How to Select Good Infant Car Seats

The options available when it comes time to choose a car seat for infants can be overwhelming. There are a few steps you can do to narrow your search.

Premium features such as load legs, a simple harness to tighten and an extendable headrest that expands with your baby can make your experience on this parenting journey more enjoyable.

Easy of Use

When purchasing an infant car seat be sure to consider the weight and height limits. It is important to ensure that the seat will last your child until they're outgrowing it, which is usually around the age of two. It is also important to think about whether you require a car seat that has the maximum weight or height of 90th percentile, or in case you prefer one that is shorter or higher. This will help you determine how long you'll use the seat before deciding to switch to convertible car seats.

You should also think about how it is simple to install and use the seat. For example the ease of loosening and tightening straps and latch connectors, how easy it is to switch between forward and rear facing, and the number of buckle positions are available impact ease of use. It is also important to take into consideration whether the padding on your body and head are comfortable, and if the seat comes with any extras that are convenient, such as an insulated cupholder or hidden harness pads.

The more user-friendly a seat is the more likely you'll use it in a safe manner and have a big impact on your baby's safety. The most comfortable seats permit you to install them on your own with no fuss and then remove them from the base with much effort.

Another aspect to consider is the weight of the car seat and how easily it can be moved. You must be able to take the car seat with your lightweight baby car seat in it and carry it easily. This is particularly important if you are going on a long trip. Examine the seat's width and height to ensure that it's appropriate for your vehicle. If you intend to use it with a stroller for babies make sure you select a model that is compatible with a variety of strollers.

You should also look closely at the results of the testing conducted by the manufacturer. You can locate these results on the official website of the manufacturer or via an online search. You can find out if the seat has a history of protecting babies from injuries in crashes and also what their policy is regarding replacement.

Safety

When parents are looking for an infant seat, they must know if the product will keep their child safe. All infant car seats have to adhere to safety standards set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) It opens in a New Window which include rigorous crash tests as well as the five-point harness system.

However there are other factors to consider when shopping for an infant car seat. It is important to select the correct infant car seat based on your baby's weight and height and also the type of vehicle you have. It is also essential to ensure that the seat is properly installed, as incorrectly installed car seats increase the chance of injury during an accident.

A good infant car seat should have clearly marked installation guides, a simple-to-read bubble level indicator, and the ability to lock the clip to prevent accidental removal of the base. It should also be light and come with useful features such as an expandable harness that does not need to be rethread as well as anti-rebound bars, an extra-large load leg which helps protect your newborn from head injuries in the event of a crash.

While it's not a mandatory feature for every family however, some parents may wish to search for an infant car seat that can be converted into a toddler seat with the pull of a lever at the base. This will allow parents more flexibility and allow them to use the seat up until their child is at the manufacturer's weight and height limit.

It's also important to think about how it will be simple to use the car seat on a daily basis. The buckle should be simple and easy to snap into and out of place. The straps must be easy to unwind and adjust. The bag should be simple to carry even when empty and the base must be easy to remove from the car without needing to fiddle around.

Lastly, it's recommended to look for any recalls on the car seat that you are contemplating buying prior to making a purchase. This can be done on the NHTSA website Opens in a new window. It includes an index of searchable databases of all the current and previous recalls of car seats.

Comfort

When it concerns infant car seats, comfort is the main concern for parents. These seats that face the rear are designed to safeguard babies in the event of a crash and a majority of them come with head and body supports to keep your lightweight baby car seat cozy. Look for a rear-facing seat that comes with features such as no-rethread straps as well as magnetic buckle holders and adjustable shoulder belts.

Another factor that can make or break an infant car seat is how easy it is to install and use. In the ideal scenario, you'll be able to detach the seat from its base using one hand while securing your baby in the other. When you're ready, the seat should click into position in less than one second.

Many infant car seats are suitable to use without a base. This is ideal for parents who often switch between taxis or cars. Make sure you know the weight and height limitations of the seat before purchasing it to ensure your child isn't too big. Car seats also typically come with an infant insert that can be used when your baby is very small (like within the first few months or weeks of life), until their shoulders are at the lowest harness slot.

Convertible models are the best option for a baby car seat. They are convenient and provide security. These seats can be used with strollers and come with the ability to fold them in when not in usage. They're however generally larger than standard infant car seats and are more difficult to transport.

Another thing to consider is whether the seat comes with a load leg or brace that sits between the seat and the floor to give you extra stability. These aren't required however they can be very helpful in small vehicles or for those who have multiple car seats.

Convenience

You can travel with confidence knowing that your baby will be safe and comfortable. Consider features like straps for your shoulders that are padded, additional padding in the neck area to help your newborn fit comfortably, a wide range of recline positions, and more. You might also want to consider a car seat with additional features, such as UPF 50+ sun protection and a canopy that zips open fully that gives your baby the protection they require.

Take into consideration the ease of installation and use of the seat in relation to convenience. It is likely that you will need to install the seat using both the LATCH system as well as the belt of your vehicle, so find the model that makes this process as easy as possible.

For example, our top pick for best car seats for infants infant car seats is the Nuna Pipa is equipped with an easy-to-install process thanks to steel-reinforced LATCH connectors that slide out from the base and flash green when properly connected. This feature, in conjunction with the recline angle indicators as well as colored belt-oath indicator make this model stand out among infant car seats in terms of ease of use.

The seat is also small and light, making it a great option for parents who have to travel with their infant or will be switching between multiple cars often. Additionally, it comes with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to attach the harness with just one hand.

The seat is more narrow than other seats available and fits newborns better. The additional padding in the chest and shoulder area offers additional comfort. It's also a little more expensive than other alternatives, but we think the best features, like an adjustable base and SnugLock lockoff, are well worth it.

Infant car seats are a big investment, but with the proper information and considerations you can narrow your choices to a few models that will best suit your family's needs. Then, you can concentrate on the crucial task of getting ready for your baby's arrival!