lighter than convertible car seat and can be easily transformed into a stroller. This makes them ideal for ride-shares, daycare drop-offs and pickups. You can purchase an used one for a fraction of the price because they're only good for the first 12 months.

Another point to be aware of is that while having a high NHTSA rating and great crash test results are crucial but the manner you use your car seat is even more crucial for your child's safety. In fact, a study done by Portland's most prestigious children's hospital discovered that 95% of parents made at the very least one crucial error when installing or putting in their car seat.

It's important to familiarize yourself before your baby arrives by ensuring that you know the correct car seat guidelines. We suggest you look for a car seat with clear and concise instructions, is lightweight enough to be easy to carry your child in it and has simple adjustment mechanisms.

Check to see if the infant car seat that you're considering fits your vehicle's size requirements. If you're concerned about your ability to set up and operate the car seat properly yourself, you may want to take it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your baby is born for a hands-on demonstration.

Convenience

Some infant car seats come with additional features that make them more user-friendly. For instance, they could include a base the seat snaps into and out of, or they may come with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features can make it more convenient to attach and remove the car seat, especially if you have another child to attend to.

It is also important to take into consideration the limits on height and weight for an infant car seat cheap car seat. If your child is growing rapidly it could be worth investing in a car-seat with higher limits to ensure that you are able to use it for as long as you'd like.

In addition to safety features, your child's car seat should also be comfortable. Look for padded straps which will not rub or pinch their shoulders, and look for soft fabric that feels comfortable underneath them. It's also an excellent idea to select a seat with the option of lying flat, which allows your newborn to ride in a more relaxed position that keeps their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.

There are many accessories available for infant car seats, however Dr. Segura warns against buying items that are not included in the seat because it has not been crash tested and could be dangerous. You should also avoid buying used infant car seats as they may 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 certain characteristics. They're all lightweight, easy to set up and remove and are comfortable for infants. Some even come with special features that make them more versatile including the ability to swivel and clip into strollers, without the need for additional adapters. Check out our review of the best portable infant car seat car seats for more information about the various choices available.

Comfort

The best car seats for newborns uk infant car seats are fitted with features for comfort that make it easy to get your baby in and out of the seat. The best infant car seats feature one-handed clasps that eliminates having to grip both sides simultaneously. They also come with cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. In addition, you'll want to consider the weight of the seat--you'll be using it without a base, for instance so a lighter model is the best. This Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.

Other important aspects include the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. 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 buying an additional seat.

You should also take into consideration the dimensions of the seat and if it is wider or narrower than other models. The first can be useful for smaller vehicles. The second option could be useful if you have three children in the rear seat or two children in back-to-back car seats newborn seats. If you are planning to use a car seat with a pram, select one that is compatible with most popular strollers, and includes removable seats. Brands like Graco or Nuna have options that will satisfy your requirements.

Examine the rating of a car seat to determine its ease of use. Clearly labeled guides and indicators that inform you that the seat is level and securely fastened--like bubble levels or color codes--can aid in reducing stress on new parents. Certain seats come with innovative features, such as load legs. These are shock-absorbing parts that extend from the base or beneath the seat to the vehicle's floor and absorb the force of impact in the event of a crash.

There are also a few accessories that claim to improve your car seat's comfort and convenience, but remember that any product not included in conjunction with the car seat hasn't been evaluated or vetted for safety. "Anything you purchase that isn't from the manufacturer, even the harness or blanket is not recommended to put in the car seat," Segura says.

Style

For parents who are new trying to figure out how to choose the best infant car seat can be a bit of an exercise. It's important to know what your budget is and the features that you want. There are a lot of options for special features, stroller compatibility, and fabrics, but it all is based on what's comfortable for babies.

For example, it's worth noting that dedicated infant seats fit small babies better than convertible car seats and are suitable for the first year of life (though some may include crash-tested extension kits to ensure they 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 also more likely to work with a travel system, which is beneficial for new parents trying to save time and money by buying one seat that is able to do double duty.

Another aspect to be aware of is that car seat width and weight are important factors for most families. For instance, certain infant car seats are designed to be smaller than others, allowing them to fit in the back of your vehicle or for use with siblings in their seats. Some are so heavy that they will test your biceps when you lift them up and transfer them from the car to the stroller.

Many parents opt for an the infant car seat that can be converted from base to carrier and then click into a stroller without any extra attachments. This can save a lot of time, particularly during busy times when you're running errands with your little ones.

Other features that are useful include an adjustable buckle holder that is magnetic and a strap that is not rethread, and a simplified installation process. Lastly, look for an arm and head support insert that can help prevent infants from slumping in the seat or carrier when they fall asleep.

Some car seats have rigid latches that open from the base when installed correctly. This type of installation is more secure and limits the amount a seat can move in a crash.