How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

Car seats are a must-have for parents. What makes one seat superior to another?

A specially designed infant seat is ideal for the most tiny babies, and is lighter to facilitate transport outside of the vehicle. Consider features that are convenient, 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 knows that choosing the best car seat is among the most important decisions you'll make for your child. The correct seat will ensure they're positioned properly in the car and that they're adequately secured in the event of a crash.

While every car seat sold in the US must conform to strict standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), not all seats are created equal. Certain models come with special features to protect infants, for instance, load legs that reduce the impact of crashes by absorbing the force of impact on the base and car seat, while others include built-in bubble levels for easy installation and adjustable headrests that expand with your child.

Dedicated infant car seats are also designed to fit babies at their most comfortably and usually include crash-tested seats to accomplish this, according to Choi. Additionally, they're generally lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily moved to strollers making them ideal for daycare and ride-share pickups and drop-offs. Since they'll only last through your baby's first year, you can always buy a second-hand one for a fraction of the cost.

Another factor to consider is that while having a high NHTSA rating and great crash test results are important but the manner you use your car seat is more important to the safety of your child. In fact, a study done by Portland's top children's hospital found that 95 percent of parents made at least one serious error when installing or putting in their car seat.

It's important to familiarize yourself prior to when your baby is born with proper guidelines for car seats. We suggest you look for a car seat that has clear and concise instructions, is light enough to be able to carry your child, and has simple adjustments.

You should also check to verify that the infant car seat you're considering meets the dimensions required for your vehicle. If you're worried about your ability to set up and operate the car seat properly yourself, you might be able to bring it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your baby is even born for a hands on tutorial.

Convenience

Some infant car seats have additional features that make them more user-friendly. Some infant car seats have features that make them simpler to use. For instance, they might include a base that the seat can be clicked in and out, or they may feature an easy-to-use adjustment mechanism. These features can help make it more convenient to install and detach the car seat, particularly when you have a child to take care of.

It is also essential to think about the weight and height limits for an infant car seat. If you have a child who is growing quickly it might be worth the extra money to purchase a car seat with higher limits to ensure that you use it for as long as possible.

In addition to safety features, your infant's car seat should also be comfortable. Look for padded straps which won't pinch or rub their shoulders, and for soft fabrics that feel comfy underneath them. It's also recommended to choose a seat with the option of lying flat which allows your infant to sit in a more reclined position, which helps keep their airways open and their oxygen levels high.

There are a number of accessories available for infant car seat cheap car seats however Dr. Segura cautions against buying items that are not included with the seat as it has not been tested for crash and could be dangerous. Also, avoid buying used infant car seats, as they may be involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn out.

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 lightweight, easy to set up and remove and are comfortable for infants. Some come with additional features that make them even more adaptable. For example, they can swivel or clip into strollers without adapters. Check out our comparison of the best car seats infant car seats to get more information on the various choices available.

Comfort

The best car seat for newborn infant car seats feature comfort features that make it easy to get your baby in and out of the seat. The best infant car seats come with a single-handed clasp system that lets you grip both sides simultaneously. They also come with padding that is cushioned to make it easier to lift the seat. It is also important to consider the weight of the seat. Because you'll be using it without a base, a lighter seat is preferred. The Baby Trend Secure Lift is a good example. It weighs less than 13 pounds.

The height and weight limit of infant car seats are also crucial. If you intend to keep the car seat for a period of time you should look for one that will adapt to your baby's needs and fit them into the toddler years. You can use it longer and save money by not buying an additional seat.

You'll also want to think about the seat's dimensions and if it's smaller or wider than other models. This can be beneficial for cars with smaller sizes, and the latter may be helpful when you have two kids in back-to-back car seats or need to drive with three kids in the back seat at some time. If you are planning to use the car seat in conjunction with a stroller, look for one that can be detached from car seats and is compatible with most popular strollers. Car seat brands like Graco and Nuna provide options that satisfy this requirement.

Review the rating of a car seat for the ease of use. Clear guidelines and indicators, like 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 innovative features like load legs, which are shock-absorbing parts found under the seat or base that extend out to the floor of the vehicle to absorb some of the force during a crash.

There are additional accessories that claim to improve the comfort and convenience of your car seat. Be aware that anything that is not included in the seat hasn't been subjected to safety tests. "Anything you buy 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

It can be a challenge for new parents to figure out the best infant car seats. It's essential to understand your budget and what features you want. There are plenty of different options in terms of special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics but a lot is based on what's comfortable for babies.

It is important to know that convertible car seats aren't as suitable for small babies and are only suitable until the age of one year. Some even have extension kits that have been tested for safety that will allow them to last longer. They also have more recline modes for proper positioning of small children and are generally lighter, making it easier to carry. 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 purchasing seats that serve two purposes.

Car seat weight and width are important aspects to take into consideration for families with a large number of children. For instance, certain infant car seats are designed to be narrower than others, allowing them to fit in the back seat of your car, or for use with siblings seats. Some are so heavy that they will test your biceps when you lift them and transfer them from the car to the stroller.

When it comes to convenience, many parents opt for infant car seat in front seat car seats that have the ability to move from the base to the carrier and then click into a stroller without the need for additional attachments. This can save a ton of time, particularly on busy days when you're running errands with your little ones.

Other useful features include a no-rethread harness with magnetic buckle holders, as well as an easy-to-install process. Finally, you should look for a head and body support insert, which will help prevent infants from slumping in the seat or carrier when they are asleep.

Certain car seats come with rigid latches which flip out from the base when they are installed correctly. This type of installation is more secure and can limit the amount of time a car seat moves during a crash.