How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant
The price of infant car seats can go through from one to the other, based on the type of material, style and other add-ons. However, you don't need to spend a lot to get a great car seat infant.
Our product testers rated the best-performing infant car seats in five key categories safety, ease of use and reliability as well as adjustability, convenience and safety.
Safety Ratings
The most effective infant car seat is rigorously tested for crash safety. The most secure infant car seats have clear instructions, and also features like bubble levels or padded seating to provide adequate support for the infant. 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 make use of hooks and clips that allow for quick changes. If the process is fast and easy, parents are more likely to keep their correctly fitted harnesses.
A seat that's machine washable is a benefit, and we looked for models that allow for the seat to be positioned on the base, reducing the risk of a dropped or lost buckle during washing. If you plan to use your car seat frequently particularly on public transport, you should consider investing in a model with self-retracting belts as well as a reclining feature. This will ease the strain on your spine.
It's important to do thorough research prior to making the purchase. Read reviews from parents and child safety advocacy organizations. Before purchasing a new car seat, it's a good idea also to check the manufacturer website and look up any recalls.
A car seat for infants is a small, portable car seat that is designed for infants and babies who are up to their first birthday. They are generally used with a in a rear-facing position. The majority of children 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 must be used with the rear facing side until the child reaches the maximum height and weight limits set by the manufacturer. After that, they should be changed to an forward-facing car seat. A convertible or all-in-one seat can be used both ways, but it's better for your baby to be in a rear-facing car seat until they are tall enough to be able to sit in a front-facing seat.
User-Friendliness
While the safety of the car seat is essential but it's also crucial to choose one that is easy for parents to use. That's why we look at things like buckles, harness adjustments and handles during our tests, and also how easy it is to set up 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 the safety of your child.
You should 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 will show you how to use the seat and give you the video of the crash test. Don't forget to read your car seat's instruction manual. This will aid you in avoiding common mistakes when installing the seat.
Unlike convertible car seats, which are designed for older children and toddlers infant car seats will only last until your child is outgrowing them or reaches the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. This is why it's a good idea to pick one that can be used for the longest time possible prior to switching your little one into a big kid car seat.
Some infant car seats are convertible into strollers, meaning you can get more for your price. It's important to remember that car seats that can double as strollers are heavier than those that work only as an infant car.
Another factor to be aware of is the width of your infant car seat is, which will affect how easy it is to fit into your car and whether it's compatible with other seats in the back row. You should also take into consideration the weight of the seat as a lighter seat is easier to move into and out of a car. This is a crucial consideration if you plan on using the infant seat frequently and will be transporting it between vehicles. In our top infant car seats review, we suggest models that are smaller and lighter.
Reliability
Keeping your child safe is the top priority. And while every car seat available must comply with federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Best of the Bump winner Clek's Liing, for example, has a two-stage body support system which helps keep babies cozy and comfortable and is compatible with many popular strollers. newborn car seat insert pushchairsandprams received a stellar crash test score from Consumer Reports.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that even the safest infant car seat is only as reliable as the way it's put in place and used. A poorly-installed or incorrectly-used car seat is a significant risk for infants and children of all different ages. Vybiralova Stanton suggests you read the manual of the car seat manufacturer and look for videos of installation online. "You'll discover that manufacturers are much more invested in 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 simple to install and use, such as an easy-to-use harness buckle release, magnetic strap holders that won't get caught on clothing and a no-rethread harness. These seats are made of sturdy materials and have several adjustable mechanisms that work smoothly.
Another thing to consider is whether the infant car seat has a base that is able to be used with or without the use of the use of a vehicle's shoulder belt or LATCH systems. This is a great option for parents who often take taxis or who will be using their seat in many vehicles.
Finally, it's worth considering how much the car seat for infants weighs and if it's possible to easily carry it around with you. Certain models are heavier than others and can strain your shoulders and arms particularly if you have other kids to haul around or are traveling for long distances.
In the end, a car seat that is priced lower will save you time and money. Don't buy a low-cost car seat simply because it's inexpensive. A price that is low could mean that the manufacturer skimped on the quality of the material or safety features. It's always an excellent idea to read reviews and ask for recommendations from other parents prior to making a purchase.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats allow you to keep your baby safe. They are simple to install and have features that allow for buckling and unbuckling with ease and include other convenient amenities such as comfortable fabrics and a non-rethread harness. They also come with design elements that help to ensure their safety in a crash like load legs, which are shock absorbing parts of the base or the car seat, which reduce movements and therefore impact forces on your child.
Look for a compact and slim baby car seat if you have a small vehicle or plan on changing vehicles frequently. This type of seat fits easily in smaller cars and some come with a handle, making them easy to carry. These seats are often lighter than convertible car seat and are therefore easy to lift into and out of vehicles.
Another benefit of this car seat for infants is that it converts into a stroller without the requirement for an additional attachment. This is ideal for families who are always on the move or those living in cities that have public transportation. It's a little larger than a standard car seat for an infant however, it's not as big as a convertible.
This top-rated infant car seat is simple to use, and our testers liked it for its harness that is not rethread and magnetic buckle holders which make it incredibly fast to get the baby in and out. It has many features that make it easier to use, for example an adjustable recline via a button that can be operated in four positions, and steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that pop out of the base when secured.
As a new parent choosing the right infant car seats is one of the biggest choices you'll make. That's why it's so important to research and read reviews of various options prior to making an informed choice. You want to ensure that the car seat you select is designed with your child's safety in mind, and conforms to the standards set by the national safety council.