How to Choose the Best Infant Car Seat
What do you want from your car seat? "If you are looking for a car seat that can expand with your child, you should consider an all-in-one model like the Graco 4Ever DLX," Saxton recommends. The seat has a long rear-facing weight limit, and it can convert to both the high-back and backless booster.
The soft cushioning that can be machine washed is a plus. Load legs are another beneficial feature. They are shock-absorbing parts which are attached to the car seat base and help to limit movement in an accident.
Safety
Car seats for infants are designed to fit small babies best, and so they typically come with more padding and cushioning than convertible carseats. They are also lighter and easier to get out of the car or set onto a stroller frame, unlike convertible car seats, which is vital considering you will likely need to transport your baby in the car seat often outside of your vehicle. The car seat for infants is also designed to last your child through the first year. This means that you don't have to worry about your child exceeding the weight limit or height.
It's a good idea, however, to conduct some research before you make a purchase. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has strict guidelines for car seats. Take a look at reviews written by other parents and looking at car seat safety guidelines from organizations such as Consumer Reports or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both have crash test results that can be shared with families.
Find features that will be useful to your family. These include the ability to release the strap, a no rethread harness, or a leveling foot with spring-loaded mechanisms. These kinds of features can make buckling your child faster and more convenient, but keep in mind that even the safest seats can be a waste in the event that you don't utilize them correctly.
Other factors to be aware of are the weight and width of the car seat. infant car seat in front seat of infant car seats are designed to be small enough to fit alongside older car seats in the back of your car Some can grow with your child, and move to an adult seat simultaneously. If you intend to use your car seat for transport or to take taxis, an infant car seat that is installed using only the vehicle's seatbelt is a convenient option.
In general it's a good idea to purchase the most secure seat you can afford, since the cheapest models usually don't meet the highest safety standards for crash safety. Beware of models that don't have side impact crash tests, and allow manufacturers to self-certify.
Convenience
The most suitable infant car seats are ones that fit inside your vehicle with your family and are easy to install and have convenient extras like a built-in jogging stroller or rotation capability. It must also be affordable. Infant seats can vary in price from about $180 to $500. They can be more expensive if they are convertible and are used as an infant and toddler seat.
The convenience features include whether the seat can be fitted using the LATCH system, or a seatbelt. Also, if you can adjust the headrest and harness without having to remove the baby from the seat. Installing and taking it off should be easy, especially if your child rides in Ubers or you often switch between cars. The seat should also be lightweight and have clearly labeled installation guidelines and bubble levels so that you can easily install the car seat properly installed.
You should also be able to turn the seat around and lock it when not using it, and have easy access to the buckles and harness straps. Before you buy an infant car seat, be sure to check its weight and height limits. Also, consider if your child will outgrow the seat before they turn one. In general, you should select a car seat for your child that will grow with them until they reach the 90% percentile.
Some manufacturers go beyond the federal safety standards and include additional features such as crash-testing as well as comfort and convenience in their car seats. The Clek Liing, a top pick by our gear editors as well as Consumer Reports, is an excellent example of an infant seat that offers more than just excellent crash protection. It also has an extra load leg that can help stabilize the seat in the event of a crash and reduces the forces exerted on the child's body by 40%. This feature could save a child's life. It's worth it to invest more in car seats that have safety and convenience features.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to consider when selecting an infant car seat as babies spend most of their time in the car seat. The most comfortable car seats are made of large, breathable fabrics and generous padding on the headrest and harness. They also offer simple adjustment mechanisms, such as strap covers, buckles and headrest adjustments that do not require the rethreading.
The weight and size of the infant car seat can also impact comfort especially if it's intended to be used in multiple cars or for frequent travel. Some models are narrower than others, making them easier to fit in the back of the car with a car seat or your siblings seats. While they all have weight and height restrictions Some are lighter. This could save you from having sore biceps when you move it from one place to another or between cars.
Certain infant car seats come with extra features that make them more adaptable including rotational options or the capability to convert into strollers without the need for extra adapters. Some models come with premium features like an adjustable no-rethread harness or bars that prevent rebounding to provide additional safety in the event of an accident. While these additional features aren't essential for an enjoyable ride, they can add to the overall experience using the seat.
Parents want their babies to have a comfortable, clean car seat. They also care about safety and convenience. Look for a model that's machine washable and stain-resistant, and also easy to take off for cleaning. Some seats are even dishwasher safe, which makes it easier to keep them looking new.
Some models go the extra mile to ensure that their customers' experiences are safe and smooth, like the Graco SnugRide(tm) Elite, which comes with an anti-rebound bars and meets the Graco ProtectPlus Engineered(tm) standards to withstand rear and front collisions. The seat also includes a Silent Shade canopy that keeps baby safe and quiet and an indicator that informs you when it's properly attached to the base. The seat's carry handle is adjustable as well as harness tightener indicator indicate when it is properly attached to the base.
Design
Manufacturers of infant car seats create them with safety and comfort as their primary goals. However, the wide selection of features makes it difficult to choose which one is right for your family. It is important to take into account factors such as weight and height limits and the number of buckles and belt paths. Additional features such as load legs that are not bound, anti-rebound bar, and no-rethread straps may increase the price of the seat but improve the comfort of your baby. You might also consider features that allow you to easily get your child into and out of the seat, such as rotating mechanisms. Be sure to pay attention to the dimensions and the weight of the seat because not every seat will fit in all vehicles.
One aspect that is particularly important is the ease of installing and detaching from the base. The quality of the LATCH connectors and whether or not they're flexible or rigid, will affect this. You should also consider whether the straps can be easily tightened or loosen and if they have a one-hand release mechanism to remove and install the seat.
Some models let you use the seat without a base which is a great option for those who frequently use taxis or if you are planning on switching cars often. Look for models that come with a built-in lock as well as bubble level indicators to help make sure that the seat is placed correctly.
Other features worth paying extra for include a headrest that expands with the baby as well as a recline that can be adjusted to five positions and an extended canopy that locks in place. Our product testers have also noted the fact that a seat can be used as a highback belt-positioning booster or backless booster after the infant is done using it is a plus.
Doona is a car seat for infants that will spoil parents. It's loaded with features that address nearly every issue families have with infant car seats, which is why our product testers gave it top marks across all categories. It's affixed for air travel and has an anti-rebound handle, and can be converted into a stroller. Its crash test result is impressive and it's GREENGUARD Gold Certified.