How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant
The cost of infant car seats can run all over the place, based on the type of material, style and add-ons. You don't need to spend a lot on the best infant car seat.
infant car seats best rated the best-performing infant car seats in five key categories: safety, user-friendliness as well as reliability, convenience, and adjustability.
Safety Ratings
The best infant car seats are thoroughly crash tested. They also come with clear instructions and features that make it easy to install the seat correctly, such as bubble levels and padded seating that provide adequate support for babies. We also enjoyed seats that were simple to adjust, and didn't require the baby to be removed from the car. Parents are more likely to use properly fitting harnesses if the process is simple and fast.
We searched for seats that are machine washable and models that can be used with the base to decrease the risk of a buckle getting dropped or loosened during washing. If you'll be using your car seat a lot and especially on public transport it could be worth spending more for a model that has self-retracting straps and a reclining mechanism to ease the strain on your back.
It's important to do thorough research before you make a purchase. Review reviews from other parents as well as reviews from child safety advocacy groups. Before you buy car seats it's an excellent idea to check the website of the manufacturer and review any recalls.
An infant car seat is a small, movable car seat that is designed for infants and babies up to their first birthday. They are generally used rear-facing. The majority of infants outgrow their car seats by the time they reach the age of one or, in the case of convertible or all-in-one car seats, are transitioned to a toddler car seat. Infant-only car seats should be used rearward-facing until your child reaches the maximum weight and height limits that are set by the manufacture. Then, they can be changed to an forward-facing car seat. A convertible or all-in-one seat can be used both ways, but it's safer for your baby to be in the rear-facing car seat until they're large enough to fit in an front-facing car seat.
Easy of Use
While the safety of car seats is crucial, it's also important to find one that is easy for parents to use. This is why we consider things like buckles, harness adjusters and handles during our tests, as well as how simple it is to install the car seat into a vehicle. If the car seat is difficult to use, it could be used improperly and could affect the safety of your child.
Take a look at scheduling a consultation with a certified child safety technician (CPST) prior to you bring your child home if you're worried about correctly installing your infant car seats. They will show you how to use the seat and give you an example of a crash test. Make sure to read the manual that comes with your car seat, as this will help you avoid common mistakes during installation.
In contrast to convertible car seats which are designed for older children and toddlers baby car seats last until your child is outgrowing them or reaches the maximum weight or height limit that is set by the manufacturer. It's a great idea to choose a seat that can be used as long as possible before changing your child into a larger car seat.
Some infant car seats can be converted into strollers, which will provide more value for your buck. It is important to keep in mind that seats that can double as a stroller weigh more than those that are used as an infant car.
A large infant car seat will make it easier to fit into your vehicle and could be compatible with other rear-facing seats. Also, you should consider the weight of the seat as a lighter seat is easier to lift into and out of the car. This is a particularly important aspect to consider if you're planning to use the infant seat often and will be transporting it between vehicles. We prefer narrower, lightweight models in our top infant car seat review.
Reliability
Your child's safety is the top priority. While all car seats must meet federal safety standards, there are certain models that go above and over. Clek's Liing is one of the winners of the Best of the Bump award. It comes with two-stage body support system that keeps babies comfortable and cozy. It also scored a top crash test score from Consumer Reports.
Be aware, however, that even the most secure infant car seat will only be as safe in the way it is set up and used. A poorly-installed or incorrectly-used car seat is a significant risk for infants and children of all different ages. This is why Vybiralova Stanton recommends reading the manufacturer's manual and looking for videos of installation online. "You'll find that manufacturers are more concerned with making sure you have the right seat for your car and baby," she says.
The most effective car seats for infants are easy to install and use. They come with features such as a one-handed buckle release and magnetic strap holders that don't catch clothing, and a no rethread harness. They also come with durable materials and a wide range of adjustment mechanisms that function effortlessly.
A base that can be used with or without the LATCH system in the vehicle or shoulder belt is another option to think about. This is helpful for parents who travel by taxi frequently or who use their seat in more than one vehicle.
It's also important to consider the amount that the car seat weighs, and if you are able to carry it easily. Some models are much heavier than others and can strain your shoulders and arms particularly when you have kids to carry around or traveling for long distances.
In the end, a baby car seat that is priced lower will save you time and money. Don't buy a cheap car seat just because it's inexpensive. A price that is low could suggest that the manufacturer shirked on material quality or safety features. It's always recommended to review reviews and get suggestions from other parents prior to making your final purchase.
Convenience
The best infant car seats make it simple to keep baby secure. This means that they are easy to put in place, have features that make buckling up and unbuckling easier, and have other convenience amenities like comfortable fabrics and a harness that is not rethread. They also come with design elements that make them more protective in the event of a collision such as load legs that absorb shock. parts of the base or the car seat that limit movements and therefore impact forces on your child.
Choose a compact and slim infant car seat if you have a smaller car or plan to switch vehicles often. This type of car seat can easily fit in smaller vehicles, and many of them come with a distinctive handle that makes it easy to carry. These seats are typically lighter than convertible car seat, making them easier to get into and out of vehicles.
The car seat for infants can be converted into a stroller for a baby without the need for an additional attachment. This is a huge benefit for families who are always in motion or who reside in cities where public transportation is more popular. It's a bit larger than a standard car seat for infants however, it's not as big as a convertible.
It's easy to use and our testers loved its buckle holders with magnetic buckles and harness that does not need rethreads, 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 button-operated four-position recline and steel-reinforced LATCH connectors that flip out from the base and turn green when they are secure.
Choosing the right infant car seat is one of the most important decisions you'll make as the new parent. That's why it's so important to read reviews and research of various options prior to making a decision. You should ensure that the car seat that you choose is made with your child's safety in mind and meets all national safety standards.