How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

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

A dedicated infant seat fits the most tiny babies, and is lighter for easy transportation outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience options like premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one button handles. Also, consider safety features such as load legs and body cushions for the head and neck.

Safety

As any parent knows that choosing the best car seat infant car seat is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your child. The correct seat will make sure that your child is in a position correctly and adequately protected in case of a car crash.

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

Car seats for infants are also designed to fit babies at their best and often include extra crash-tested inserts to aid in this, says Choi. Additionally, they're generally lighter than convertible car seats and are easily transferred to a stroller which makes them perfect for ride-sharing and daycare drop-offs and pick-ups. You can purchase used ones at only a fraction of the cost as they're only used for your baby's first 12 months.

A high NHTSA score and great crash test results are crucial however the method you use to install your child's car seat is more important. In fact, a study done by Portland's most prestigious children's hospital discovered that 95 percent of parents made at least one serious error when installing or putting in their car seat.

It is important to familiarize yourself prior to when your baby arrives with the proper guidelines for car seats. We suggest that you select a car seat with clear and concise instructions. It must also be light so that it is easy to carry around your baby.

Examine if the infant car seat you're thinking about purchasing meets the car's dimensions. And if you're worried about your ability to install and use the car seat properly, consider taking it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) to receive a hands-on tutorial before the baby is born.

Convenience

Some infant car seats include extra features that make it simpler to use. Certain infant car seat travel car seats come with features that make them easier to use. For instance, they could include a base that the seat can be clicked into and out, or they could include an easy-to-use adjusting mechanism. These features can make it easier to install and detach the car seat, particularly if you have another child to attend to.

The weight and the height limits of a baby car seat are other important aspects to take into consideration. If you have a child who is growing quickly it might be worth the extra cost to purchase a car seat that has higher limits to ensure that you use it for as long as possible.

In addition to safety features, your child's car seat must also be comfortable. Choose padded straps that don't rub or pinch their shoulders, and look for soft fabrics that feel at ease underneath them. It's also recommended to choose the seat with an option to lie flat which allows your infant to be in a reclined position, which helps keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.

There are many accessories available for portable infant car seat car seats however Dr. Segura warns against buying items that are not included with the seat as it has not been tested for crash and could be unsafe. Avoid buying a used car seats for infants because they may be involved in an accident and may be damaged or worn.

While the best infant car seats can cost between $100 and $600, there are a few features that all the top picks have in common. They are all lightweight easy to put in and take down, and are comfortable for the child. Some have extra features that make them more versatile. For example they can swivel, or clip into strollers with no need for adapters. For more information on the different options available, take a look at our list of the top infant car seats.

Comfort

The best car seat newborn infant car seats feature comfort features that make it easier to get baby in and out of the seat. The top infant car seats come with a single-handed clasp system that lets you grip both sides at the same time. They also have cushioned padding to make it easier to lift the seat. Additionally, you'll need to consider how much the seat weighs--you'll be using it without a base, for instance, so a lighter one is the best. The Baby Trend Secure Lift, for instance, weighs less than 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, choose one that will grow with your child and fit them into the stage of toddlerhood. You'll be capable of using it for a longer period of time and save money on a new car seat.

You should also consider the dimensions of the seat and whether it is wider or narrower than other models. This can be a boon for cars with smaller sizes, and the latter could be beneficial when you have two kids in back-to-back car seats or have to drive with three children in the back seat at some time. If you intend to use your car seat with strollers, choose one that is able to be removed from car seats and is compatible with the majority of strollers. Brands like Graco or Nuna have options that meet your needs.

For ease of use, look up the rating the car seat is given for installation. Clear guides and indicators, such as bubble levels or color-coding, that indicate whether the seat is secured and level, can ease the stress of new parents. Some seats also have unique features like load legs, which are shock-absorbing parts found under the seat or base which extend to the floor of the vehicle to absorb some of the force during a crash.

You'll also find some accessories that claim to increase the comfort of your car seat newborn insert seat and convenience, but remember that any accessory not included in conjunction with the car seat hasn't been evaluated or vetted for safety. "Anything you buy that's not from the manufacturer, even an accessory like a harness or blanket you shouldn't put in the car seat," Segura says.

Style

It can be difficult for parents with young children to choose the right infant car seats. It's essential to know your budget and what features you'd like. There are a variety of options for special features, stroller compatibility, and even fabrics. However, it all boils down to comfort.

For instance, 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 might include extended kits that have been tested and crash-tested to make them last longer). They also offer more recline options for proper positioning of small children and are generally lighter, making it easier to carry. They are more likely to work when used with an existing travel system. This is a great option for new parents wanting to save money and time by buying seats that serve two functions.

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, like are narrower and can fit better in the back of your car or next to other seats. Some are so heavy that they will test your biceps when you lift them and then transfer them from the car to the stroller.

Many parents prefer baby car seats that can be changed from base to carrier and then transform into a stroller without needing 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 as well as a strap that does not need to be rethread and a simple installation process. Look for a head and body support insert to stop infants from slumping into the seat or carrier as they fall asleep.

Certain car seats come with rigid latches that open from the base when they are installed correctly. This kind of installation is more secure and may limit the amount of time a car seat moves during a crash.