How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant
Car seats for infants are available in a variety of prices, based on the type of material, style and accessories. You don't need to spend a fortune on the best infant car seat.
Our product testers rated top-performing infant car seats in five key categories safety, ease of use and reliability along with adjustability and convenience.
Safety Ratings
The most effective infant car seats are rigorously tested for safety. The best infant car seats have clear instructions and features such as bubble levels or padded seats to provide adequate support for the baby. We also found it beneficial when a chair has simple adjustments that don't require taking the infant out of the car to loosen or tighten them, or that utilize hooks and clips that allow for quick adjustments. Parents are more likely to keep correctly fitted harnesses when the process is simple and fast.
A seat that is machine washable is a plus, and we looked for models that allow for the seat to be placed in conjunction with the base, which reduces the chance of a tripped or damaged buckle during washing. If you'll be using your car seat frequently and especially on public transportation, it may be worth the extra expense for a model that has self-retracting straps and a reclining mechanism to reduce the stress on your back.
It is essential to conduct thorough research before you make an purchase. Read reviews from customers, as well as reviews from advocacy groups for children. It's recommended to visit the website of the manufacturer and look over recall notices prior to you purchase a car seat.
An infant car seat is a small, lightweight car seat specifically designed for newborns and babies up to their first birthday. They are usually used rear-facing. The majority of children outgrow their car seats by the time they reach the age of one or, in the case of convertible or all-in-one seats, are shifted to a toddler car seat. Infant-only car seats should be used with the rear facing side until the child reaches the maximum height and weight limit set by the manufacturer. Then, they should be switched over to the car seat that faces forward. The convertible or all-in one car seat can be used in both directions, however it is more secure for your child to remain in the rear-facing position until they have reached the age of maturity to move forward.
User-Friendliness
It is important to choose the right car seat that is simple to use for parents while safety is the primary aspect. We test the buckles as well as the handles and harness adjustments, as well as its ability to be installed into a vehicle. If a car-seat is difficult to use, you could end up using it incorrectly. This could compromise the safety of your baby.
If you're worried about putting in your infant car seat correctly, think about having a consultation with a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) prior to bringing your baby home. They'll be able give you a crash test video and demonstrate how to use your new car seat. Make sure to read your car seat's instruction manual. This will aid you in avoiding common mistakes when installing the seat.
Infant car seats are not convertible and should only be used until your child outgrows it or attains the maximum weight or height limit that is set by the manufacturer. It is essential to select the right seat for your child that lasts for as long as is possible before switching them into a car seat for older children.
Some infant car seats convert into strollers, so you can get more for your price. It's important to remember that car seats that can double as a stroller are heavier than those that work only as an infant car.
A wide infant car seat can make it easier to fit into your vehicle, and it may also be compatible with other back seats. You'll also want to consider how heavy it is, as lighter seats are easier to lift in and out of the car. This is an especially important consideration if you plan to use your infant seat frequently and will be transporting it between vehicles. This is why we prefer lighter, more narrow models in our best infant car seat review.
Reliability
The safety of your child is the top priority. While all car seats must be in compliance with federal safety standards, there are some that go above and beyond. Best of the Bump winner Clek's Liing, for example comes with two-stage body support which helps keep babies cozy and comfortable and is compatible with a variety of popular strollers. Consumer Reports also gave it the top score in a crash test.
Be aware that even the most reliable infant car seat will only be as secure depending on how it is put in place and used. A poorly-installed or improperly-used car seat can be a major danger for infants as well as children of all different ages. Vybiralova Stanton suggests you read the instructions of the car seat manufacturer and look for videos of installation online. "You'll discover that manufacturers are much more focused on ensuring you have the best car seat and baby," she says.
The best car seats for infants are easy to install and use. They have features such as a one-handed buckle release magnetic strap holders that don't catch clothing, and a non need to rethread the harness. They also feature durable materials and a wide range of adjustment mechanisms that work smoothly.
Another feature to look for is whether an infant car seat is equipped with a base that can be used with or without the use of the vehicle's LATCH or shoulder belt systems. This is a great option for parents who regularly use taxis or are using their seat in many vehicles.
Finally, it's worth considering how the car seat for infants weighs and if you can easily carry it around. Some models are much heavier than others and can tax your arms and shoulders particularly if you have other kids to carry around or are traveling for long distances.
In the end, a cheaper car seat for babies can save you money and time. But, be wary to buy one because it's cheaper. A price that is low could indicate that the manufacturer has cut corners on material quality or safety features. It's always an excellent idea to look through reviews and seek recommendations from other parents prior to making your final purchase.
newborn car seat allow you to ensure that your baby is secure. This means that they are easy to install, come with features that make buckling up or unbuckling much easier, and come with other convenience amenities like comfortable fabrics and a no-rethread harness. They also have design features that help them be safer in the event of a crash. For example they have load legs which are shock-absorbing components that sit on the bottom of the seat. This helps reduce movement and thus the impact force on your child.
If you're in a smaller car, or you plan to switch between vehicles often choose a baby car seat that is slim and compact. This kind of seat can easily fit in smaller vehicles, and many of them have 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 the car.
This infant car seat also transforms into a stroller for babies without the need for an additional attachment. This is great for families that are constantly in motion or living in cities that have public transport. It is a little larger than an ordinary infant car seat, but it's still not as big as the convertible model.
This top-rated infant car seat is simple to use, and our testers liked it for its no-rethread harness as well as magnetic buckle holders that make it super fast to get the baby in and out. It has many features that make it more convenient to use, such as a button-operated recline with four positions, and steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that pop out of the base after being secured.
Selecting the best infant car seat is among the most crucial decisions you'll make as a new parent. It's important to do research and read reviews before making a choice. You want to make sure that the car seat that you pick is designed with your child's security in mind and conforms to all safety standards in the country.