How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

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

A dedicated infant seat is the ideal option for babies who are small. It is also lighter, which makes it easy to transport outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience features like premium lower-anchor connectors and harness pads that are not rethreading, and single button handles. Also, look into security features like load legs and body cushions for the head and neck.

Safety

As any parent will tell you, choosing the most appropriate car seat for your child is one of the most crucial decisions you could make. The best seat will ensure that your child is positioned correctly and properly secured in the event of a car crash.

While every car seat sold in the US must adhere to strict standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), not all car seats are created equal. Certain seats come with features designed to safeguard infants. For example load legs can minimize movement during crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the car seat's base. Others include bubble levels that make installation easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.

Car seats specifically designed for infants are also designed to fit small babies most comfortably and usually include extra crash-tested inserts to aid in this, says Choi. They're also lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily converted into a stroller. This makes them perfect for ride-shares, daycare drop-offs and pick-ups. You can purchase used ones at only a fraction of the cost, since they only last for your baby's first 12 months.

Another point to keep in mind is that while an excellent NHTSA rating and impressive crash test results are crucial but the manner you use your car seat is even more critical to your child's safety. In fact, a study conducted by Portland's top children's hospital found that 95 percent of parents made at least one serious mistake when installing or positioning their car seat.

That's why it's a good idea to take a few minutes to get familiar with the correct car seat use guidelines before your little one arrives. We suggest you look for a car seat that has clear and concise instructions, is light enough to be able to carry your child, and has simple adjustment mechanisms.

It is also important to determine if the car seat for infants you're considering fits the requirements for size 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 even born for a hands on demonstration.

Convenience

Some infant car seats come with extra features that make them easier to use. Certain infant car seats have features that make them easier to use. For instance, they may have a base into which the seat can be clicked in and out, or they might include an easy-to-use adjusting mechanism. These features make it more convenient to set up and remove the car seat, especially when you have a child to attend to.

The weight and the height limits of a baby car seat are also important factors to consider. If you have a child who is growing rapidly, it may be worth the extra cost to invest in a car seat that has higher limits to ensure that you use it for as long as possible.

Apart from the safety features, an infant car seat in front seat car seat is a must for a comfortable baby. Find padded straps that will not rub or pinch their shoulders, and for plush fabric which feels at ease beneath them. It's also a good idea to choose a seat with the option of lying flat, which allows your newborn to sit in a more relaxed position that keeps their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.

There are many accessories available for infant car seats, but Dr. Segura advises against purchasing items that are not included with the seat as it hasn't been tested for crash and could be unsafe. Also, avoid buying used infant car seats, since they may have been involved in an accident and may be damaged or worn out.

While the best infant car seats can cost between $100 and $600, there are a few things that all of the top options have in common. They're all lightweight, easy to install and detach, and comfortable for babies. Some come with additional features that make them more adaptable. For example, they can swivel or clip onto strollers with no need for adapters. Check out our review of the best car seats for newborns infant car seats for more details on the different choices available.

Comfort

The best car seats newborn infant car seat uk car seats have comfort features that make it easier to get baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch system that eliminates the need to hold both sides of the strap simultaneously, as well as cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. Additionally, you'll need to take into consideration the weight of the seat--you'll be using it without a base for instance so a lighter model is more suitable. This Baby Trend Secure Lift, for instance, weighs less that 13 pounds.

The height and weight limit of infant car seats is also crucial. If you plan to keep the car seat for a while, look for one that will grow with your baby and fit them into the toddler years. It is possible to use it for a longer time and save money by not purchasing another seat.

You should also think about the seat's dimensions and whether it's wider or wider than other models. This could be an advantage for vehicles with smaller dimensions, while the latter is a benefit when you have two kids 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 plan 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. Brands like Graco or Nuna have options that meet your needs.

For ease of use, check out the score the car seat is given 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 help reduce stress on parents who are new. Some seats also have unique features such as load legs, which are shock-absorbing parts located beneath the seat or at the base that extend to the vehicle floor and absorb some of the impact force in a crash.

You'll also find some accessories that claim to improve the comfort and convenience, but remember that any accessory not included in conjunction with the car seat hasn't been evaluated or vetted for safety. Segura recommends that you don't put anything else in your car seat, such as an accessory like a blanket or harness that you purchased elsewhere.

Style

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

It's important to note that convertible car seats are not as suitable for small babies and are only suitable until one year. Some even include extension kits that have been tested for safety that will allow them to last longer. They also have more recline modes to ensure proper positioning for small 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 purchasing one seat that can perform double duty.

Car seat weight and width are important factors to consider for families with a large number of children. Some infant car seats, for instance are narrower and can fit better in the back of your car or close to other seats. Some are also heavy enough to test your biceps by lifting and transfer from car to stroller.

When it comes to convenience, many parents prefer infant car seats that have the ability to go from the base to the carrier and then snap into a stroller, without the need for additional attachments. This can save a ton of time, particularly on busy days when you're running errands with your kids.

Other convenient features include the magnetic buckle holder as well as a strap that does not need to be rethread and a simple installation process. Find a head-and-body-support insert to prevent infants from slumping into the seat or in the car when they fall asleep.

Most car seats have flexible straps for their lower anchor connectors, but there are some that come with latches that can be flipped out of the base and turn green when properly installed. This kind of installation is more secure and can limit the amount a seat moves during the event of a crash.