How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant
The cost of infant car seats can run the gamut, depending on the type of material, style and add-ons. But you don't have to shell out a lot of money to find an excellent car seat infant.
Our product testers gave the best-performing infant car seats in five key categories safety, user-friendliness reliability, comfort, and adjustability.
Safety Ratings
The best infant car seats are rigorously tested for crash safety. They also come with clear directions and features that make it easier to install the seat correctly, like bubble levels and padded seating that provides good support for infants. We also found it beneficial to have a seat with easy-to-use adjustments that don't require taking the infant out of the car to loosen or tighten them, or make use of hooks and clips that allow for quick adjustments. If the process is quick and simple, parents are more likely to maintain their correctly fitted harnesses.
A seat that is machine washable is a plus and we searched for models that allow the seat to be positioned in conjunction with the base, which reduces the risk of a dropped or lost buckle during washing. If you plan to use your car seat regularly particularly on public transportation, it's worth purchasing a seat with self-retracting belts and a reclining feature. This will help ease the strain on your spine.
Selecting newborn car seat for your infant is one of the most important purchases you'll make as a parent, so we suggest researching it thoroughly before making your purchase. Read reviews from customers, as well as reviews from child safety advocacy groups. Before you buy car seats, it's a good idea also to visit the website of the manufacturer and review any recalls.
Infant car seats are small, portable car seats specifically designed for newborns or babies up to the first birthday. They are usually used in a rear-facing position. Most infants outgrow their car seat 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 car seats should be used rearward-facing until your child is at the weight and height limits established by the manufacturer. Then, they must be switched over to the car seat that faces forward. A convertible or all-in-one car seat can be used in both ways, but it's better for your baby to be in a rear-facing car seat until they're big enough for an front-facing car seat.
Ease of Use
It's important to choose a car seat that's simple to use for parents and children, even though safety is the most important factor. That's why we look at things like buckles, harness adjustments, and handles during our tests, as well as how simple it is to put the car seat in a vehicle. If a car seat is hard to use, it may be used improperly, which could impact your baby's safety.
Take a look at having a meeting with a certified child safety technician (CPST) prior to when you bring your infant home, if you are concerned about installing your infant car seat. They'll be able give you an instructional crash test video and show you how to use your new car seat. Don't forget to read the manual that comes with your car seat, as it will help you avoid common mistakes during installation.
Car seats for infants aren't convertible and should only be used until your child outgrows it or reaches the weight or height limit that is set by the manufacturer. It's important to choose the best seat for your child that will last for as long as is possible before transitioning them to a car seat for older children.
Some infant car seats can even convert into a stroller that will give you more bang for your buck. It's important to note that car seats that can double as a stroller weigh more than those designed to function as an infant car.
A large infant car seat will help you fit it into your vehicle and could be compatible with other seats in the back. You'll also want to consider how heavy it is, since lighter seats are more easy to lift into and out of the car. This is especially true if you intend to use the infant seat often and transport it between vehicles. In our best infant car seats review, we suggest models that are narrower and lighter.
Reliability
Your child's safety is the top priority. While every car seat sold must meet the federal safety standards, some surpass. Clek's Liing is one of the winners of the Best of the Bump award. It comes with a two stage body support system which helps keep babies comfortable and cozy. Consumer Reports also gave it a high score in the crash test.
Be aware that even the most reliable infant car seat can only be as secure in the way it is set up and used. Incorrectly installed or improperly used car seats pose a serious security risk for children and infants of all different ages. Vybiralova Stanton suggests you read the instruction manual of the manufacturer of your car seat and search for videos of installation online. "You'll find that manufacturers are more concerned with making sure you have the right seat for your vehicle and baby," she says.
The best infant car seats are easy to install and use. They come with features such as a one-handed buckle release, magnetic strap holders which don't catch clothing, and a no harness that can be rethread. These seats are made of durable materials and come with a variety of adjustment mechanisms that function smoothly.
Another thing to consider is whether an infant car seat has a base that can be used without the vehicle's shoulder belt or LATCH systems. This can be useful for parents who often take taxis or will be using their seats in several vehicles.
It is also important to think about the amount that the car seat weighs, and whether you can carry it easily. Some models are heavier than others, and they could put strain on your arms and shoulders when you're carrying other children or traveling long distances.
In the end, a baby car seat with a lower cost can save you time and money. But, be wary to buy one just because it's cheaper. A price that is low could indicate that the manufacturer has cut corners on the quality of the material or safety features. Before making a decision it's a good idea to read reviews and get suggestions from other parents.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats make it simple to keep your baby safe. This means that they are easy to install, come with features that allow buckling up and unbuckling much easier, and come with other convenience features like soft fabrics and a harness that is not rethread. They also feature features that increase their protection in the event of a crash, such as load legs which are shock-absorbing parts of the base or the car seat that limit movements and therefore impact forces on your child.
If you're in a smaller car, or you plan to change between vehicles often choose a baby car seat that is small and slim. This kind of seat can easily fit in smaller cars, and many of them come with a distinctive handle that makes them easy to tote. They're also typically lighter than convertible car seats, meaning they're less difficult to lift into and out of the car.
The infant car seat can be converted into a stroller for a baby without the need for an attachment. This is great for families that are constantly moving around or living in cities that have public transportation. It is a little more bulky than a traditional infant car seat, but it's still not as big as the convertible model.
It's easy to use, and our testers loved its buckle holders with magnetic buckles and no-rethread harness. This makes it incredibly easy to get the baby in and out. It comes with many features that make it more convenient to use, for example an adjustable recline via a button that can be operated in four positions and steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that are able to pop out of the base once secured.
As a new parent, choosing the right infant car seats is one of the biggest choices you'll make. That's why it's so important to research and read reviews of various options prior to making an informed choice. You must ensure that the car seat you choose is made with your child's safety in mind and conforms to all safety standards in the country.