How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

Car seats are a must-have for parents. But what makes one better than the other?

A dedicated infant seat is the ideal option for babies who are small. It is also lighter, making it easier to transport outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience features like premium connectors for lower anchors with non-rethreading harness pads and single button handles. Also, look for security features such as load legs and body/head cushions.

Safety

As every parent will tell you, choosing the best car seat for your child is one of the most crucial decisions you could make. The best seat will ensure that they're placed properly in the car and that they're adequately protected in the event 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. Some models have features that are designed to protect infants. For instance, load legs minimize movement during crashes by absorbing impact forces on the car seat and base. Some include bubble levels that allow for easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.

Choi says that infant car seats are designed to fit babies the best. They usually include crash-tested inserts which can help achieve this. They're also generally lighter than convertible car seats and are easily moved to strollers, making them ideal for ride-sharing and daycare drop-offs and pick-ups. You can purchase an used one for a fraction of the price as they're only used for the first 12 months.

Another thing to be aware of is that while a high NHTSA rating and impressive crash test results are essential however, the manner you use your car seat is more important to your child's safety. In fact, a study conducted by Portland's most prestigious children's hospital discovered that 95% of parents made at least one critical error when installing or putting in their car seat.

It's important to be familiar with your surroundings before your baby arrives by ensuring that you know the appropriate guidelines for car seats. We recommend that you choose a car seat with clear and concise instructions. It should also be lightweight so it's easy to carry around your child.

Check to see if the infant car seat that you are considering fits the car's dimensions. If you're concerned about your capability to install and operate the car seat correctly yourself, you might want to take it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before the baby is born to receive a hands-on tutorial.

Convenience

Some infant car seats include extra features that make it easier to use. For instance, they might have a base that the seat can be clicked into and out of, or they might come with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features can make it more convenient to set up and remove the car seat, especially when you have other children to take care of.

The weight and the height limits of a car seat for infants are also important to take into account. If your baby is growing quickly it may be worth purchasing a car seat with greater limits to ensure that you can utilize it for as long as you want.

In addition to safety features, your infant's car seat should also be comfortable. Find cushioned straps that don't squeeze or rub their shoulders and plush fabric that feels cozy under them for extended durations. It's also recommended to choose the seat with the option of lying flat that allows your baby to be in a relaxed position that keeps their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.

There are many accessories for infant car seats however Dr. Segura cautions against buying any item that isn't included with the seat as it is not tested for crash and could be dangerous. Avoid buying a used infant car seat because they may have been in an accident and may be damaged or worn.

The best car seats infant car seats are priced between $100 and $600. However, they all share a few features. They're all lightweight, easy to put in and take off and are comfortable for infants. Some even have special features that make them more adaptable such as the ability to swivel and clip onto strollers without the need for adapters. Check out our comparison of the top infant car seats for more information on the various choices available.

Comfort

The top infant car seats have comfort features that make it easier to get your baby in and out of the seat. The best infant car seats have one-handed clasps that eliminates having to grip both sides at the same time. They also have cushioned padding to make it easier to lift the seat. In addition, you'll need to consider the weight of the seat--you'll be using it without a base for instance, so a lighter one is better. The Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.

The weight limit and height of infant newborn car seat seats is also crucial. If you plan on keeping the car seat for a period of time choose an infant car seat that will grow with your baby and will fit them well into the toddler years. You'll be able to use it for longer and save money on a second car seat.

You should also think about the seat's dimensions and whether it's wider or larger than other models. This could be an advantage for cars with smaller sizes, and the latter is a benefit if you have two kids in back-to-back car seats or require driving with three kids in the back seat at some point. If you plan to use the car seat along with a stroller, look for one that has detachable car seats and is compatible with most popular strollers. Car seat brands like Graco and Nuna offer options that meet this need.

For ease of use, check out the ratings a car seat receives for installation. Clearly labeled guides and indicators that let you know the seat is level and securely fastened -- like bubble levels or color coding--can help reduce stress on the new parents. Some seats also have innovative features like load legs, which are shock-absorbing parts that are located under the seat or at the base that extend out to the vehicle floor and absorb some of the impact force of a crash.

There are also a few accessories that claim to enhance your car seat's comfort and convenience, but remember that any accessory not included with the car seat hasn't been tested or vetted for safety. "Anything you buy that's not directly from the manufacturer, such as an accessory like a harness or blanket is not recommended to put in the car seat," Segura says.

Style

For new parents, figuring out how to select the most suitable infant car seat newborn car seat can be a bit of an exercise. It is important to determine what your budget is and what features you're looking for. There are many options for special features, stroller compatibility, and fabrics but a lot comes down to what's comfortable for baby.

For instance it's important to note that dedicated infant seats fit small babies better than convertible car seats and are suitable for the first year of life (though some may have crash-tested extension kits to help them last longer). They typically offer more recline modes to allow for the proper positioning of small children. They are also lighter and more convenient to carry. They are more likely to work when used with an existing travel system. This is a great option for parents who are new and want to save money and time by buying seats that serve two functions.

Car seat weight and width are important to consider for most families. For instance, some infant car seats are designed to be a bit narrower than others for a better fit in the back seat of your car or for use with siblings in their seats. Some are so heavy that they will test your biceps when you lift them up and transfer them from the car to the stroller.

Many parents opt for an infant car seat that can be converted from a base to a carrier and then click into a stroller, without any extra attachments. This can help you save a lot of time, especially on busy days where you have to run the errands.

Other useful features include the magnetic buckle holder as well as a strap that does not need to be rethread and a streamlined installation procedure. Finally, you should look for an head and body support insert, which will assist infants in avoiding slumping in the seat or carrier when they are asleep.

Certain car seats come with rigid latches that can be flipped out from the base when they are installed correctly. This kind of installation is more secure and may limit the amount of time a car seat can move during an accident.