Parents should have car seats. What is it that makes one car seat more effective than the other?
A special infant car seats that swivel seat fits small babies best, and is lighter for easier transportation outside of the vehicle. Consider convenience features like premium lower anchor connectors, no-rethread harness pads, and one button handles. Also, look for security features like load legs and head and body cushions.
Safety
As any parent will tell you choosing the correct car seat is among the most important decisions you'll have to make for your child. The right seat will ensure that your child is in a position correctly and adequately protected in the event of a car crash.
Not all car seats are created 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 However, not all car seats come with the same features. Some models have features designed to safeguard infants. For instance load legs help minimize movement during crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the car seat and base. Others include bubble levels that make installing easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.
Choi says that infant car seat for travel car seats newborn seats are designed to fit babies the best. They usually include crash-tested inserts which can help achieve this. Additionally, they're generally lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily moved to strollers which makes them perfect for ride shares and daycare drop-offs and pick-ups. You can buy a used one at only a fraction of the cost because they're only good for the first 12 months.
Another thing to keep in mind is that, while a high NHTSA rating and excellent crash test results are essential, the method you use your car seat is even more important for your child's safety. A study by Portland's leading children's hospital revealed that 95% of parents have made at least one error when installing or altering their car seat.
It's important to familiarize yourself before your baby arrives by ensuring that you know the appropriate guidelines for car seats. We recommend looking for a car seat with clear and concise instructions, is light enough to easily carry with your child in it and that has easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms.
You should also verify that the car seat for infants you're considering fits the dimensions required for your vehicle. If you're concerned about your ability to install and operate the car seat correctly yourself, you may want to take it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your baby is born for a hands on demonstration.
Convenience
Some infant car seats come with additional features that make it easier to use. Some infant car seats have features that make them simpler to use. For instance, they may have a base on which the seat can be pushed into and out, or they may include an easy-to-use adjusting mechanism. These features can help make it more convenient to install and detach the car seat, particularly if you have another child to look after.
The weight and the height limits of a baby car seat are also important factors to take into account. If you have a baby who is growing rapidly it might be worth the extra cost to purchase a car seat that has higher limits to ensure that you use it for as long as you can.
In addition to safety features, your child's car seat must also be comfortable. Find padded straps that won't rub or pinch their shoulders and plush fabric that feels soft beneath them for extended durations of time. Select a seat that is in the ability to lie flat. This allows your child to sit upright position, which helps keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.
Dr. Segura warns that you should avoid buying any accessories for infant car seats that aren't included in the seat because they haven't been tested for safety in a crash and could pose a risk. Avoid buying a used infant car seat because they might have been involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn.
While the best infant car seat swivel car seats cost anywhere from $100 to $600 There are a few characteristics that the top choices have in common. All are lightweight, easy to install and remove, and comfortable for the baby. Some even have special features that make them more adaptable including the ability to swivel and clip onto strollers without the need for additional adapters. For more information about the different options available, take a look at our list of the top infant car seats.
Comfort
Top infant car seats are fitted with features for comfort that allow you to easily get your baby in and out of the seat. This features a single-handed latch system that eliminates the need to grip both straps at once, plus cushioned padding that makes it less painful to lift the seat. Additionally, you'll need to consider how much the seat weighs--you'll be using it without a base, after all and a lighter weight is better. The Baby Trend Secure-Lift, for example, weighs less than 13 pounds.
Other factors to consider include the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If you are planning to keep the car seat, pick one that can expand with your child and allow them to transition into the stage of toddlerhood. Then, you'll be capable of using it for longer and save money on a second car seat.
You should also take into consideration the dimensions of the seat and if it is narrower or wider than other models. The former can be an advantage for vehicles with smaller dimensions, while the latter may be helpful for families with two children in car seats that are back-to-back or have to drive with three children in the back seat at some moment in the future. If you plan to use your car seat along with strollers, choose one that has detachable car seats that are compatible with the majority of strollers. Brands like Graco or Nuna have options that meet your needs.
For ease of use, look up the ratings that a car seat gets for installation. Guides and indicators clearly labeled that let you know the seat is level and securely fastened -- like bubble levels or color coding--can aid in reducing stress on the new parents. Some seats also have innovative features such as load legs, which are shock-absorbing pieces that are located under the seat or base which extend to the floor of the vehicle to absorb some of the impact force in a crash.
You'll also find some accessories that claim to improve the comfort and convenience, but keep in mind that any device not sold in conjunction with the car seat hasn't been tested or approved for safety. "Anything you purchase that's not directly from the manufacturer, such as an accessory like a harness or blanket you shouldn't put in the car seat," Segura says.
Style
For new parents, figuring out how to select the best car seat for your infant can be quite an issue. It's essential to know your budget and the features you want. There are numerous options for special features, stroller compatibility, and even fabrics. However, it all boils down to comfort.
For example it's worth noting that infant carrier seat seats designed specifically for babies are more suitable for babies than convertible car seats and can be used for the first year of life (though some may have extended kits that have been tested and crash-tested to help them last longer). They also include more recline settings for proper positioning of smaller children, and are generally lighter to make it easier to carry. They are also more likely to work with a travel system, which can be helpful for parents who are trying to save time and money by buying one seat that can do double duty.
Another important thing to remember is that car seat width and weight are important aspects for the majority of families. For instance, some infant car seats are designed to be a bit narrower than others to allow a better fit in the back of your vehicle or for use alongside siblings in their seats. Some are so heavy that they test your biceps as you lift them and transfer them from the car to the stroller.
When it comes to convenience, many parents prefer infant car seats with the ability to go from the base to the carrier and then snap into a stroller, without the need for extra attachments. This will save you a lot of time, especially during busy times when you're out running errands with your children.
Other features that are useful include the magnetic buckle holder, a no-rethread strap, and a simplified installation process. Also, look for an arm and head support insert, which can aid in preventing infants from slumbering in the seat or carrier when they are asleep.
Some car seats feature rigid latches which flip out from the base when they are installed correctly. This kind of installation is more secure and may restrict the amount that a seat moves in the event of an accident.