How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant
The price of infant car seats can range across from one to the other, based on the materials, styles and other add-ons. However, you don't need to spend a fortune to find an excellent car seat for your infant.
car seats by age rated the best-performing infant car seats in five main categories: Safety, ease of use and reliability along with adjustability and convenience.
Safety Ratings
The best infant car seats are thoroughly tested for crash. The most secure infant car seats come with clear instructions and features such as bubble levels or padded seats to provide adequate support for the infant. We also liked seats that were easy to adjust and didn't require the infant to be removed from the car. If the process is quick and easy, parents are more likely to keep their the correct fitting harnesses.
A seat that can be washed is a great feature, and we looked for models that allow the seat to be placed on the base, reducing the risk of a dropped or loosing buckle while washing. If you'll be using your car seat a lot especially on public transportation it might be worth the extra expense for one that retracts automatically straps and a recline mechanism to reduce the stress on your back.
It's important to do thorough research before you make a purchase. Review reviews from customers and child safety advocacy organizations. Before purchasing car seats it's a good idea also to check the website of the manufacturer and read any recalls.
Infant car seats are small, lightweight car seats specifically designed for newborns or babies until their first birthday. They are typically used with a rear-facing design. The majority of infants outgrow their car seat by the time they reach the age of one or in the case of convertible or all-in-one car seats, are shifted to a toddler car seat. Infant-only seats should be used with the rear facing side until your child reaches the weight and height limits set by the manufacture. Then, they can be changed to an forward-facing car seat. 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 are old enough to be able to move forward.
User-Friendliness
While the safety of car seats is crucial, it's also important to choose one that is easy for parents to use. That's why we examine 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 is difficult to use, you may end up using it improperly. This could affect the safety of your child.
If you're worried about putting in your infant car seat correctly, you should consider meeting with a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) before you bring your baby home. They'll be able to show you an instructional crash test video and show you how to use your new car seat. Don't forget to read the manual that comes with the car seat, as this can assist you in avoiding common mistakes in installation.
Contrary to convertible car seats, which are designed for toddlers and older children baby car seats last until your baby outgrows them or reaches the highest weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. It is important 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 can be converted into a stroller and give you more bang for your buck. However, it is important to keep in mind that any seat that can be transformed into a stroller is likely to be heavier than seats that are only used as a car seat for infants.
A wide car seat for infants can make it easier to fit into your car, and it may also be compatible with other seats in the back. You'll also want to take into consideration how heavy it is, as lighter seats are easier to lift in and out of the car. This is especially important if you intend to use the infant seat often and carry it between vehicles. For these reasons, we prefer lighter, more narrow models in our best infant car seat review.
Reliability
Your child's safety is the most important concern. While all car seats must comply with federal safety standards there are certain models that go over. Best of the Bump winner Clek's Liing, for example, has two-stage body supports that helps keep small infants comfortable and warm and is compatible with a variety of popular strollers. It also received a stellar crash test score from Consumer Reports.
It is crucial to keep in mind, however, that even the most secure infant car seat is only as reliable in the way it is installed and used. A poorly-installed or improperly-used car seat is a major risk for infants and children of all age groups. That's why Vybiralova Stanton suggests reading the user's manual for the manufacturer and searching for installation videos on the internet. "You'll find that manufacturers are more interested in making sure you have the correct seat for your vehicle and baby," she says.
The most reliable infant car seats have features that make them easy to install and use, such as the buckle release for harnesses that can be operated with one hand and magnetic strap holders that don't cling on clothing, and a non-rethread harness. They also come with durable materials and a range of adjustment mechanisms that function smoothly.
A base that can be used without or with the LATCH system in the vehicle or shoulder belt is a different feature to consider. This is helpful for parents who use taxis frequently or who use their seat in multiple vehicles.
It's also important to consider the amount that the car seat weighs and if you're able to carry it with ease. Some models weigh more than others, and could put strain on your arms and shoulders when you're carrying other children or traveling long distances.
In the end, a baby car seat with a lower cost can save you money and time. Don't buy a cheap car seat simply because it is inexpensive. A low price might mean that the manufacturer skimped on material quality or safety features. Before making a final decision it's best to review reviews and seek out recommendations from other parents.
Convenience
The best infant car seats make it easy to ensure that your baby is secure. They are easy to install and have features that make buckling and unbuckling easier and come with other convenience features such as soft fabrics and a no rethread harness. These car seats also have design features that make them safer in the event of a crash. For example they come with load legs, which absorb shock. parts on the base of the seat. This makes it easier to move and therefore impact forces on your baby.
If you're in a smaller car, or you intend to switch between multiple vehicles often you should consider a child car seat that is compact and slim. This type of car seat is able to fit into narrower cars, and many of them come with a distinctive handle that makes it easy to carry. These seats are typically lighter than convertible car seats and are therefore easy to lift into and out of a vehicle.
The infant car seat converts into a baby stroller without the need for an additional attachment. This is a huge benefit for families that are constantly on the go or live in cities where public transportation is more popular. It's a bit larger than an ordinary infant car seat, but it's still not nearly as big as convertible models.
The top-rated infant car seat is simple to use, and our testers loved it for its no-rethread harness as well as magnetic buckle holders that make it quick to get the baby in and out. It has many features that make it easier to use, such as the recline that is operated by a button with four positions and steel reinforced connectors for LATCH that can be removed from the base once secured.
As a new parent choosing the right infant car seats is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. It's crucial to do your research and read reviews prior to making a decision. You should ensure that the car seat you select is designed with the safety of your child in mind, and that it meets all national safety standards.