How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

Car seats are an essential item for parents. But what makes one superior to another?

A specially designed infant seat is ideal for small babies best, and is lighter for easier transport outside the vehicle. Look for convenience extras like premium lower anchor connectors, no-rethread harness pads, and one button handles. Also, look for security features such as load legs and body/head cushions.

Safety

As every parent will tell you, selecting the best car seat for your child is among the most important decisions you can make. The right seat will ensure that they're placed correctly in the car, and ensure they're 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 have special features designed to protect infants, like load legs that limit movement in crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the car seat and base and others have built-in bubble levels for easy installation and adjustable headrests that increase with your baby.

Choi says that car seats for infants are designed to provide the perfect fit for babies. They often include crash-tested inserts which aid in this. Additionally, they're generally lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily moved to strollers, making them ideal for ride shares and daycare drop-offs and pick-ups. You can purchase an used one for less than the cost, since they only last for your baby's first 12 months.

A high NHTSA score and excellent crash test results are essential however, the method you use to install your child's car seat is more important. In fact, a study by Portland's leading children's hospital revealed that 95% of parents made at the very least one crucial error when installing or putting in their car seat.

It is important to familiarize yourself before your baby arrives with the correct car seat guidelines. We recommend that you choose a car seat with clear and concise instructions. It must also be light enough it's easy to carry around your baby.

You should also determine if the infant car seat you're considering meets the dimensions required for your vehicle. If you're concerned about your own abilities to install and use the car seat correctly take it to a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) to receive an in-person tutorial prior to when your baby is born.

Convenience

Some infant car seats come with additional features that make them more user-friendly. For instance, they could come with a base that the seat clicks into and out of, or they may have easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features make it easier to set up and remove the car seat, especially in the event that you have a child in your care.

It is also crucial to consider the weight and height limits for an infant car seat. If you have a baby who is growing rapidly it could be worth the extra money to purchase a car seat with higher limits so that you can keep it in use for as long as possible.

Aside from the safety features, a baby car seat is a must for a comfortable baby. Look for padded straps which will not rub or pinch their shoulders, and for soft fabrics that feel at ease underneath them. It's also recommended to choose a seat with the option of lying flat that allows your baby to ride in a more reclined position that helps keep their airways open and their 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 for crash and could be unsafe. It is also recommended to avoid purchasing used infant car seats, as they may be involved in an accident and may be damaged or worn out.

The best car seats newborn infant car seats are priced from $100 to over $600. However, they all share a few features. They're all light, easy to install and remove, and comfortable for the infant. Some have features that make them more flexible, like the ability to swivel and clip into strollers without the need for additional adapters. Take a look at our review of the top infant car seats for more information on the various options on the market.

Comfort

The best infant car seats are equipped with features that provide comfort and allow you to easily get your baby in and out of the seat. This features a single-handed latch system that eliminates the need to hold both straps simultaneously, as well as cushioned padding that makes it less painful to lift the seat. In addition, you'll need to take into consideration how much weight the seat weighs. You'll be using it without a base in the end so a lighter model is more suitable. This Baby Trend Secure Lift is a good example. It weighs less than 13 pounds.

The weight limit and height of the infant car seats are also important. If you intend to keep the car seat, select a model that will adapt to your child's needs and accommodate them into the stage of toddlerhood. It is possible to use it for a longer time and save money by not buying another seat.

You should also think about the seat's dimensions and whether it's narrower or wider than other models. This can be beneficial for smaller vehicles, and the latter is a benefit when you have two kids in back-to-back car seats or have to drive with three children in the back seat at some time. If you are planning to use a car seat with a pram, you should choose one that is compatible with most popular strollers and has detachable seats. Car seat brands such as Graco and Nuna offer options that can meet this requirement.

Check the rating of a car seat to determine its ease of use. Clear guides and indicators, such as bubble levels or color coding which indicate whether the seat is securely fastened and level can help relieve stress for parents who are new. Some seats also have innovative features like load legs, which are shock-absorbing pieces located beneath the seat or on the base that extend out to the floor of the vehicle and absorb some of the impact force in a crash.

There are also some accessories that claim to enhance the comfort of your car seat and ease of use, but remember that any product not included with the car seat hasn't yet been tested or vetted for safety. Segura advises that you shouldn't put anything in your car seat, including a blanket or harness you purchased elsewhere.

Style

It can be difficult for new parents to determine the best car seat for newborn infant car seats. It's essential to understand your budget and what features you'd like to have. There are numerous options for special features, stroller compatibility and even fabrics. But it all comes down to comfort.

For instance, it's worth noting that dedicated infant seats fit small babies better than convertible car seat for newborn seats and can be used for the first year of life (though some might come with crash-tested extension kits to ensure they last longer). They typically come with more recline settings to facilitate the proper positioning of small children. They are also lighter and easier to carry. They are more likely to work when used with a travel system. This is a great option for new parents wanting to save money and time by buying seats that serve two purposes.

Car seat weight and width are important to consider for most families. Certain infant car seats, like are narrower, which allows them to fit better in the back of your car or in the vicinity of other seats. Some are heavy enough to really test your biceps by lifting and move from car to stroller.

In terms of convenience, many parents prefer infant car seats with the capability to move from base to carrier and then click into a stroller without the need for additional attachments. This can save a lot of time, particularly during busy times when you're running errands with your little ones.

Other features that are useful include a harness that doesn't need to be rethread, magnetic buckle holders and a streamlined installation process. Also, look for an arm and head support insert that can assist infants in avoiding slumping in their seats or carriers when they are asleep.

Some car seats feature rigid latches that open from the base when they are installed correctly. This kind of installation is more secure and limits the amount a seat can move in an accident.