How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Parents should have car seats. What is it that makes one car seat more effective than the other?
A specially designed infant seat is the best option for babies who are small. It is also lighter, making it easier to transport outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience extras such as premium lower anchor connectors, no-rethread harness pads, and one-button handles. Also, look into safety features such as load legs and body cushions for the head and neck.
Safety
As any parent will tell you, choosing the right car seat is among the most crucial decisions you'll make for your child. The correct seat will ensure that they're in the right position correctly in the car and that they're adequately secured in the event of an accident.
Not all car seats are equal. While every seat sold in the US is required to conform to the strict safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, not all seats have the same features. Some seats have features that are specifically designed to protect infants. For example load legs help reduce movement in crashes, by absorbing impact forces on the base and car seat. Some include bubble levels that make installation easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.
Choi says that car seats for infants are designed to be able to accommodate babies in the best way. They typically have crash-tested inserts which can help achieve this. They're also lighter than a convertible car seat and can be easily transformed into a stroller. This makes them suitable for drop-offs at daycares, rides, and pickups. Since they'll only last through the first year of your baby's life, you can always buy a second-hand one for only a fraction of the cost.
A high NHTSA score and impressive crash test results are important however the method you use to install the car seat of your child is more important. In fact, a study conducted by Portland's leading children's hospital revealed that 95% of parents made at least one critical error when installing or putting in their car seat.
It is important to be familiar with your surroundings before your baby arrives by ensuring that you know the appropriate guidelines for car seats. We recommend you pick a car seat with clear and concise instructions. It must also be light enough that it is easy to carry around your child.
Examine if the infant car seat that you're thinking about purchasing meets the vehicle's size requirements. If you're concerned about your capability to set up and operate the car seat properly by yourself, you may be able to bring it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your baby is even born to receive a hands-on instruction.
Convenience
Some infant car seats come with additional features that make it simpler to use. For instance, they might have a base that the seat snaps into and out of, or they may feature easy-to-use adjustments. These features make it simpler to set up and remove the car seat, especially if there is another child in your care.
It is also crucial to consider the weight and height limits of the 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 can use it as long as you'd like.
Apart from the safety features, an infant car seat should be comfortable for your baby. Choose padded straps that won't squeeze or rub their shoulders and plush fabric that feels cozy under them for extended periods of time. It's also an excellent idea to select the seat with a lie-flat mode which allows your infant to sit in a more reclined position that helps keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.
There are a number of accessories for infant car seats but Dr. Segura warns against buying any item that isn't included with the seat as it hasn't been tested in a crash and may be unsafe. Also, avoid purchasing used infant car seats, since they may have been involved in a crash and can be damaged or worn out.
The best infant car seats cost between $100 and $600, there are a few characteristics that all of the top options have in common. They are all lightweight easy to put in and take down, and are comfortable for the infant. Some come with additional features that make them even more versatile. For instance they can pivot or clip onto strollers with no need for adapters. For more information on the various choices available, read our list of the top infant car seats.
Comfort
The top infant car seats have comfort features that make it easy to get the baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch system that removes the need to grasp both sides of the strap at the same time, and cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. You'll also want to think about the weight of the seat. Since you'll use it without a base, a seat that is lighter is better. The Baby Trend Secure Lift, for instance, weighs less that 13 pounds.
car seat for newborn to consider include the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If you plan on keeping the car seat for a period of time, look for one that will expand with your child and will allow them to transition into the toddler years. You'll be capable of using it for longer and save money on a new car seat.
You should also consider the dimensions of the seat and whether it's narrower or wider than other models. This can be a boon for smaller vehicles, and the latter may be helpful for families with two children in back-to-back car seats or require driving with three children in the back seat at some time. If you plan to use your car seat in conjunction with a stroller, look for one that is able to be removed from car seats that are compatible with a wide range of strollers. Car seat brands such as Graco and Nuna offer options that can meet this need.
Check the rating of a car seat for user-friendliness. Guides and indicators clearly labeled that let you know the seat is level and securely fastened -- like bubble levels or color codes--can aid in reducing stress on the new parents. Some seats come with unique features, like load legs. They are shock-absorbing components that extend from the base or beneath the seat to the vehicle's floor and absorb some impact force during a crash.
There are also a few accessories that claim to enhance the comfort of your car seat and ease of use, but remember that any accessory not included in conjunction with the car seat hasn't been tested or approved for safety. Segura advises that you shouldn't put anything else in your car seat, including an accessory like a blanket or harness that you bought from a different source.
Style
It can be difficult for parents with young children to determine the best infant car seats. It's essential to know your budget and what features you'd like. There are a variety of options for special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics. However, it all comes down to comfort.
For example it's important to note that dedicated infant seats fit small babies better than convertible car seats and can be used for the first year of life (though some might have extended kits that have been tested and crash-tested to ensure they last longer). They typically have a greater number of recline options to ensure the proper positioning of tiny children. They are also lighter and more convenient to carry. They are also more likely to be compatible with a travel system, which is beneficial for new parents trying to save time and money by purchasing one seat that will perform double duty.
Car seat weight and width are also important aspects to take into consideration for most families. For instance, some infant car seats are designed to be smaller than others, allowing them to fit in the back seat of your car, or to be used in conjunction with siblings seats. Others are heavy enough to really test your biceps by lifting and transfer from car to stroller.
In terms of convenience, a lot of parents choose infant car seats that have the ability to go from base to carrier and then click into a stroller without the need for additional attachments. This can save you a lot of time, particularly on busy days where you are running errands.
Other useful features include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and an easy installation process. Find a head-and-body-support insert to stop infants from collapsing into the carrier or seat as they fall asleep.
Some car seats have rigid latches that open from the base if installed correctly. This type of installation is more secure and reduces the amount of movement a car seat can move in a crash.