What Is The Reason Infant Car Seats Best Is The Best Choice For You?
How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Parents should have car seats. What makes one car seat better than another?
A specially designed infant seat is ideal for small babies best, and is lighter for easy transport outside the vehicle. Look for convenience features like premium connectors for lower anchors, non-rethreading harness pads, and single button handles. Also, look out for safety features like load legs and body/head cushions.
Safety
As every parent knows, choosing the right car seat is among the most important decisions you'll make for your child. The correct seat will ensure that your child is positioned correctly and properly secured in the event of a car crash.
While every car seat sold in the US must adhere to strict standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Not all car seats are created equal. Some models have features that are designed to safeguard infants. For instance load legs can minimize movement during crashes by absorbing impact forces onto the base and car seat. Some include bubble levels that make installing easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.
Car seats specifically designed for infants are also designed to fit babies at their best and often include extra crash-tested seats to accomplish this, says Choi. Plus, they're usually lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily moved to strollers which makes them perfect for daycare and ride-share drop-offs and pick-ups. Since they'll only last through your baby's first year and beyond, you can always purchase an older model for less than the price.
Another factor to be aware of is that, while an excellent NHTSA rating and great crash test results are essential however, the way you use your car seat is more crucial to your child's safety. In fact, a study conducted by Portland's leading children's hospital revealed that 95% of parents made at the very least one crucial error when installing or putting in their car seat.
It is important to familiarize yourself before your baby is born with correct car seat guidelines. We suggest you look for a car seat with clear and concise instructions, is light enough to be easy to carry your child, and comes with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms.
Examine if the infant car seat that you're thinking about purchasing meets the requirements of the vehicle's size. And if you're worried about your own ability to install and use the car seat correctly, consider taking it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) to receive a hands-on tutorial before your baby's birth.
Convenience
Some infant car seats include additional features that make it simpler to use. Certain infant car seats have features that make them simpler to use. For instance, they might have a base into which the seat can be clicked into and out, or they could feature an easy-to-use adjustment mechanism. These features can help make it easier to attach and remove the car seat, especially if you have another child to attend to.
It is also crucial to consider the limits on height and weight for an infant car seat. If you have a child who is growing rapidly it might be worth the extra cost to purchase a car seat that has higher limits to ensure that you utilize it for as long as possible.
In addition to safety features, your infant's car seat must also be comfortable. Find comfortable straps that don't touch or squeeze their shoulders, and a soft fabric that feels cozy beneath them for extended durations. It's also recommended to choose a seat with the option of lying flat, which allows your newborn to ride in a more reclined position, which helps keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.
Dr. Segura warns that you should avoid buying any accessories for infant car seats that are not included in the seat, because they haven't been tested for safety in a crash and could pose a risk. Avoid buying a used infant car seats because they may have been in an accident and could be damaged or worn.
The best infant car seats are priced from $100 to more than $600. However, they all share certain characteristics. They're all light, easy to install and detach and comfortable for infants. Some have extra features that make them even more adaptable. For instance, they can swivel or clip onto strollers with no need for adapters. For more information on the different choices available, read our list of the top infant car seats.
Comfort
The best infant car seats come with comfort features that make it easier to get the baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch system that removes the need to grasp both straps simultaneously, as well as cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. In addition, you'll want to take into consideration how much the seat weighs--you'll be using it without a base for instance, so a lighter one is the best. This Baby Trend Secure Lift is a good example. It weighs less than 13 pounds.
The height and weight limit of infant car seats is also crucial. If you plan to keep the car seat for a period of time, look for an infant car seat that will expand with your child and fit them into toddlerhood. This way, you'll be in a position to use it for a longer period of time and save money on a new car seat.
You should also consider the dimensions of the seat and if it is wider or narrower than other models. This could be an advantage for vehicles with smaller dimensions, while the latter could be beneficial when you have two kids in back-to-back car seats, or have to drive with three children in the back seat at some point. If their website planning to use a car seat with a pram, select one that is compatible with most popular strollers, and includes detachable seats. Car seat brands such as Graco and Nuna offer options that can meet this requirement.
For ease of use, take a look at the score a car seat receives for installation. Guides and indicators clearly labeled that indicate the seat is level and securely fastened - like bubble levels or color codes--can help reduce stress on the new parents. Some seats come with unique features, like load legs. These are parts that absorb shock that extend from the seat base or under the seat all the way to the floor of your vehicle and absorb the force of impact during a crash.
There are accessories that claim to improve the comfort and convenience of your car seat. Be aware that anything that is not sold with the seat hasn't passed safety testing. "Anything you purchase that's not from the manufacturer, including the harness or blanket is not recommended to put in the car seat," Segura says.

Style
It can be difficult for parents with young children to determine the best infant car seats. It's essential to understand your budget and what features you want. There are a variety of options for special features, stroller compatibility and even fabrics. However, it all boils down to comfort.
For instance it's important to note that dedicated infant seats fit smaller babies better than convertible car seats and can be used for the first year of life (though some might have crash-tested extension kits to make them last longer). They usually have a greater number of recline modes to allow for the proper positioning of small children. They are also lighter and easier to carry. They are also more likely to be compatible with a travel system, which is beneficial for new parents trying to save time and money by purchasing one seat that will serve two purposes.
Car seat weight and width are also important to consider for most families. Some infant car seats, for instance are narrower and can fit better in the back of your car or next to other seats. Some are heavy enough to test your biceps strength and transfer from car to stroller.
Many parents prefer infant car seat that can be changed from base to carrier, and then click into a stroller without needing any extra attachments. This will save you a lot of time, especially during busy times when you're running errands your kids.
Other convenient features include a no-rethread harness with magnetic buckle holders, as well as an easy-to-install process. Look for a head-and-body support insert to prevent infants from settling into the carrier or seat when they fall asleep.
Most car seats use flexible straps to secure their lower anchor connectors however, some have latches that are rigid and flip out of the base and turn green once installed. This kind of installation is more secure and may restrict the amount that a seat can move during an accident.