How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

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

A special infant seat fits the most tiny babies, and is lighter for easy transport outside the vehicle. Look for convenience features such as premium lower-anchor connectors with non-rethreading harness pads and single button handles. Also, think about safety features such as load legs and body/head cushions.

Safety

As any parent will tell you, choosing the best car seat for your child is among the most important decisions you can make. The right seat will make sure that your child is positioned properly and is adequately protected in the event of a crash.

Not all car seats are equal. While every seat sold in the US is required to conform to the strict safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, not all seats have the same features. Certain seats come with features that are designed to safeguard infants. For instance, load legs prevent movement in 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.

Car seats for infants are also designed to fit tiny babies best, and typically come with extra crash-tested inserts to help achieve this, according to Choi. Plus, they're usually lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily moved to strollers which makes them perfect for daycare and ride-share pickups and drop-offs. You can buy an used one for less than the cost because they're only good for the first 12 months.

A high NHTSA score and excellent crash test results are essential however, the way you use the car seat of your child is more important. In fact, a study done by Portland's top children's hospital found that 95 percent of parents have made at least one critical mistake when installing or positioning their car seat.

This is why it's a great idea to take a few moments to get familiar with the correct car seat use guidelines prior to when your child arrives. We recommend that you choose a car seat that has clear and concise instructions. It should also be lightweight so that it is easy to carry around your baby.

Make sure that the infant car seats cheap car seat that you're considering fits your car's dimensions. And if you're worried about your own abilities to install and use the car seat properly you might want to bring it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) to receive an interactive session prior to the time your baby's birth.

Convenience

Some infant car seats have additional features that make it simpler to use. For instance, they might have a base that the seat can be clicked into and out of, or they might feature easy-to-use adjustments. These features make it easier to install and remove the car seat - particularly when there is a child in your care.

It is also crucial to consider the weight and height limits for an infant car seat. If your child is growing quickly it may be worthwhile to invest in an infant car seat with higher limits to ensure that you can use it as long as you like.

In addition to safety features, your infant's car seat must also be comfortable. Find padded straps that don't rub or pinch their shoulders, and for soft fabrics that feel comfortable under them. It's also an excellent idea to select an infant seat that has the option of lying flat, which allows your newborn to ride in a more reclined position that helps keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.

There are a number of accessories available for infant car seats but Dr. Segura advises against purchasing any item that isn't included in the seat, as it has not been tested for crash and could be unsafe. It is also recommended to avoid buying used car seats for infants, since they may have been involved in an accident and may be damaged or worn out.

The top infant car seats range in price between $100 and $600. However, they all share some characteristics. They're all light, easy to put in and take off and are comfortable for infants. Some have extra features that make them even more adaptable. For instance they can pivot or clip into strollers without adapters. Check out our comparison of the best infant car seats to get more information on the various options on the market.

Comfort

Top infant car seats are fitted with features for comfort that make it easy to take your child into and out of the seat. The best infant car seats feature a single-handed clasp system that lets you grip both sides at the same time. They also have padding that is cushioned to make it easier to lift the seat. Additionally, you'll need to take into consideration how much the seat weighs--you'll be using it without a base in the end so a lighter model is better. The Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less that 13 pounds.

Other factors to consider include the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If you plan to keep the car seat for a long time choose one that will grow with your baby seat and will fit them well into the toddler years. You can keep it for longer and save money by not buying a second seat.

You should also consider the dimensions of the seat and whether it is narrower or wider than other models. The first can be useful for smaller vehicles. The second could be useful if you have three kids in the rear seat or two children in back-to back car seats. If you plan to use your car seat in conjunction with strollers, choose one that is able to be removed from car seats and is compatible with the majority of strollers. Car seat brands such as Graco and Nuna offer options that can meet this requirement.

Review the rating of a car seat for user-friendliness. Clear guidelines and indicators, such as bubble levels or color codes to indicate if the seat is securely fastened and level can help relieve stress for parents who are new. Some seats also have innovative features, such as load legs which are shock-absorbing components found under the seat or on the base that extend out to the floor of the vehicle to absorb some of the force during a crash.

There are also some accessories that claim to enhance your car seat's comfort and convenience, but remember that any accessory not included in conjunction with the car seat hasn't been tested or approved for safety. "Anything you purchase that isn't directly from the manufacturer, such as an accessory like a harness or blanket you shouldn't put in the car seat," Segura says.

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 the features that you want. There are plenty of different options for special features, stroller compatibility, and fabrics, but it all depends on what's most suitable for your baby.

It's important to note that convertible car seats aren't suitable for infants and are only suitable until one year. Some even include crash-tested extensions kits that will allow them to last longer. They typically come with more recline options to ensure the proper positioning of small children. They are also lighter and easier to carry. They are more likely to be compatible when used in conjunction with a travel system. This is a great option for new parents looking to save money and time by purchasing a seat that will serve two functions.

Another important thing to remember is that car seat width and weight are important factors for most families. Some infant car seats, for example are narrower and can fit better in the back of your vehicle or in the vicinity of other seats. Some are enough weighty to test your biceps strength and move from stroller to car.

When it comes to convenience, many parents opt for infant car seats with the ability to go from base to carrier and click directly into a stroller without the need for extra attachments. This can save a ton of time, especially on busy days when you're running errands with your children.

Other convenient 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 that can assist infants in avoiding slumping in their seats or carriers when they fall asleep.

Most car seats have flexible straps for the lower anchor connectors, but there are some that feature rigid latches that flip out of the base and turn green when correctly installed. This kind of installation is more secure and limits the amount of movement a car seat can move during an accident.