How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant
The price of infant car seats can run from one to the other, based on the materials, styles and add-ons. There is no need to spend a lot on a good infant car seat.
Our product testers have rated the top-performing infant car seats across five major categories: Safety, ease of use and reliability as well as adjustability, convenience and safety.
Safety Ratings
The best infant car seats are rigorously crash tested. The most secure infant car seats come with clear instructions and features like bubble levels or padded seating to provide good support for the infant. We also found it beneficial to have a seat with easy-to-use adjustments that don't require taking the infant out of the car to loosen or tighten them, or that utilize clips and hooks for quick adjustments. If the process is quick and easy, parents are more likely to maintain their correctly fitted harnesses.
We looked for seats that could be machine washed, and models that can be used on the base to minimize the chance of a buckle falling off or lost in washing. If you'll be using your car seat frequently, and particularly on public transportation, it may be worth it to invest in one that retracts automatically straps and a recline mechanism to reduce the stress on your back.
It's important to do thorough research prior to making the purchase. Review reviews from other parents, as well as reviews from advocacy groups for children. Before purchasing an automobile seat, it's an excellent idea to check the manufacturer website and review any recalls.
Infant car seats are small, lightweight car seats specifically designed for newborns or babies until their first birthday. They are usually used rear-facing. The majority of infants outgrow their car seats at the age of one or in the case of convertible or all-in-one car seats, they are moved to a toddler car seat. Infant-only seats should be used with the rear facing side until your child is at the weight and height limits established by the manufacture. After that, they should be changed to a forward-facing car seat. The convertible or all-in-one car seat can be used in both directions, however it is safer for your child to remain in the rear-facing position until they are old enough to be able to move forward.
Simple to use
While the safety of a car seat is paramount, it's also important to find one that is easy for parents to use. This is why we consider things like buckles, harness adjustments and handles during our tests, as well as how easy it is to put the car seat in the vehicle. If a car seat is difficult to use, you may end up using it incorrectly. This could affect your baby's safety.
Consider meeting with a certified child safety technician (CPST) prior to you take your baby home if you're concerned about installing your infant car seats. They'll be able give you an accident test video and show you how to use your new car seat. Don't forget to read your car seat's instruction manual. This will help you avoid common mistakes when installing the seat.
In contrast to convertible car seats that are suitable for toddlers and older children infant car seats will only last until your child outgrows them or is at the maximum weight or height limit that is set by the manufacturer. It's a great idea to pick one that can be used as long as possible before switching your little one to a bigger car seat.
Some infant car seats are convertible into strollers, meaning you'll get more value for your money. It is important to keep in mind that seats that can double as a stroller are heavier than those designed to function as an infant car.
Another thing to consider is the width of your infant car seat is, which will affect the ease of it to fit into your car and if it's compatible with other seats in the back row. It's also important to consider how heavy it is, as lighter seats are easier to lift into and out of the car. This is a crucial factor to think about if you're planning on using the infant seat frequently and will be transporting it between vehicles. In our best infant car seats review, we recommend models that are slimmer and lighter.
best car seats sure your child is safe is the top priority. And while every car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards, a few surpass. Clek's Liing is one of the winners of the Best of the Bump award. It has a two stage body support system which keeps babies warm and comfortable. Consumer Reports also gave it an excellent score in an impact test.
Be aware that even the most secure infant car seat can only be as secure as how it is installed and used. Unsafely installed or mishandled car seats are a major safety risk for children and infants of all different ages. This is why Vybiralova Stanton suggests studying the manual of the manufacturer and looking for installation videos online. "You'll discover that manufacturers are much more focused on ensuring you have the best seat for your vehicle and baby," she says.
The most secure infant car seats come with features that make it easy to install and use, including a one-handed harness buckle release and magnetic strap holders that won't get caught on clothing, and a no-rethread harness. They also come with durable materials and a wide range of adjustment mechanisms that operate smoothly.
Another feature to look for is whether an infant car seat has a base that is able to be used without a vehicle's shoulder belt or LATCH systems. This is useful for parents who travel by taxi frequently or who use their seat in multiple vehicles.
Also, you should consider how much the infant car seat weighs and whether you are able to easily carry it around. Some models are heavier than others, and can put a strain on your shoulders and arms if you are carrying children around or traveling long distances.
In the end, a baby car seat with a lower price tag will save you money and time. But, be wary to buy one because it's inexpensive. A lower price could indicate that the manufacturer has cut corners on safety features or quality. It's always a good idea to look through reviews and seek suggestions from other parents prior to making your purchase.
Convenience
The best car seat infants make it simple to keep your baby safe. This means they are easy to put in place, have features that allow buckling up and unbuckling easier, and have other convenience features like soft fabrics and a no-rethread harness. They also have features that make them more protective in the event of a crash such as load legs which are shock-absorbing components on the base of the car seat that limit movement and thus impact forces on your child.
Find a compact and slim baby car seat if you have a smaller car or plan to switch vehicles often. This kind of seat can easily fit in smaller cars, and many of them have a unique handle that makes it easy to carry. They're also typically lighter than convertible car seats, meaning they're easier to lift in and out of the car.
Another great feature of this infant car seat is that it can be converted into a stroller with no need for an additional attachment. This is an enormous benefit for families who are always in motion or live in cities where public transportation is more common. It's a bit more bulky than a traditional infant car seat, but it's still not as large as the convertible model.
It's simple to use and our testers were impressed by its buckle holders with magnetic buckles and no-rethread harness, which makes it incredibly easy to get the baby out and in. It also comes with a variety of features that make it more convenient, like a four-position recline with a button that is operated by a button, and steel-reinforced LATCH connectors that flip out from the base and turn green when they are secure.
As a new parent, choosing the right car seats for your baby is one of the biggest decisions you will make. This is why it's crucial to study and read reviews of various options prior to making an informed decision. You want to make sure that the car seat you pick is designed with your child's security in mind and that it conforms to all safety standards in the country.