How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

Car seats are a must-have for parents. What is it that makes one car seat more effective than the other?

A special infant seat fits small babies best, and is lighter for easy transport outside the vehicle. Look for convenience options such as premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one button handles. Also, look out for safety features like load legs and head and body cushions.

Safety

As every parent will tell you, selecting the right car seat for your child is one of the most crucial decisions that you could make. The correct seat will ensure that they're in the right position correctly in the car, and that they're adequately secured in the event of an accident.

While every car seat sold in the US must adhere to strict standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Not all car seats are created equal. Certain models have features specifically designed to protect infants, like load legs that help reduce the impact of crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the base of the car seat, while others include built-in bubble levels to make it easy for installation and adjustable headrests that increase with your baby.

Car seats for infants are also designed to fit babies at their most comfortably and usually include extra crash-tested seats to accomplish this, according to Choi. They are also lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily converted to a stroller. This makes them perfect for drop-offs at daycares, rides and pick-ups. You can purchase a used one at less than the cost as they're only used for the first 12 months.

Another point to consider is that, while a high NHTSA rating and impressive crash test results are essential but the manner you use your car seat is more important for your child's safety. In fact, a study by Portland's leading children's hospital revealed that 95 percent of parents have made at the very least one crucial mistake when installing or positioning their car seat.

It's important to be familiar with your surroundings before your baby arrives by ensuring that you know the correct car seat guidelines. We recommend that you choose an infant car seat that comes with clear and concise instructions. It should also be lightweight so that it is easy to carry around your baby.

It is also important to determine if the car seat for infants you're considering meets the requirements for size for your vehicle. If you're concerned about your capability to install and operate the car seat properly yourself, you may consider taking it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your baby is even born for a hands on instruction.

Convenience

Some infant car seats include extra features that make it simpler to use. For instance, they could have a base that the seat can be clicked into and out of, or they might have easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features can make it more convenient to install and detach the car seat, especially when you have a child to take care of.

The weight and the height limits of an infant car seat are also important factors to take into consideration. If you have a child who is growing quickly it could be worth the extra cost to purchase a car seat that has higher limits to keep it in use for as long as is possible.

In addition to safety features, your baby's car seat must also be comfortable. Choose cushioned straps that don't squeeze or rub their shoulders, and a soft fabric that feels soft beneath them for extended durations. It's also recommended to choose the seat with an option to lie flat that allows your baby to ride in a more relaxed position that keeps their airways open and oxygen levels high.

There are a number of accessories for infant car seats however Dr. Segura cautions against buying anything that is not included in the seat because it is not tested in a crash and may be unsafe. You should also avoid buying used car seats for infants, as they may have been involved in an accident and may be damaged or worn out.

The best infant car seat for travel car seats can cost anywhere from $100 to $600 There are a few features that all of the top options have in common. All are lightweight and easy to install and remove, and comfortable for the child. Some even come with special features that make them more versatile such as the ability to swivel and clip into strollers without the need for adapters. For more information on the different options available, take a look at our comparison of best car seats infant infant car seats.

Comfort

The best infant car seats are equipped with features that provide comfort and allow you to easily get your baby in and out of the seat. This features a single-handed latch system that eliminates the need to hold both straps at the same time, and cushioned padding that makes it less painful to lift the seat. Also, you should think about the weight of the seat. Since you'll use it without a base, a seat that is lighter is better. This Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.

The weight limit and height of infant car seats are also crucial. If you are planning to keep the car seat, select one that will adapt to your child's needs and accommodate them into the toddlerhood. You'll be able to use it for longer and save money on a new car seat.

You should also consider the dimensions of the seat and whether it is narrower or wider than other models. The former can be beneficial for vehicles with smaller dimensions, while the latter is a benefit when you have two kids in back-to-back car seats or have to drive with three kids in the back seat at some time. If you are planning to use your car seat along with a stroller, look for one that can be detached from car seats and is compatible with most popular strollers. Brands like Graco or Nuna have options that meet your needs.

To make it easier to use, take a look at the rating a car seat receives for installation. Clearly labeled guides and indicators that inform you that the seat is level and securely fastened - like bubble levels or color codes--can assist in easing the burden on parents who are new. Certain seats come with innovative features, like 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 some force in the event of a crash.

There are also some accessories that claim to improve the comfort of your car seat and convenience, but remember that any device not sold with the car seat hasn't been evaluated or vetted for safety. "Anything you buy that's not directly from the manufacturer, such as the harness or blanket, you should not put in the car seat," Segura says.

Style

For parents who are new trying to figure out how to choose the best car seat for your infant is a bit of an issue. It is important to determine what your budget is and the features that you'd like to have. There are plenty of different options in terms of special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics, but it all is based on what's comfortable for babies.

For instance, it's worth noting that dedicated infant seats fit smaller babies better than convertible car seats and are suitable for the first year of their lives (though some may include crash-tested extension kits to make them last longer). They also offer more recline options to ensure proper positioning for small children and are generally lighter to make it easier to carry around. They are also more likely to work with a travel system, which can be helpful for new parents trying to save time and money by purchasing one seat that can perform double duty.

Car seat weight and width are also important aspects to take into consideration for families with a large number of children. Some infant car seats, for example, are narrower to fit better in the back of your car or close to other seats. Some are heavy enough to really test your biceps strength and transfer from stroller to car.

Many parents opt for an infant car seat best car seat that can be transformed from a base to a carrier and then transform into a stroller without any extra attachments. This can help you save a lot of time, especially on days when you need to complete errands.

Other convenient features include a magnetic buckle holder and a strap that is not rethread, and a streamlined installation procedure. Also, look for a head and body support insert, which can help prevent infants from slumping in the seat or carrier in the event of a nap.

Some car seats have rigid latches which flip out from the base if installed correctly. This kind of installation is more secure and may restrict the amount that a seat can move during the event of a crash.