How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant
The cost of infant car seats can go through all over the place, based on the materials, styles and accessories. There is no need to spend a lot on the best infant car seat.
Our product testers rated the top-performing infant car seats in five important categories including safety, user-friendliness reliability, comfort, and adjustability.
Safety Ratings
The best infant car seats are tested for safety. They also come with clear directions and features that help install the seat correctly, including bubble levels and padded seats that provide adequate support for babies. We also found it beneficial when a seat has easy-to-use adjustments that don't require the baby out of the car to loosen or tighten them, or make use of hooks and clips that allow for quick changes. Parents are more likely to maintain properly fitting harnesses if the process is easy and quick.
We searched for seats that can be washed in the washing machine and models that could be used in conjunction with the base to decrease the risk of a buckle getting dropped or lost during washing. If you'll be using your car seat often especially on public transportation it could be worth the extra expense for one that retracts automatically straps and a reclining mechanism to help reduce the strain on your back.
It is important to conduct thorough research before you make the purchase. Review reviews from other parents, as well as reviews from child safety advocacy groups. Before you buy a new car seat, it's recommended to visit the website of the manufacturer and look up any recalls.
A car seat for infants is a small, portable car seat that is designed for infants and babies up to their first birthday. They are typically used with a rear-facing. Most infants outgrow their car seat they were in before they turn one. In the case of convertible and all-in-one seats the child will be transitioned into a toddler seat. Infant-only seats must be used with the rear facing side until the child is at the maximum height and weight limit set by the manufacturer. After that, they should be changed to a forward-facing car seat. A convertible or all-in-one car seat can be used in both ways, but it's more secure for your baby to be in the rear-facing car seat until they're big enough for an front-facing car seat.
Easy of Use
While the safety of the car seat is essential however, it's equally important to find one that's easy for parents to use. That's why we examine things like buckles, harness adjusters and handles during our tests, and also how easy it is to put the car seat in the vehicle. If a car seat is hard to use, it could end up being used incorrectly which could compromise the safety of your child.
If you're concerned about installing your infant car seat correctly, consider meeting with a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) prior to bringing your baby home. They'll be able give you a crash test video and demonstrate how to use your new seat. Don't forget to read the instruction manual that comes with the car seat, as this will assist you in avoiding common installation mistakes.
Contrary to convertible car seats, that are suitable for toddlers and older children, infant car seats only last until your baby outgrows them or reaches the highest weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. This is why it's a good idea to choose a seat that can be used as long as possible before switching your little one to a bigger car seat.
Some infant car seats convert into strollers, meaning you get more for your price. It's important to remember that any seat that is able to be transformed into a stroller will be heavier than seats that only work as an infant car seat.
A wide infant car seat can make it easier to fit into your vehicle and could be compatible with other rear-facing seats. It is also important to take into consideration the weight of the seat, since a seat that is light is more easy to move into and out of a car. This is especially important in the event that you plan to use your infant seat often and carry it between vehicles. We prefer lightweight, narrower models in our top infant car seat review.
Reliability
Your child's safety is your top priority. While all car seats must meet federal safety standards, there are some that go above and beyond. Clek's Liing is a winner of the Best of the Bump award. It has two-stage body support system which helps keep children comfortable and warm. Consumer Reports also gave it the top score in a crash test.
It is crucial to keep in mind, however, that even the most secure infant car seat is only as reliable as how well it's installed and used. A poorly installed or used car seat can be a major danger for infants as well as children of all ages. This is why Vybiralova Stanton suggests reading the user's manual for the manufacturer and looking for installation videos on the internet. "You'll find that manufacturers are more focused on ensuring you have the right seat for your vehicle and baby," she says.
The most reliable infant cars seats have features that make it simple to install and use, including the buckle release for harnesses that can be operated with one hand and magnetic strap holders that don't cling on clothing and a no-rethread harness. They also feature durable materials and a wide range of adjustment mechanisms that function seamlessly.
Another aspect to look out for is whether the infant car seat has a base that can be used without a vehicle's LATCH or shoulder belt systems. best car seats newborn is helpful for parents who regularly take taxis or will be using their seats in multiple vehicles.
It's also important to take into consideration the amount that the car seat weighs and whether you can carry it comfortably. Some models are much heavier than others and could tax your arms and shoulders, especially when you have kids to carry around or traveling long distances.
In the end, a cheaper car seat for babies can save you money and time. Don't buy a cheap car seat simply because it is inexpensive. A price that is low could suggest that the manufacturer shirked on quality of materials or safety features. Before you make a final decision it's best to review reviews and seek out suggestions from other parents.
Convenience
The best infant car seats make it easy to ensure that your baby is safe. They are easy to put in and feature features that make buckling and unbuckling easier and come with other convenience amenities such as comfortable fabrics and a no rethread harness. They also have features that increase their protection in the event of a collision such as load legs that absorb shock. components on the base of the car seat that limit movement and thus impact forces on your child.
If you're in a smaller car, or if you plan to switch between multiple vehicles frequently, look for an infant car seat that is slim and compact. This type of seat fits easily in narrower vehicles and some come with a handle, making them easy to carry. They are usually lighter than convertible car seat, making them easy to lift into and out of vehicles.
The infant car seat converts into a baby stroller without needing an additional attachment. This is an enormous benefit for families who are always on the go, or those who reside in cities where public transportation is popular. It's a bit heavier than a standard infant car seat, but it's not as large as the convertible model.
The top-rated infant car seat is simple to use, and our testers liked it for its harness that is not rethread and magnetic buckle holders which make it incredibly fast to get baby in and out. It also has a lot of features that make it more convenient, like a button-operated four-position recline and steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that slide out from the base and turn green when they are secure.
As a new parent, selecting the best car seat for your infant is one of the biggest decisions you will make. It is essential to research and read reviews prior to making a choice. You should ensure that the car seat you select is designed with your child's security in mind and conforms to all safety standards in the country.