How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant
The price of infant car seats can run all over the place, based on the type of material, style and other add-ons. There is no need to shell out a lot of money for a good infant car seat.
Our product testers rated the top-performing infant car seats in five key categories: safety, ease of use, reliability, convenience and adjustability.
Safety Ratings
The best car seat for newborn infant car seat is thoroughly crash tested. The best infant seat infant car seats come with clear instructions and features like bubble levels or padded seating to provide adequate support for the baby. We also loved seats that were simple to adjust, and didn't require the child to be removed from the car. Parents are more likely to use correctly fitted harnesses when the process is easy and fast.
A seat that's machine washable is a benefit, and we looked for models that allow the seat to be installed in conjunction with the base, which reduces the risk of a dropped or damaged buckle during washing. If you plan to use your car seat frequently particularly on public transportation, it's worth investing in a model with self-retracting belts as well as a reclining feature. This will help relieve the strain on your spine.
The choice of a baby car seat is among the most important purchases you'll make as a parent, and we suggest researching it thoroughly before purchasing. Read reviews from customers and also reviews from child safety advocacy groups. It's also a good idea to visit the website of the manufacturer and look over recall notices prior to you buy a car seat.
Infant car seats are small, portable car seats specifically designed for newborns or babies up to the first birthday. They are typically used in a rear-facing position. Most infants outgrow their car seat they were in before they turn one. In the case of convertible and all-in-one seats the child is transitioned into a toddler seat. Infant-only car seats should be used with the rear facing side until your child is at the maximum weight and height limits that are set by the manufacturer. Then, they must be switched over 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 safer for your child to remain in the rear-facing position until they are old enough to move forward.
User-Friendliness
It is essential to select a car seat that's simple to use for parents and children, even though safety is the primary factor. That's why we look at things like buckles, harness adjusters and handles during our tests, as well as how easy it is to put the car seat in the vehicle. If a car seat isn't easy to use, you may end up using it improperly. This could compromise your baby's safety.
If you're concerned about installing your infant car seat correctly, you should consider visiting a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) before you bring your baby home. They can guide you on how to use the seat, and also show you a video of a crash test. Don't forget to read the instruction manual that comes with the car seat, as this can help you avoid common mistakes in installation.
car seats by age seats for infants aren't convertible, and they can only be used until your child is outgrowing it or exceeds the maximum weight or height limit specified by the manufacturer. It's important to choose a seat for your child that will last for as long as is possible before switching them into a car seat for older children.
Some infant car seats are convertible into strollers, so you'll get more value for your money. It's important to remember that car seats that can double as a stroller are heavier than those that are used as an infant car.
Another factor to be aware of is the width of your infant car seat is. This will affect how easy it is to fit into your car and if it's compatible other seats you might have in the back row. You'll also want to take into consideration how heavy it is, since a lighter seat can be easier to lift in and out of the car. This is a crucial consideration if you plan to use the infant seat frequently and will be transporting it between vehicles. We prefer narrower, lightweight models in our best infant car seat review.
Reliability
Your child's safety is your top priority. While every car seat sold must comply with federal safety standards, a few exceed. best car seats of the Bump winner Clek's Liing for instance comes with a two-stage body support system which helps keep babies comfortable and cozy and is compatible with a variety of popular strollers. Consumer Reports also gave it a high score in the crash test.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that even the most secure infant car seat is only as effective as the way it's put in place and used. Incorrectly installed or improperly used car seats pose a significant security risk for infants and children of all different ages. That's why Vybiralova Stanton recommends reading the user's manual for the manufacturer and searching for installation videos on the internet. "You'll find that manufacturers are much more invested in ensuring you have the right car seat for your baby," she says.
The most reliable infant cars seats have features that make it simple to set up and use, including the buckle release for harnesses that can be operated with one hand, magnetic strap holders that won't get caught on clothing, and a non-rethread harness. These seats are constructed of durable materials and come with several adjustment mechanisms which work seamlessly.
Another feature to look for is whether an infant car seat has a base that can be used with or without the use of a vehicle's shoulder belt or LATCH systems. This can be useful for parents who frequently take taxis or who will be using their seat in many vehicles.
It is also important to think about how much the car seat weighs, and if you're able to carry it comfortably. Some models are much heavier than others and could burden your shoulders and arms particularly if you have other kids to haul around or are traveling long distances.
In the end, a cheaper infant car seat can save you time and money. Don't purchase a cheap car seat because it's inexpensive. A price that is low could mean that the manufacturer has compromised on safety features or material quality. Before making a decision it's best to look over reviews and seek suggestions from other parents.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats make it easy to keep baby secure. They are simple to install, feature features that allow for buckling and unbuckling with ease and come with other features like comfortable fabrics and a no-rethread harness. They also have design features that help them be more secure in the event of a crash. For instance they come with load legs that absorb shock. They are parts on the base of the seat. This makes it easier to move and consequently the force of impact on your child.
If you're driving a smaller vehicle, or if you plan to switch between vehicles often choose a baby car seat that is compact and slim. This kind of seat can easily fit in smaller vehicles, and many of them come with a unique handle that makes it easy to carry. They are also often lighter than convertible car seats, meaning they're less difficult to lift into and out of vehicles.
Another great feature of this car seat for infants is that it can be converted into a stroller without the necessity of an additional attachment. This is ideal for families that are always in motion or living in cities with public transportation. It is a little heavier than a standard infant car seat, but it's not as big as the convertible model.
It's simple to use and our product testers were impressed by its buckle holders with magnetic buckles and harness that does not need rethreads, which makes it super quick to get the baby in and out. It is equipped with features that make it more convenient to use, for example an adjustable recline via a button that can be operated in four positions and steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that are able to pop out of the base when secured.
Choosing the right infant car seat is one of the most important decisions you'll make as the new parent. This is why it's crucial to research and read reviews of various options prior to making a choice. You want to make sure that the car seat that you choose is made with your child's security in mind and that it is in compliance with all safety standards of the nation.