How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant
Car seats for infants are offered in a variety of prices, based on the type of material, style and accessories. There is no need to spend a fortune on the best infant car seat.
Our product testers have rated the top-performing infant car seats across five major categories: Safety accessibility, user-friendliness and reliability, convenience, and adjustability.
Safety Ratings
The best infant car seats are thoroughly crash-tested. 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 found it beneficial when a chair has simple adjustments that don't require taking the baby out of the car to loosen or tighten them, or make use of hooks and clips for quick changes. If the process is fast and simple, parents are more likely maintain the correct fitting harnesses.
We looked for seats that can be washed in the washing machine and models that can be used in conjunction with the base to decrease the chance of a buckle falling off or lost in washing. If you'll be using your car seat often and especially on public transport, it may be worth it to invest in an auto-retracting straps and a reclining mechanism to reduce the strain on your back.
It is essential to conduct thorough research prior to making an purchase. Read reviews from customers, as well as reviews from advocacy groups for children. It's also a good idea to visit the manufacturer's website and read any recall notices before you buy a car seat.
Infant car seats are small, lightweight car seats specifically designed for newborns or babies up to the first birthday. They are usually used with a rear-facing. Most infants outgrow their car seat they were in by the time they are one. In the case of convertible or all-in-one seats, the child is then moved to a toddler seat. Infant-only seats must be used with the rear facing side until the child is at the maximum height and weight limits set by the manufacturer. Then, they can be changed to forward-facing car seats. A convertible or all-in-one seat can be used in both ways, but it's better for your baby to remain in the rear-facing car seat until they are big enough for an front-facing car seat.
Ease of Use
While the safety of car seats is crucial but it's also crucial to choose one that is easy for parents to use. We test the car seat's buckles, handles, and harness adjustments, as well as its ease of installation into a vehicle. If a car seat isn't easy to use, you could end up using it improperly. This could affect the safety of your child.
Take a look at having a meeting with a certified child safety technician (CPST) prior to when you take your baby home if you're concerned about the correct installation of your infant car seats. They'll be able to show you an instructional crash test video and demonstrate how to use your new seat. Make sure to read the manual that comes with your car seat, as this can assist you in avoiding common installation mistakes.
Unlike convertible car seats, which can be used for toddlers and older children infant car seats will only last until your child is outgrowing them or reaches the highest weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. It is essential to select the right seat that will last for as long as is possible before switching them into a car seat for older children.
Some infant car seats can be converted into strollers that will provide more value for your money. It's important to note that car seats that can be used as a stroller are heavier than those that are used as an infant car.
A large infant car seat will help you fit it into your vehicle and could be compatible with other rear-facing seats. Also, you should take into consideration 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 your infant seat often and will be transporting it between vehicles. We prefer lightweight, narrower models in our best infant car seat review.
Reliability
Keeping your child safe is the top priority. While all car seats must meet federal safety standards, there are certain models that go beyond. Best of the Bump winner Clek's Liing, for example comes with two-stage body support which helps keep babies cozy and comfortable and is compatible with a variety of popular strollers. Consumer Reports also gave it an excellent score in a crash test.
It is crucial to keep in mind, however, that even the most secure infant car seat is only as safe in the way it is installed and used. Unsafely installed or mishandled car seats are a major danger to infants and children of all age groups. Vybiralova Stanton suggests you read the instructions of the car seat manufacturer and search for online installation videos. "You'll find that manufacturers are more focused on ensuring you have the right car seat and baby," she says.
The most effective infant car seats are easy to install and use. They come with features like a single-handed buckle release magnetic strap holders that do not catch clothing, and a non rethread harness. These seats are made of sturdy materials and have several adjustable mechanisms that work smoothly.
Another thing to consider is whether an infant car seat is equipped with a base that can be used with or without the use of the use of a vehicle's LATCH or shoulder belt systems. This can be useful for parents who often take taxis or will be using their seat in multiple vehicles.
It's also worth considering how much the car seat for infants weighs and if you can easily carry it around. Certain models weigh more than others, and can be a strain on your shoulders and arms when you're carrying other children or traveling long distances.
In the end, a baby car seat that is priced lower can save you money and time. Don't buy a low-cost car seat simply because it's inexpensive. A low price might indicate that the manufacturer has cut corners on material quality or safety features. Before you make a final decision, it's a good idea look over reviews and seek suggestions from other parents.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats make it simple to ensure that your baby is secure. They are simple to install and have features that make buckling and unbuckling simpler and come with other amenities such as comfortable fabrics and a no-rethread harness. These car seats also have design features that help them be safer in the event of a crash. For instance they come with load legs, which absorb shock. parts that are located at the base of the seat. This helps reduce movement and consequently the force of impact on your child.
Look for an infant car seat if you have a small car or plan to switch vehicles often. This kind of seat will fit well in smaller vehicles and most come with a handle that makes 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 great feature of this infant car seat is that it converts into a stroller without the necessity of an additional attachment. This is great for families that are always in motion or living in cities that have public transportation. It is a little more bulky than a traditional infant car seat, but not as big as a convertible model.
It's simple to use, and our testers were impressed by its magnetic buckle holders and no-rethread harness, which makes it super quick to get the baby out and in. It is equipped with features that make it more convenient to use, such as the recline that is operated by a button with four positions, and steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that pop out of the base once secured.
As a new parent choosing the right car seat for your infant is among the most important decisions you will make. This is why it's crucial to study and read reviews of different options before making the decision. You must ensure that the car seat that you pick is designed with your child's safety in mind and conforms to all safety standards in the country.