How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant
The price of infant car seats can go through from one to the other, based on materials, styles and add-ons. However, you don't need to spend a fortune to get a great car seat infant.
Our product testers rated the best-performing infant car seats in five main categories safety user-friendliness, convenience of use, reliability, convenience, and adjustability.
Safety Ratings
The best infant car seats are rigorously crash tested. The best infant car seats come with clear instructions, and also features such as bubble levels or padded seats to offer a good amount of support for the baby. We also liked seats that were easy to adjust, and didn't require the child to be removed from the car. Parents are more likely to maintain properly fitting harnesses if the process is simple and quick.
A seat that is machine washable is a great feature, and we looked for models that allow the seat to be placed with the base, reducing the risk of a dropped or lost buckle during washing. If you'll be using your car seat often especially on public transportation it could be worth the extra expense for an auto-retracting straps and a reclining mechanism to ease the strain on your back.
The choice of a baby car seat is among the most important purchases you'll make as a parent. Therefore, we suggest researching it thoroughly before purchasing. Review reviews from other parents as well as reviews from child safety advocacy groups. It's also a good idea to check the manufacturer's website and look over recall notices prior to you buy a car seat.
An infant car seat is a small, movable car seat specifically designed for newborns and babies who are up to their first birthday. They are generally used with a in a rear-facing position. 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, are shifted to a toddler car seat. Infant-only seats are designed to be used rearward-facing until your child is at the weight and height limits established by the manufacturer. Then, they can be changed to forward-facing car seats. A convertible or all-in-one seat can be used both ways, but it's more secure for your baby to remain in an rear-facing car seat until they are large enough to fit in an front-facing car seat.
Easy of Use
While the safety of car seats is crucial however, it's equally important to find one that is easy for parents to use. We test the buckles handles, harnesses, and buckle adjustments, as well as its ease of fitting into the vehicle. If a car seat is difficult to use, you could end up using it incorrectly. This could impact your baby's safety.
Consider meeting with a certified child safety technician (CPST) prior to when you bring your infant home, if you are concerned about the correct installation of your infant car seats. They can guide you on how to use the seat and give you an example of a crash test. Don't forget to read the instruction manual that comes with your car seat, as it will assist you in avoiding common mistakes in installation.
Infant car seats are not convertible, and they can only be used until your child outgrows it or reaches the maximum weight or height limit that is set by the manufacturer. It is essential to select the best seat for your child that lasts for as long as is possible before converting them into a car seat for older children.
Some infant car seats can be converted into strollers, so you can get more for your money. But it's important to note that any seat that can be transformed into a stroller is likely to be heavier than seats that only function as a car seat for infants.
A large infant car seat will make it easier to fit into your vehicle and could be compatible with other rear-facing seats. It is also important to take into consideration the weight of the seat since a seat that is light is more easy to take into and out of the car. This is especially true in the event that you plan to use the infant seat often and transport it between vehicles. In our best infant car seats review, we suggest models that are slimmer and lighter.
Reliability
Your child's safety is your top priority. While all car seats must be in compliance with federal safety standards, there are some that go beyond. Best of the Bump winner Clek's Liing for instance comes with a two-stage body support system that keeps babies cozy and comfortable and is compatible with many popular strollers. Consumer Reports also gave it a high score in the crash test.
Be aware, however, that even the most reliable infant car seat can only be as secure as how it is installed and used. Incorrectly installed or improperly used car seats pose a significant safety risk for children and infants of all 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 focused on ensuring you have the right car seat for your baby," she says.
The most effective infant car seats are easy to install and use. They have features like a one-handed buckle release, magnetic strap holders which do not snag clothing, and a no harness that can be rethread. The seats are made of strong materials and feature various adjustment mechanisms which work smoothly.
A base that can be used in conjunction with or without the LATCH system in the vehicle or shoulder belt is an additional option to think about. This is useful for parents who take taxis often or use their seats in multiple vehicles.
It's also important to take into consideration how much the car seat weighs and if you are able to carry it comfortably. Certain models are heavier than others and can burden your shoulders and arms, especially when you have children to carry around or traveling long distances.
In the end, a less expensive car seat for babies can save you both time and money. cheap infant car seats buy a low-cost car seat because it is inexpensive. A lower price could indicate that the manufacturer has made a mistake on safety features or quality. It's always recommended to review reviews and get recommendations from other parents prior to making your final purchase.
Convenience
The best car seat infant car seats make it easy to keep your baby safe. They are easy to install and feature features that make buckling and unbuckling easier and come with other features such as soft fabrics and a non-rethread harness. They also come with design elements that increase their protection in a crash such as load legs, which are shock absorbing parts of the base or the car seat that limit movement and thus impact forces on your child.
Look for an infant car seat if have a smaller car or plan to change vehicles frequently. This kind of seat will fit easily in smaller cars, and many come with a handle, making them easy to carry. They are usually lighter than convertible car seat which makes them easier to get to and out of vehicles.
The infant car seat converts into a baby stroller without the need for an attachment. This is great for families that are always on the move or those living in cities that have public transportation. It's a bit heavier than a standard infant car seat, but not nearly as big as the convertible model.
This highly rated infant car seat is easy to use, and our testers loved it for its no-rethread harness as well as magnetic buckle holders that make it super fast to get the baby in and out. It is equipped with features that make it easier to use, for example a button-operated recline with four positions and steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that pop out of the base when secured.
Selecting the best infant car seat is one of the most important decisions you'll make as the new parent. This is why it's important to read reviews and research of different options before making a choice. You must make sure that the car seat you pick is specifically designed with your child's safety in mind, and that it conforms to the standards set by the national safety council.