How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Car seats are a must-have for parents. What makes one car seat better than the other?
A special infant seat fits small babies best, and is lighter to facilitate transport outside the vehicle. Look for features that make life easier like premium lower-anchor connectors, non-rethreading harness pads, and single button handles. Also, look for safety features such as load legs and head/body cushions.
Safety
As every parent will tell you, selecting the most appropriate car seat for your child is among the most important decisions you could make. The correct seat will ensure that your child is in a position correctly and properly protected in case of a crash.
Not all car seats are equal. While every car seat sold in the US must adhere to strict safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Not all seats have the same features. Some seats have features specifically designed to protect infants. For instance, load legs minimize movement during crashes by absorbing impact forces on the car seat and base. Others include bubble levels that allow for easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.
Choi says that car seats for infants are designed to provide the perfect fit for babies. They usually include crash-tested inserts which aid in this. They're also lighter than a convertible car seats and can be easily transformed into a stroller. This makes them perfect for daycare drop-offs, ride-shares, and pick-ups. You can purchase an used one for less than the cost, since they only last for the 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 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 minutes to familiarize yourself with the correct car seat usage 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 enough it's easy to carry around your baby.
Check to see if the infant car seat that you're considering fits your car's dimensions. And if you're worried about your own ability to set up and use the car seat properly take it to a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) for an interactive session prior to the time your baby is born.
Convenience
Some infant car seats come with additional features that make it easier to use. For instance, they might have a base that the seat clicks into and out of, or they might have easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features make it easier to install and remove the car seat - especially in the event that you have a child in your care.
It is also crucial to think about the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If your child is growing rapidly, it might be worth purchasing a car seat with greater limits to ensure that you are able to utilize it for as long as you'd like.
Apart from the safety features, an infant car seat should be comfortable for your baby. Choose cushioned straps that don't rub or pinch their shoulders and plush fabric that is soft under them for extended durations. It's also recommended to choose the seat with the option of lying flat that allows your baby to sit in a more reclined position that helps keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.
There are a number of accessories for infant car seats, however Dr. Segura advises against purchasing anything that is not included in the seat because it hasn't been tested in a crash and may be dangerous. Avoid buying a used car seats for infants because they might have been involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn.
While the top infant car seats cost between $100 and $600 There are a few characteristics that all the top picks have in common. They're all light easy to put in and take down, and are comfortable for the baby. Some have features that make them more versatile including the ability to pivot and clip into strollers without the need for adapters. For more information about the different options available, check out our review of the top infant car seats.
Comfort
The best infant car seats have comfort features that make it easier to get the baby in and out of the seat. This features a single-handed latch system that removes the need to grasp both sides of the strap at the same time, and cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. In addition, you'll need to consider the weight of the seat--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 important factors include the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If infant car seat swivel plan on keeping the car seat for a period of time choose a model that can grow with your baby and will fit them well into toddlerhood. You can use it longer and save money by not buying another seat.
You should also consider the dimensions of the seat and whether it is wider or narrower than other models. This could be an advantage for cars with smaller sizes, and the latter may be helpful if you have two kids in car seats that are back-to-back or need to drive with three children in the back seat at some moment in the future. If you are planning to use a car seat with a pram, choose one that is compatible with the most popular strollers, and includes detachable seats. Car seat brands such as Graco and Nuna provide options that satisfy this need.
Check the rating of a car seat to determine its ease of use. Clearly labeled guides and indicators that indicate the seat is level and securely fastened -- like bubble levels or color coding--can assist in easing the burden on parents who are new. Some seats also come with innovative features like load legs, which are shock-absorbing parts that are located under the seat or at the base that extend to the floor of the vehicle to absorb some of the force of a crash.
You'll also find some accessories that claim to improve your car seat's comfort and ease of use, but remember that any product not included in conjunction with the car seat hasn't been evaluated or vetted for safety. "Anything you purchase that's not from the manufacturer, even an accessory like a harness or blanket, you should not put in the car seat," Segura says.
Style
For new parents trying to figure out how to select the best car seat for your infant can be a bit of an issue. It's essential to know your budget and the features you'd like. There are numerous options for special features, stroller compatibility, and even fabrics. However, it all comes down to comfort.
For example, it's worth noting that infant-specific seats fit smaller babies better than convertible car seats and can be used for the first year of their lives (though some may include crash-tested extension kits to ensure they last longer). They also tend to include more recline settings to allow proper positioning of smaller children and are generally lighter to make it easier to carry around. They are more likely to be compatible when used in conjunction with an existing travel system. This can be useful for new parents looking to save money and time by buying a seat that will serve two purposes.
Car seat weight and width are important factors to consider for the majority of families. For instance, certain infant car seats are designed to be a bit narrower than others to allow a better fit in the back seat of your car, or for use alongside siblings seats. Some are enough weighty to test your biceps by lifting and move from stroller to car.
Many parents opt for an the infant car seat that can be transformed from base to carrier, and then click into a stroller without needing any extra attachments. This will help you save a lot of time, especially during busy times when you have to run errands.
Other features that are useful include a harness that is not rethread with magnetic buckle holders, as well as a streamlined installation process. Look for a head-and-body support insert to stop infants from collapsing into the carrier or seat as they fall asleep.
Some car seats feature rigid latches which flip out from the base if installed correctly. This type of installation is more secure and restricts the amount a seat can move during an accident.