How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Car seats are an essential item for parents. What is it that makes one car seat more effective than the other?
best car seats for infants pushchairsandprams dedicated infant seat is the best option for babies who are small. It is also lighter, which makes it easy to transport outside of the vehicle. Consider convenience features like premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one-button handles. Also, look into 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 crucial decisions you can make. The correct seat will make sure that your child is positioned correctly and adequately secured in the event of a crash.
Not all car seats are created equal. Although every seat sold in the US is required to conform to the strict safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration However, not all car seats come with the same features. Some seats have features that are specifically designed to protect infants. For example, load legs reduce movement in crashes, by absorbing impact forces on the base and car seat. Some include bubble levels that allow for easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.
Choi says that dedicated infant car seats are designed to be able to accommodate babies in the best way. They usually include crash-tested inserts which help to achieve this. Plus, they're usually lighter than convertible car seats and are easily transferred to a stroller making them ideal for ride shares and daycare pickups and drop-offs. And because they'll only last through your baby's first year, you can always buy an older model for only a fraction of the cost.
Another point to consider is that, while an excellent NHTSA rating and great crash test results are important but the manner you use your car seat is even more critical for your child's safety. A study by Portland's most renowned children's hospital found that 95% parents made at least one mistake when installing or altering their car seat.
This is why it's a great idea to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the correct car seat usage guidelines before your baby arrives. We recommend looking for a car seat with clear and concise instructions, is lightweight enough to be easy to carry your child, and has simple adjustments.
It is also important to determine if the infant car seat you're considering meets the dimensions required for your vehicle. If you're concerned about your own abilities to install and operate the car seat properly take it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) to receive an in-person tutorial prior to when your baby is born.
Convenience
Some infant car seats come with extra features that make it simpler to use. For example, they may have a base that the seat can be clicked into and out of, or they could have easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features make it easier to install and remove the car seat - especially when there is a child in your care.
It is also crucial to consider the weight and height limits of an infant car seat. If you have a child who is growing quickly, it may be worth the extra cost to purchase an infant car seat with higher limits to keep it in use for as long as you can.
Aside from the safety features, a baby car seat should be comfortable for your baby. Choose padded straps that won't touch or squeeze their shoulders and plush fabric that feels cozy beneath them for extended durations of time. Select a seat with an upright position. 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 not purchase any accessories for infant car seats that aren't included in the seat as they have not been crash-tested and may be unsafe. You should also avoid purchasing used infant car seats, since they may be involved in an accident and may be damaged or worn out.
While the top infant car seats range anywhere from $100 to $600, there are a few things that all of the top options have in common. They're all lightweight, easy to set up and remove, and comfortable for babies. Some come with additional features that make them more adaptable. For example they can swivel, or clip into strollers with no need for adapters. For more details on the various options available, check out our list of the top infant car seats.
Comfort
The top infant car seats come with comfort features that make it easy to get your baby in and out of the seat. The top infant car seats feature a single-handed clasp system which eliminates the need to grasp both sides at once. They also have padding that is cushioned to make it easier to lift the seat. You'll also want to think about the weight of the seat. Because you'll be using it without a base, a lighter seat is better. This Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.
Other important aspects include the height and weight limits of the infant car seat. If you plan to keep the car seat, select one that can adapt to your child's needs and accommodate them into the toddlerhood. You'll be in a position to use it for a longer period of time and save money on a second car seat.
You should also consider the dimensions of the seat and whether it is narrower or wider than other models. The former can be beneficial for vehicles with smaller dimensions, while the latter could be beneficial for families with two children 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 your car seat along with a stroller, look for one that can be detached from car seats and is compatible with most popular strollers. Car seat brands such as Graco and Nuna offer options that meet this requirement.
For ease of use, look up the score the car seat is given for installation. Guides and indicators clearly labeled that indicate the seat is level and securely fastened - like bubble levels or color coding--can help reduce stress on new parents. Some seats also come with innovative features such as load legs, which are shock-absorbing parts located beneath the seat or at the base which extend to the vehicle floor and absorb some of the force during a crash.
There are also accessories that claim to enhance the comfort and convenience of your car seat. However, remember that anything that's not included with the seat hasn't been subjected to safety tests. "Anything you buy that's not directly from the manufacturer, such as the harness or blanket, you should not put in the car seat," Segura says.
Style
For new parents trying to figure out how to choose the best car seat for your infant can be quite an exercise. It's essential to know your budget and the features you'd like to have. 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 dedicated infant seats are more suitable for babies than convertible car seats and are suitable for the first year of life (though some may have extended kits that have been tested and crash-tested to make them last longer). They also include more recline settings to ensure proper positioning for smaller children, and are generally lighter to make it easier to carry. They are more likely to be compatible when used with an existing travel system. This is beneficial for new parents wanting to save money and time by buying seats that can serve two functions.
Car seat weight and width are also important factors to consider for families with a large number of children. For example, some 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 for use alongside siblings seats. Others are heavy enough to really test your biceps by lifting and move from stroller to car.
Many parents prefer infant car seat that can be transformed from base to carrier and then convert into a stroller without needing any extra attachments. This can save a lot of time, particularly during busy times when you're running errands with your kids.
Other useful features include a no-rethread harness as well as magnetic buckle holders and an easy installation process. Look for a head and body support insert to stop infants from settling into the seat or carrier when they fall asleep.
The majority of car seats utilize 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 kind of installation is more secure and restricts the amount a seat can move during a crash.