How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

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

A dedicated infant seat fits the most tiny babies, and is lighter to facilitate transport outside of the vehicle. Look for features that make life easier such as premium lower-anchor connectors and harness pads that are not rethreading, and single button handles. Also, look into safety features such as load legs and head/body cushions.

Safety

As every parent knows that choosing the best car seat is one of the most important decisions you'll have to make for your child. The best seat will ensure that they're in the right position properly in the car and that they are adequately secured in the event of an accident.

While every car seat sold in the US must conform to strict standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) However, not all seats are created equal. Certain models have features specifically designed to protect infants, for instance, load legs that reduce movement during crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the base of the car seat as well as built-in bubble levels for easy installation and adjustable headrests that increase with your baby.

Car seats for infants are also designed to fit small babies most comfortably and usually include extra crash-tested inserts to aid in this, says Choi. Additionally, they're generally lighter than convertible car seats and are easily moved to strollers making them ideal for ride shares and daycare drop-offs and pick-ups. You can buy 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 excellent crash test results are important, but the method you use to install your child's car seat is more important. A study conducted by Portland's top children's hospital found that 95% parents made a mistake at least once when installing or changing their car seat.

It is important to familiarize yourself before your baby arrives by ensuring that you know the correct car seat guidelines. We suggest that you select an infant car seat that comes with clear and concise instructions. It must also be light so it's easy to carry around your child.

It is also important to determine if the car seat for infants you're considering meets the size requirements for your vehicle. And if you're worried about your own ability to install and use the car seat correctly, consider taking it to a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) to receive an interactive session prior to the time your baby is born.

Convenience

Some infant car seats have additional features that make them easier to use. Some infant car seats have features that make them easier to use. For instance, they could include a base that the seat can be pushed into and out, or they might have an easy-to-use adjusting mechanism. These features make it easier to install and remove the car seat - particularly in the event that you have a child in your care.

It is also crucial to think about the weight and height limits for an infant car seat. If your child is growing quickly it could be worth purchasing a car seat with greater limits to ensure 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. Look for padded straps which won't pinch or rub their shoulders, and look for soft fabrics that feel comfy beneath them. It's also recommended to choose an infant seat that has an option to lie flat which allows your infant to sit in a more reclined position that helps keep their airways open and their oxygen saturation levels high.

Dr. Segura warns you that you should not buy any accessories for infant car seats that are not included in the seat, since they are not tested for safety in a crash and could pose a risk. Also, avoid purchasing used infant car seats because they could have been in an accident and could be damaged or worn out.

The top infant car seat travel car seats range in price from $100 to more than $600. However they all share some features. They're all light, easy to put in and take off and are comfortable for infants. Some have features that make them more adaptable, like the ability to rotate and clip into strollers without the need for adapters. Take a look at our review of the top infant car seats for more details on the different choices available.

Comfort

The top infant car seat for travel car seats feature comfort features that make it easier to get baby in and out of the seat. This features a single-handed latch system that eliminates the need to hold both straps at the same time, and cushioned padding that makes 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 seat that is lighter is preferred. This Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.

Other important factors include the height and weight limits of the infant car seat. If you intend to keep the car seat, choose one that will adapt to your child's needs and fit them into toddlerhood. You can keep it for longer and save money by not purchasing a second seat.

You should also take into consideration the dimensions of the seat and if it is wider or narrower than other models. The former can be a boon for vehicles with smaller dimensions, while the latter could be beneficial for families with two children in car seats that are back-to-back or require driving with three children in the back seat at some point. If you plan to use a car seat with a pram, choose one that is compatible with the most popular strollers and comes with detachable seats. Brands like Graco or Nuna have options that will satisfy your requirements.

To make it easier to use, take a look at the rating a car seat receives for installation. Clear guides and indicators, such as bubble levels or color coding, that indicate whether the seat is secured and level can ease the stress of new parents. Some seats also come with innovative features such as load legs, which are shock-absorbing components that are located under the seat or on the base which extend to the floor of the vehicle and absorb some of the impact force in a crash.

There are also a few accessories that claim to improve your car seat's comfort and convenience, but remember that any device not sold with the car seat hasn't yet been tested or vetted for safety. Segura suggests that you don't put anything else in your car seat, such as the blanket or harness you purchased elsewhere.

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 what features you'd like. There are plenty of different options for special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics but a lot depends on what's most suitable for your baby.

For instance it's worth noting that infant seats designed specifically for babies are more suitable for babies than convertible car seats and are suitable for the first year of life (though some might have crash-tested extension kits to make them last longer). They typically come with more recline settings to facilitate the proper positioning of tiny children. They are also lighter and more convenient to carry. They are more likely to work when used in conjunction with a travel system. This can be useful for new parents wanting to save money and time by purchasing a seat that will serve two functions.

Another thing to keep in mind is that car seat width and weight are important aspects for the majority of families. Some infant car seats, like are narrower, which allows them to fit better in the back of your vehicle or next to other seats. Some are also heavy enough to test your biceps by lifting and move from stroller to car seats by age.

When it comes to convenience, many parents opt for infant car seats that have the capability to move from base to carrier and click directly into a stroller, without the need for additional attachments. This will save you a lot of time, especially on busy days where you need to complete errands.

Other useful features include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and a streamlined installation process. Finally, you should look for an head and body support insert, which will assist infants in avoiding slumping in the carrier or seat in the event of a nap.

Most car seats have flexible straps for their lower anchor connectors, but there are some that have latches that are rigid and flip out of the base and turn green once installed. This type of installation is more secure and restricts the amount a seat can move during the event of a crash.