Infant Car Seats Best Tools To Streamline Your Life Everyday How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

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

A dedicated infant seat fits small babies best, and is lighter for easier transport outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience extras such as premium lower anchor connectors, no-rethread harness pads, and one-button handles. Also, consider safety features such as load legs and head/body cushions.

Safety

As any parent will tell you, selecting the best car seat for your child is one of the most crucial decisions that you could make. The right seat will ensure that your child is placed properly and is adequately protected in case of a 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 equally. Certain models have features specifically designed to protect infants, like load legs that help reduce the impact of crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the base of the car seat as well as built-in bubble levels to make it easy for installation and adjustable headrests that increase with your baby.

Car seats specifically designed for infants are also designed to fit small babies best and often include crash-tested seats to accomplish this, says Choi. They're also lighter than a convertible car seat and can easily be transformed into a stroller. best car seats makes them perfect for daycare drop-offs, ride-shares, and pickups. Since they'll only last through the first year of your baby's life and beyond, you can always purchase a second-hand one for only a fraction of the cost.

Another thing to consider is that even though a high NHTSA rating and impressive crash test results are crucial, the manner you use your car seat is more crucial to your child's safety. A study by Portland's leading children's hospital showed that 95% of parents have made at least one error when installing or changing their car seat.

That's why it's a good idea to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the correct car seat usage guidelines before your little one arrives. We recommend looking for a car seat that has clear and concise instructions, is light enough to be able to carry your child, and comes with easy-to-use adjustments.

You should also check to determine if the car seat for infants you're considering meets the requirements for size for your vehicle. If you're concerned about your own ability to install and use the car seat properly you might want to bring it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) to receive an in-person tutorial prior to when your baby's birth.

Convenience

Some infant car seats have extra features that make them more user-friendly. For instance, they might come with a base that the seat can be clicked into and out of, or they may feature easy-to-use adjustments. These features make it easier to remove and install the car seat, especially if there is another child in your care.

It is also essential to consider the limits on height and weight for an infant car seat. If your child is growing quickly, it might be worth purchasing an infant car seat with higher limits to ensure that you are able to use it as long as you'd like.

Apart from the safety features, an infant car seat should be comfortable for your baby. Find cushioned straps that don't touch or squeeze their shoulders, and a soft fabric that is soft underneath them for long durations of time. It's also recommended to choose a seat with the option of lying flat, which allows your newborn to sit in a more reclined position, which helps keep their airways open and their oxygen saturation levels high.

Dr. Segura warns you that you should not buy any accessories for infant car seats that aren't included in the seat as they have not been tested for safety in a crash and could pose a risk. Avoid buying used infant car seat as they could be involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn.

While the best infant car seats cost between $100 and $600, there are a few things that all of the top options have in common. They're all lightweight, simple to set up and remove and comfortable for infants. Some come with additional features that make them more versatile. For example, they can swivel or clip into strollers with no need for adapters. Check out our review of the top infant car seats to get more information about the various choices available.

Comfort

The best infant car seats feature comfort features that make it easy to get the baby in and out of the seat. The best infant car seats feature a single-handed clasp system that eliminates having to grip both sides at once. They also have padding that is cushioned to make it easier to lift the seat. It is also important to consider the weight of the seat. Because you'll be using it with no base, a lighter one is preferred. The Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.

Other important aspects include the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If you intend to keep the car seat for a period of time you should look for a model that can adapt to your baby's needs and will allow them to transition into the toddler years. Then, you'll be able to use it for a longer period of time and save money on a new car seat.

You should also think about the seat's dimensions and if it's smaller or wider than other models. This could be an advantage for smaller vehicles, and the latter is a benefit for families with two children in back-to-back car seats or have to drive with three children in the back seat at some moment in the future. If you're planning to use a car seat with a pram, select one that is compatible with the most popular strollers and comes with detachable seats. Car seat brands such as Graco and Nuna offer options that can meet this requirement.


Examine the rating of a car seat for user-friendliness. Clearly labeled guides and indicators that inform you that the seat is level and securely fastened - like bubble levels or color codes--can assist in easing the burden on the new parents. Some seats also come with innovative features, such as load legs which are shock-absorbing pieces found under the seat or at the base which extend to the vehicle floor and absorb some of the impact force in a crash.

There are additional accessories that claim to improve the comfort and convenience of your car seat. Be aware that anything not included with the seat hasn't been subjected to safety tests. "Anything you buy that's not from the manufacturer, including the harness or blanket, you should not put in the car seat," Segura says.

Style

For new parents, figuring out how to select the most suitable infant car seat can be a bit of an issue. It is important to determine what your budget is and the features you'd like to have. There are plenty of different options for special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics, but it all depends on what's most comfortable for baby.

It's important to note that convertible car seats are not suitable for babies and are only suitable until one year. Some have extended kits that have been tested in a crash, which will help them last longer. They also offer more recline options to allow 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 can be helpful for parents who are trying to save time and money by purchasing one seat that will serve two purposes.

Another important thing to remember is that car seat width and weight are important aspects for the majority of families. Some infant car seats, for example are narrower and can fit better in the back of your vehicle or next to other seats. Some are so heavy that they will test your biceps as you lift them and then transfer them from the car to the stroller.

Many parents opt for an the infant car seat that can be changed from a base to a carrier and then convert into a stroller, without any additional attachments. This can save you lots of time, especially during busy times when you have to run the errands.

Other useful features include a no-rethread harness as well as magnetic buckle holders and a streamlined installation process. Look for a head-and-body support insert to prevent infants from collapsing into the carrier or seat as they sleep.

Most car seats have flexible straps to secure the lower anchor connectors, but there are some that feature rigid latches that flip out of the base and turn green once installed. This kind of installation is more secure and restricts the amount of movement a car seat can move in a crash.