How to Choose the Best Infant Car Seat
Think about what you want from your car seat. "If you are looking for a car seat that can grow with your child, then consider an all-in one model like the Graco 4Ever DLX," Saxton advises. It has a lengthy rear-facing weight limit and is able to convert into a high-back and backless booster.
The soft cushioning that can be machine washed is an added benefit. Other useful features include load legs which are shock-absorbing components on the base or car seat that limit movement in a crash.
Safety
The infant car seats are made to fit small babies best, and so they usually have more padding and cushioning than convertible carseats. They are also smaller and lighter to remove from the car or connect to a stroller frame, which is crucial since you'll need to carry your child's car seat out of the vehicle often. The infant car seat is designed to last for your child for the first year. This means that you don't have to worry about your child outgrowing the weight limit or height.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's guidelines for car seats are stringent however it's an excellent idea to conduct your own research before making a purchase. Take a look at reviews from other parents and checking out car seat safety guides from groups like Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, both of which have a lot of crash testing data to share with families.
Find features that can help your family. These include a one-handed release of the strap, a no-rethread harness or a leveling foot with a spring-loaded mechanism. These features can make it easier to buckle up your child, but remember that even the safest seats are useless if they are not used in a proper manner.
Other factors to be aware of are the width and weight of the car seat. Many infant seats are designed to fit alongside older car seats in the back of your vehicle Some can grow with your child and then transition to an adult seat simultaneously. If you plan to use the car seat to travel or take taxis or taxis, then an infant car seat which can be installed by using only your vehicle's seatbelt is an ideal choice.
In general, it's a good idea to buy the most secure car seat you can afford, because the most affordable models do not meet the highest crash safety standards. 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 those that can fit in your family vehicle They are also easy to install and come with useful extras such as a built-in running stroller or a rotation feature. It should be affordable. Infant seats cost between $180 and $500. If they're convertible and are intended for toddlers and infants The price could be higher.
The convenience features include whether the seat can be installed with the LATCH system or a seatbelt. Additionally it is possible to adjust the harness and headrest without having to remove the baby from the seat. Installing and removing the seat is not difficult, particularly when your child rides in Ubers or you frequently switch between cars. The seat should also be light and come with clearly labeled installation guides and bubble levels so you can swiftly get the car seat correctly installed.
You should also be able to rotate the seat and lock it when not using it, and have easy access to buckles and harness straps. It is also essential to verify the height and weight limits of the infant car seat prior to you buy it, and consider if your baby will outgrow it before the time he turns one. A good guideline is to select a seat that grows with your child until they reach the 90th percentile.
Some manufacturers go over the federal safety standards to include other features, such as crash testing as well as comfort and convenience in their car seats. The Clek Ling, a top choice among our gear editors and Consumer Reports is a great example of a baby seat that offers more than just great crash protection. It also comes with legs that help stabilize the seat during crashes, reducing the forces on the child by 40%. This feature could save a child’s life. It's worth it to invest more in car seats with added convenience features and safety.
best car seats is a major factor to consider when selecting an infant car seat, because babies spend the majority of their time in the car seat. The most comfortable ones have thick, breathable fabrics and ample padding on the headrest and harness. They also come with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms, like strap covers, buckles and headrest adjustments that don't require rethreading.
The size and weight of a car seat for infants can affect comfort, especially if you plan to switch cars or take the seat with you on a regular basis. Some models are more narrow than others, making them easier to fit in the back seat alongside another car seat or siblings' seats. While they all have weight and height restrictions, some are lighter. This will help your biceps from aching when you carry it from one place to another or between cars.
Certain infant car seats come with additional features that make them more versatile. For instance, they can rotate or be clicked into a stroller with no need for additional adapters. Other models have high-end features like an adjustable no-rethread harness or anti-rebound bars for extra safety in the case of the possibility of a crash. Although these features aren't necessary for a safe ride, they can contribute to the overall experience using the seat.
Parents want their babies to be in a comfortable, clean car seat. They also value safety and convenience. Choose a model which is machine washable, stain resistant and easy to remove for cleaning. Some seats are dishwasher safe, making it even easier to keep them looking clean.
Some models go the extra mile to ensure their customers' experience is safe and comfortable, like the Graco SnugRide(tm) Elite, which boasts an anti-rebound bar and meets Graco ProtectPlus Engineered(tm) standards to withstand rear and front collisions. The seat comes with a Silent Shade canopy to keep your baby comfortable and quiet, as well an indicator to let you know that the seat is properly secured. The adjustable harness tightener and carry handle provide simple one-handed adjustments.
Design
The manufacturers of infant car seats create their products with safety and ease of use as their main goals. However, the broad range of features can make it difficult to choose which is best for your family. You'll need to take into consideration factors such as weight and height limits as well as the number of buckles and belt paths. Other features such as anti-rebound bars load legs, no-rethread harnesses can add to the cost but could also increase the comfort of babies. You might also consider features that make it easier to get your child in and out of the seat, like rotating mechanisms. You should also pay attention to dimensions and base weight as not all seats are suitable for every vehicle.
The ease of attaching and detaching the base is one feature that is important. The quality of the LATCH connectors, and whether or not they're flexible or rigid, could affect this. It is also important to be aware of whether the straps can be easily tightened or loosen and if there is a one-hand release mechanism to remove and install the seat.
Certain models let you use the seat without a base which is useful if you take taxis often or if you are planning on changing cars frequently. Make sure you choose a model that come with a built-in lock as well as bubble level indicators to help ensure your seat is installed correctly.
Certain features might be worth the extra expense, such as the ability to grow with your child, a five-position reclining feature, or the canopy that expands and secures into the correct position. Our product testers also said the fact that a seat can be used as a highback booster with belt positioning or a backless booster after the infant has finished using it is an additional bonus.
Doona is a car seat for infants that will pamper parents. It's loaded with features that address almost every complaint parents have about infant car seats, which is the reason our test participants gave it top marks across all categories. It's approved for travel on air and comes with an anti-rebound handle and can be converted into a stroller. The results of its crash tests are excellent and it is GREENGUARD Gold certified.