How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Parents should have car seats. What makes one car seat better than the other?
A special infant seat fits the most tiny babies, and is lighter for easier transport outside the vehicle. Consider features that are convenient, such as premium lower-anchor connectors and harness pads that are not rethreading, and single button handles. Also, consider security features like load legs and body cushions for the head and neck.
Safety
As any parent will tell you, selecting the most appropriate car seat for your child is one of the most crucial decisions you could make. The correct seat will make sure that your child is positioned properly and is adequately secured in the event of a car crash.
While every car seat sold in the US must meet the strict standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) However, not all seats are created equal. Some have special features designed to safeguard infants, like load legs that limit movement during crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the base of the car seat as well as built-in bubble levels to make it easy for installation and adjustable headrests that grow with your baby.
Choi says that dedicated infant car seats are designed to fit babies the best. They typically come with crash-tested inserts, which help to achieve this. They're also generally lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily moved to strollers which makes them perfect for ride-sharing and daycare pickups and drop-offs. You can purchase a used one at a fraction of the price because they're only good 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. A study conducted by Portland's top children's hospital showed that 95% parents made a mistake at least once when installing or altering their car seat.
It's important to be familiar with your surroundings before your baby arrives with the proper guidelines for car seats. We suggest looking for a car seat with clear and concise instructions, is lightweight enough to easily carry with your child, and has simple adjustments.
Examine if the infant car seat you are considering fits the requirements of the vehicle's size. And if you're worried about your ability to set up and use the car seat correctly take it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) to receive an interactive session prior to the time your baby's birth.
Convenience
Some infant car seats have additional features that make them more user-friendly. For instance, they might have a base that the seat snaps into and out of, or they might come with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features make it more convenient to set up and remove the car seat, especially when you have a child to look after.
The weight and the height limits of an rotating infant car seat car seat are other important aspects to take into account. If you have a child who is growing quickly it might be worth the extra money to purchase a car seat that has higher limits so that you can use it for as long as possible.
Apart from the safety features, a baby car seat should be comfortable for your baby. Find padded straps that will not rub or pinch their shoulders, and look for plush fabric which feels comfortable beneath them. It's also an excellent idea to select an infant seat that has an option to lie flat, which allows your newborn to ride in a more relaxed position that keeps their airways open and their oxygen levels high.
Dr. Segura warns you that you should not purchase any accessories for infant car seats that aren't included in the seat as they have not been tested for safety in a crash and could pose a risk. Avoid purchasing a used infant car seat that swivels car seat because they might be involved in an accident and may be damaged or worn.
The best car seats for newborns infant car seats are priced between $100 and $600. However they all share some characteristics. They're all lightweight, simple to install and detach and are comfortable for infants. Some even have special features that make them more adaptable, like the ability to rotate and clip into strollers without the need for additional adapters. For more information on the various options available, check out our review of the top infant car seats.
Comfort
The top infant car seats come with comfort features that make it easier to get baby in and out of the seat. The top infant car seats come with a one-handed clasp system that lets you grip both sides at once. They also have cushioned padding to make it easier to lift the seat. You'll also want to consider the weight of the seat. Since you'll use it with no base, a lighter seat is preferable. This Baby Trend Secure Lift, for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.
The weight limit and height of infant car seats is also important. If you intend to keep the car seat, pick one that will grow with your child and fit them into the stage of toddlerhood. This way, you'll be capable of using it for a longer period of time and save money on a second car seat.
You should also 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 could be beneficial if you have three kids in the rear seat or two children in back-to-back car seats. If you plan to use a car seat with a pram, select one that is compatible with the most popular strollers, and includes detachable seats. Brands like Graco or Nuna offer options to satisfy your requirements.
Examine the rating of a car seat to determine its 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 aid in reducing stress on new parents. Some seats have innovative features, such as load legs. These are parts that absorb shock that extend from the seat base or underneath the seat to the vehicle's floor and absorb some force during a crash.
There are also some accessories that claim to enhance the comfort of your car seat and ease of use, but remember that any device not sold with the car seat hasn't been evaluated or vetted for safety. “Anything you purchase that isn't from the manufacturer, including the harness or blanket you shouldn't put in the car seat,” Segura says.
Style
It can be a challenge for parents with young children to figure out the best car seat for newborn infant car seats. It's important to know the budget you have set and the features you want. There are many options for special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics, but it all comes down to what's suitable for your baby.
It's important to note that convertible car seats aren't suitable for babies and are only suitable until one year. Some may even include extension kits that have been tested for safety which can help them last longer. They also offer more recline options to ensure proper positioning for small children and are generally lighter, making it easier to carry around. They are also more likely to work with a travel system, which is beneficial for new parents who are trying to save time and money by purchasing one seat that is able to do double duty.
Another important thing to remember is that car seat width and weight are important elements for families with a large number of children. 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 to be used in conjunction with siblings' seats. Some are so heavy that they will test your biceps as you lift them and transfer them from the car to the stroller.
Many parents opt for an infant car seat that can be changed from base to carrier, and then transform into a stroller without any extra attachments. This will help you save a lot of time, particularly during busy times when you have to run errands.
Other convenient features include a harness that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and a streamlined installation process. Find a head-and-body-support insert to stop infants from collapsing into the seat or carrier when they fall asleep.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7007/1097/maxi-cosi-rodifix-airprotect-high-back-booster-seat-15-36-kg-3-5-12-years-reclining-isofix-car-seat-adjustable-headrest-backrest-extra-side-protection-quick-easy-buckle-up-authentic-black.jpg)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 limits the amount a seat can move in an accident.
