How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant
The price of infant car seats can range across all over the place, based on materials, styles and add-ons. However, you don't need to spend a fortune to get a great car seat for infants.
Our product testers gave the top-performing infant car seats in five important categories: safety, ease of use reliability, comfort, and adjustability.
Safety Ratings
The most effective infant car seat is thoroughly crash tested. The most secure infant car seats have clear instructions, and also features such as bubble levels or padded seating to offer a good amount of support for the baby. We also loved seats that were simple to adjust and didn't require the baby to be removed from the car. If the process is fast and simple, parents are more likely to keep their properly fitted harnesses.
We looked for seats that are machine washable and models that can be installed on the base to minimize the chance of a buckle being dropped or lost in washing. If you'll be using your car seat a lot, and particularly on public transport it could be worth the extra expense for a model that has self-retracting straps and a recline mechanism to ease the strain on your back.
The choice of a baby car seat is among the most important purchases you'll make as a parent, so we suggest taking the time to research thoroughly prior to buying. Review reviews from other parents as well as reviews from child safety advocacy groups. Before you buy an automobile seat it's recommended to check the manufacturer website and read any recalls.
An infant car seat is a small, lightweight car seat that is designed for infants and babies up to their first birthday. They are usually used with the rear facing. Most infants outgrow the car seat they were in by the time they are one. In the case of convertible and all-in-one seats the child will be transitioned into a toddler seat. Infant-only car seats should be used rearward-facing until your child is at the weight and height limits established by the manufacture. After that, they need to be switched to the car seat that is facing forward. The convertible or all-in-one car seat can be used in both directions, but it is more secure for your child to remain in the rear-facing position until they are old enough to be able to move forward.
User-Friendliness
It is essential to select the right car seat that is simple to use for parents and children, even though safety is the primary aspect. This is why we consider things like buckles, harness adjustments and handles in our tests, as well as how simple it is to install the car seat into a vehicle. If the car seat is difficult to use, it may end up being used incorrectly and could affect the safety of your child.
If you're worried about putting in your infant car seat correctly, consider visiting a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) prior to bringing your baby home. They'll be able to give you an accident test video and demonstrate how to use your new car seat. Make sure to read the instruction manual that comes with your car seat, as this can assist you in avoiding common mistakes in installation.
Car seats for infants aren't convertible, and they can only be used until your child has outgrown it or attains the maximum weight or height limit that is set by the manufacturer. That's why it's a good idea to choose a seat that can be used for the longest time possible prior to changing your baby into a big kid car seat.
Some infant car seats can even convert into a stroller, which will provide more value for your buck. Push Chairs And Prams is important to keep in mind that car seats that can be used as a stroller weigh more than those that work only as an infant car.
A wide infant car seat can make it easier to fit into your car, and it may also be compatible with other rear-facing seats. It's also important to take into consideration how heavy it is, since lighter seats are easier to lift in and out of the car. This is an especially important aspect to consider if you're planning to use your infant seat often and will be transporting it between vehicles. We prefer lighter, more narrow models in our top infant car seat review.
Reliability
Your child's safety is the most important concern. While all car seats must be in compliance with federal safety standards, there are certain models that go above and over. Clek's Liing is one of the winners of the Best of the Bump award. It comes with a two stage body support system that keeps babies warm and comfortable. It also scored a top crash test score from Consumer Reports.
It is important to keep in mind that even the safest infant car seat is only as reliable as how well it's installed and used. A poorly installed or used car seat can be a major risk for infants and children of all ages. Vybiralova Stanton suggests that you read the instructions of the car seat manufacturer and search for videos on installation online. "You'll discover that manufacturers are more concerned about ensuring that you have the right car seat and baby," she says.
The most effective car seats for infants are easy to install and use. They have features like a one-handed buckle release, magnetic strap holders which don't catch clothing, and a no harness that can be rethread. The seats are made of sturdy materials and have a variety of adjustment mechanisms that function smoothly.
A base that can be used without or with the LATCH system of the vehicle or shoulder belt is an additional feature to consider. This is a great option for parents who often take taxis or will be using their seats in multiple vehicles.
It's also important to consider the amount that the car seat weighs and if you're able to carry it comfortably. Some models are heavier than others and could strain your shoulders and arms, especially if you have other kids to haul around or are traveling long distances.
In the end, a baby car seat that is priced lower can save you time and money. Don't buy a low-cost car seat just because it's inexpensive. A price that is low could mean that the manufacturer has made a mistake on safety features or quality. Before you make a final decision, it's a good idea review reviews and seek out suggestions from other parents.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats make it easy to keep baby safe. This means that they are easy to install, come with features that make buckling up or unbuckling easier, and have other convenience amenities like comfortable fabrics and a harness that is not rethread. They also feature features that make them more protective in a crash such as load legs that absorb shock. parts on the base or the car seat that limit movements and therefore impact forces on your child.
Find an baby car seat if you have a small vehicle or plan to switch vehicles often. This kind of seat can fit easily in narrower vehicles and most have a handle that makes them easy to carry. These seats are often lighter than convertible car seats which makes them easy to lift into and out of a vehicle.
Another great feature of this car seat for infants is that it transforms into a stroller with no need for an additional attachment. This is a huge benefit for families that are constantly on the go, or those who reside in areas where public transportation is more frequent. It is a little larger than an ordinary infant car seat, but not as large as the convertible model.
This top-rated infant car seat is easy to use, and our testers liked it for its no-rethread harness and buckle holders with magnetic buckles that make it quick to get baby in and out. It also comes with a variety of features that make it more convenient, such as the four-position recline that can be operated by a button and steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that slide out from the base and turn green once secure.
Selecting the best infant car seat is among the most important decisions you'll make as you become a new parent. This is why it's important to study and read reviews of various options prior to making an informed choice. You want to ensure that the car seat you select is made with safety of your child in mind, and meets national standards for safety.