How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

Parents should have car seats. What is it that makes one car seat better than another?

A dedicated infant carrier seat seat fits the most tiny babies, and is lighter for easy transport outside the vehicle. Consider convenience features such as premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one-button handles. Also, consider safety features such as load legs and body cushions for the head and neck.

Safety

As every parent will tell you, choosing the right car seat for your child is one of the most important decisions you can make. The correct seat will ensure that your child is positioned correctly and adequately protected in the event of a car crash.

While every car seat sold in the US must adhere to strict standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Not all car seats are created equally. Certain seats come with features that are designed to protect infants. For instance load legs help prevent movement in crashes by absorbing impact forces onto the car seat's base. Other features include bubble levels that make installing easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.

Car seats for infants are also designed to fit small babies best car seats for newborns, and typically come with extra crash-tested inserts to aid in this, says Choi. Plus, they're usually lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily transferred to a stroller making them ideal for daycare and ride-share drop-offs and pick-ups. You can purchase an used one for a fraction of the price, since they only last for the first 12 months.

A high NHTSA score and impressive crash test results are crucial however, the way you use your child's car seat is more important. A study conducted by Portland's top children's hospital found that 95% of parents have made at least one mistake when installing or altering their car seat.

It is important to familiarize yourself prior to when your baby is born with correct car seat guidelines. We suggest you look for car seats that have clear and concise instructions, is light enough to be able to carry your child, and comes with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms.

You should also see whether the infant car seat you're thinking of purchasing meets the requirements for size for your vehicle. If you're concerned about your own ability to install and operate the car seat correctly you might want to bring it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) for an in-person tutorial prior to when the baby is born.

Convenience

Some infant car seats come with additional features that make them more user-friendly. Certain infant car seats have features that make them simpler to use. For instance, they could have a base into which the seat can be pushed in and out, or they could feature an easy-to-use adjustment mechanism. These features make it easier to install and remove the car seat, especially if there is another child in your care.

The weight and height limits of an infant car seat are also important to take into account. If your baby is growing quickly it could be worthwhile to invest in a car-seat with higher limits to ensure you can use it as long as you like.

In addition to the safety features, an infant car seat should be comfortable for your baby. Find padded straps that won't squeeze or rub their shoulders and soft fabric that feels cozy underneath them for long durations of time. It's also recommended to choose the seat with an option to lie flat, which allows your newborn car seat insert to sit in a more reclined position, which helps keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.

Dr. Segura warns that you should not purchase 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 purchasing a used car seats for infants because they might be involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn.

The best infant car seat infant car seats are priced from $100 to over $600. However they all share certain characteristics. They're all lightweight, simple to install and detach and comfortable for infants. Some have features that make them more flexible including the ability to swivel and clip onto strollers without the need for adapters. For more information on the different choices available, read our list of the top infant car seats.

Comfort

Top infant car seats are fitted with comfort features that make it easy to get your baby in and out of the seat. This features a single-handed latch system that eliminates the need to grip both straps simultaneously, as well as cushioned padding that makes it less painful 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 and a lighter weight is more suitable. This Baby Trend Secure-Lift for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.

Other factors to consider include the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If you intend to keep the car seat for a period of time choose one that will expand with your child and fit them into toddlerhood. Then, you'll be in a position to use 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 wider or narrower than other models. The former can be an advantage for smaller vehicles, and the latter is a benefit for families with two children in car seats that are back-to-back or require driving with three kids in the back seat at some moment in the future. If you are planning to use a car seat in conjunction with a pram, you should choose one that is compatible with the most popular strollers and comes with detachable seats. Car seat brands like Graco and Nuna offer options that meet this need.

For ease of use, check out the score that a car seat gets for installation. Clearly labeled guides and indicators that indicate the seat is level and securely fastened - like bubble levels or color-coded markings--can assist in easing the burden on new parents. Certain seats come with innovative features, like load legs. They are shock-absorbing components that extend from the seat base or underneath the seat all the way to the floor of your vehicle and absorb some impact force in the event of a crash.

You'll also find some accessories that claim to improve your car seat's comfort and convenience, but remember that any accessory not included in conjunction 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 a blanket or harness you bought from a different source.

Style

It can be difficult for new parents to choose the right infant car seats. It's crucial to understand your budget and what features you want. There are numerous options for special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics. However, it all boils down to comfort.

It is important to remember that convertible car seats are not as suitable for small babies and can only be used until one year. Some include extension kits that have been tested for safety which can help them last longer. They also tend to offer more recline options for proper positioning of smaller children, and are generally lighter, making it easier to carry around. They are also more likely to be compatible with a travel system which is beneficial 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 weight and width are crucial elements for families with a large number of children. For instance, some infant car seats are designed to be smaller than others, allowing them to fit in the back seat of your vehicle or for use alongside siblings' seats. Some are so heavy that they test your biceps as you lift them and then transfer them from the car to the stroller.

When it comes to convenience, many parents prefer portable infant car seat car seats that have the capability to move from base to carrier and then snap into a stroller without the need for additional attachments. This can save a ton of time, particularly during busy times when you're running errands with your children.

Other features that are useful include a harness that is not rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and a streamlined installation process. Also, look for an arm and head support insert, which can help prevent infants from slumping in the carrier or seat when they fall asleep.

Some car seats feature rigid latches that can be flipped out from the base when they are installed correctly. This kind of installation is more secure and restricts the amount a seat can move during the event of a crash.