How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Parents must have car seats. What is it that makes one car seat better than another?
A dedicated infant seat is the ideal option for small babies. It is also lighter, which makes it easier to move outside of the vehicle. Consider convenience features like premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one button handles. Also, look for safety features such as load legs and head and body cushions.
Safety
As every parent will tell you, selecting the right car seat for your child is among the most crucial decisions you can make. The best seat will ensure that they're in the right position correctly in the car, and that they're adequately secured in the event of a crash.
Not all car seats are equal. While every car seat sold in the US is required to conform to the strict safety standards established 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 example load legs can minimize movement during crashes by absorbing impact forces on the base and car seat. Some include bubble levels that make installing easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.
Car seats specifically designed for infants are also designed to fit tiny babies best and often come with extra crash-tested inserts to aid in this, according to Choi. They are also lighter than convertible car seat and can be easily converted into a stroller. This makes them ideal for daycare drop-offs, ride-shares, and pickups. You can purchase an used one for less than the cost because they're only good for your baby's first 12 months.
A high NHTSA score and impressive crash test results are essential however the method you use to install your child's car seat is more important. In fact, a study conducted by Portland's most prestigious children's hospital discovered that 95 percent of parents have made at least one serious error when installing or putting in their car seat.
That's why it's a good idea to take a few moments to learn the correct car seat use guidelines before your baby arrives. We suggest that you select an infant car seat that comes with clear and concise instructions. It must also be light so that it is easy to carry around with your baby.
You should also check to verify that the car seat for infants you're thinking of purchasing meets the size requirements for your vehicle. And if you're worried about your own ability to install and operate the car seat correctly you might want to bring it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) for an in-person tutorial prior to when your baby's birth.
Convenience
Some infant car seats include additional features that make it easier to use. For instance, they might have a base that the seat can be clicked into and out of, or they may come with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features can help make it more convenient to attach and remove the car seat, especially if you have another child to look after.
It is also important to take into consideration the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If your child is growing quickly, it might be worth purchasing a car seat with greater limits to ensure that you can utilize it for as long as you'd like.
In addition to safety features, your baby's car seat must also be comfortable. Find comfortable straps that don't rub or pinch their shoulders, and a soft fabric that feels soft beneath them for extended durations of time. It's also an excellent idea to select the seat with the option of lying flat that allows your baby to be in a reclined position that helps keep their airways open and their oxygen saturation levels high.
There are a number of accessories available for infant car seats, however Dr. Segura advises against purchasing items that are not included in the seat because it is not crash tested and could be unsafe. Avoid purchasing a used infant car seats because they may be involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn.
While the top infant car seats range anywhere from $100 to $600, there are a few characteristics that all the top picks have in common. All are lightweight, easy to install and remove, and comfortable for the baby. Some have features that make them more versatile, like the ability to pivot and clip into strollers without the need for additional adapters. Check out our comparison of the top infant car seats for more information on the various options on the market.
Comfort
The top infant car seat s come with comfort features that make it easier to get the baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch system that eliminates the need to grip both straps simultaneously, as well as cushioned padding that makes it less painful to lift the seat. You'll also want to consider the weight of the seat. Because you'll be using it without a base, a lighter seat is better. The Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less that 13 pounds.
The height and weight limit of the infant car seats are also crucial. If you are planning to keep the car seat, select one that can expand with your child and allow them to transition into the stage of toddlerhood. You'll be able to use it for a longer period of time and save money on a second car seat.
You'll also want to think about the seat's dimensions and if it's smaller or wider than other models. The first is a good option for smaller vehicles. The second option could be useful if you have three children in the rear seat or two children in back-to back car seats. If you are planning to use a car seat along with a pram, choose one that is compatible with most popular strollers and comes with removable seats. Car seat brands such as Graco and Nuna provide options that satisfy this requirement.
Review the rating of a car seat for the ease of use. Guides and indicators clearly labeled that let you know the seat is level and securely fastened--like bubble levels or color-coded markings--can assist in easing the burden on new parents. Some seats also have innovative features such as load legs, which are shock-absorbing pieces that are located under the seat or on the base that extend to the floor of the vehicle and absorb some of the force of a crash.
There are accessories that claim to improve the convenience and comfort of your car seat. But remember that anything not sold with the seat hasn't been subjected to safety testing. "Anything you purchase that isn't directly from the manufacturer, such as a blanket or harness, you should not put in the car seat," Segura says.
Style
For parents who are new, figuring out how to select the best infant car seat is a bit of a puzzle. It is important to determine what your budget is and the features you want. There are a lot of options for special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics but a lot comes down to what's suitable for your baby.
For example it's important to note that infant seats designed specifically for babies fit small babies better than convertible car seats and can be used for the first year of life (though some might include extended kits that have been tested and crash-tested to ensure they last longer). They also include more recline settings to allow proper positioning of smaller children, and are generally lighter, making it easier to carry. They are more likely to be compatible when used with a travel system. This can be useful for parents who are new and want to save money and time by purchasing seats that can serve two purposes.
Car seat weight and width are important factors to consider for the majority of families. For example, some infant car seats are designed to be a bit narrower than others for a better fit in the back seat of your vehicle or for use alongside siblings in their seats. Some are also heavy enough to really test your biceps strength and transfer from stroller to car.
Many parents prefer infant car seat that can be converted from base to carrier, and then convert into a stroller without needing any additional attachments. This can save a lot of time, especially on busy days when you're out running errands with your children.
Other convenient features include a harness that is not rethread, magnetic buckle holders and a streamlined installation process. Finally, you should look for a head and body support insert that can help prevent infants from slumping in their seats or carriers in the event of a nap.
Most car seats have flexible straps for their lower anchor connectors, however some feature rigid latches that flip out of the base and turn green when properly installed. This type of installation is more secure and reduces the amount a seat can move during an accident.