How to Choose the Best Infant
car seat newborn insert Seat
Consider what you want from your car seat. "If you want a car seat to grow with your child, you should consider an all-in-one model like the Graco 4Ever DLX," Saxton suggests. The seat has a long rear-facing weight limit, and it can convert into an incline-back booster and a backless one.
The soft cushioning that is machine washable is an added benefit. Other useful features include load legs which are shock-absorbing components on the base of the car seat that help to limit movement in a crash.
Safety
They are designed to fit babies with smaller sizes better, and therefore they have more padding than convertible car seats. They are also lighter and easier to take from your car or attach to a stroller frame which is crucial since you'll need to carry your child's car seat out of the vehicle frequently. The infant car seats have the advantage of often being built to last for the first year of your child's life so you don't need to worry about them exceeding their weight or height as quickly as a convertible car seat may.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's standards for car seats are rigorous however it's a good idea to do your own research before making a purchase. Take a look at reviews from other parents and looking through safety guides from organizations like Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, both of which have a wealth of crash testing information to provide to families.
You should also consider whether the seat comes with features that could be beneficial to your family, such as an easy strap release with one hand or a harness that doesn't need rethreads, or a spring-loaded leveling foot. These types of features can help you buckle your child faster and more convenient however, you must remember that even the safest seats can be a waste in the event that you don't utilize them in a proper manner.
Other things to consider are the width and weight of the car seat. Many infant seats are designed to be narrow enough to fit in with older car seats in the back of your vehicle, while others can grow with your child and then transition to a booster seat simultaneously. And finally, if you intend to use your car seat to transport or to take taxis, an infant car seat that can be installed using only the vehicle's seatbelt is a great alternative.
In general, it is recommended to purchase the safest seat that you can afford. The most affordable models don't always meet the highest standards of crash safety. Avoid models that do not include side impact crash tests and allow manufacturers to self-certify.
Convenience
The
best car seats for infants are those that fit inside your vehicle with your family and are easy to install and come with useful extras like a built-in jogging stroller or a rotation feature. It should be affordable.
infant car seat rear facing seats range in price between $180 to $500. If they are convertible, and are intended for both infants and toddlers The price could be higher.
The convenience features include the ability to be installed using the LATCH system, or a seatbelt. Also it is possible to adjust the headrest and harness without removing the baby from the seat. You should be able to set up and take it out easily, especially if you switch it between cars often or take Uber rides with your child. The seat should be lightweight, with clearly labeled instructions for installation and bubble levels to make it easier to install the car seat.
It should be easy to adjust the buckles and harness, as well as rotate the seat when not in use. It's also important to check the weight and height limits of the infant car seat prior to you buy it, and then consider whether your baby will outgrow it before its first birthday. It is generally recommended to select a seat for your child that can grow with them until they reach the 90 percentile.
Some manufacturers go over the federal safety standards to incorporate additional features like crash-testing, comfort and convenience in their car seats. The Clek Liing one of the top picks by our gear editors as well as Consumer Reports, is an excellent example of an infant seat that provides more than just crash protection. It also has a load leg, which can help stabilize the seat in a crash, and reduces the force on the child's body by 40%. This alone could save the life of a child, which is why it's worth paying more for car seats that are secure and comes with additional convenience features.
Comfort
One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing an infant car seat is comfort, as babies spend a significant amount of time in their car seats. The most comfortable car seats feature the thick, breathable fabric as well as plenty of padding on the harness and headrest. They are equipped with simple adjustments, such as strap covers, buckles and headrest adjustment mechanisms that don't require the rethreading.
The weight and size of a baby car seat can also impact the comfort of your child, particularly when you are planning to switch cars or use the seat frequently. Certain models are smaller which makes it easier to fit them in the backseat alongside other car seats or siblings' seats. And, while they all have minimum and maximum heights and weight limits, some are a bit lighter than others. This can prevent your biceps from getting sore when you carry it around town or between vehicles.
Some infant car seats include additional features that make them more versatile, such as rotational options or the ability to connect to a stroller without the need for extra adapters. Some models come with high-end features, such as an adjustable strap that doesn't rethread or bar that prevents rebound to give you extra security in the event of a crash. Although these features aren't essential for a safe ride, they can contribute to the overall experience using the seat.
Parents want their infants to be comfortable and have a clean car seat. They also value safety and convenience. Find a seat that's machine washable and stain-resistant and also easy to remove for cleaning. Some seats can be cleaned in the dishwasher which makes it easier to keep them looking brand new.
Some models go further to ensure that their customers get a safe and comfortable experience. For example the Graco SnugRide (tm) Elite has an anti-rebounding bar that is able to meet Graco ProtectPlus Engineered(tm) which is designed to withstand rear and front collisions. The seat also comes with a Silent Shade canopy that keeps baby comfortable and quiet and also an indicator that lets you know that it's attached correctly to the base. And, its adjustable harness tightener and carry handle allow for easy single-handed adjustments.
Design
Manufacturers of infant car seats create their products with safety and ease of use as their primary goals. However, the wide range of features can make it difficult to determine which one is the
best car seat fit for your family. Consider factors like the weight and height limits as well as the number of belt routes and buckles. Additional features like anti-rebound bars load legs, harnesses with no-rethread straps can increase the cost but could also increase the comfort of babies. You may also think about features that allow you to easily get your child in and out of the seat, like rotational mechanisms. Also, pay attention to dimensions and weight of the base, as not all seats are suitable for every car.
One aspect that is particularly important is the ease of installing and disconnecting from the base. This is influenced by the quality of the LATCH connectors as well as whether they're rigid or flexible. It is also important to be aware of whether the straps can be easily tightened and loosened and if there is a single-hand release mechanism to remove and install the seat.
Some models let you use the seat without a base, which is useful when you frequently take taxis or if you plan on changing cars often. To ensure that your seat is securely installed make sure you choose models with bubble level indicators and a integrated locking mechanism.
Some features may be worth the extra expense, such as the ability to grow with your child, a five-position recline feature and the canopy that expands and is locked in the position. Our product testers also mentioned that having a seat which can be used for highback boosters with belt positioning or a backless booster after the baby has completed using it is an added bonus.
Doona is an infant car seat that will spoil parents. It comes with a variety of features that address nearly every complaint families have regarding infant car seats. This is the reason our test participants have rated it highly all over the spectrum. For instance, it's approved for use on planes, and features an exclusive handle that doubles as an anti-rebound bar and can be converted directly into a stroller (no need to buy a separate stroller adapters). Its crash test result is impressive and it's GREENGUARD Gold Certified.