See What Best Car Seat Infant Tricks The Celebs Are Using
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 other add-ons. There is no need to spend a fortune on a good infant car seat.
Our product testers rated the best-performing infant car seats in five key categories safety, ease of use and reliability, convenience, and adjustability.
Safety Ratings
The best car seat infant infant car seats are thoroughly crash tested. The most secure infant car seats have clear instructions, and also features like bubble levels or padded seats to provide adequate support for the infant car seats best. We also found it helpful when a chair has simple adjustments that don't require taking the baby out of the car to loosen or tighten them, or that utilize hooks and clips that allow for quick changes. If the process is quick and simple, parents will be more likely to maintain their correctly fitted harnesses.
A seat that is machine washable is a great feature, and we looked 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'll be using your car seat frequently, and particularly in public transport, it may be worth spending more for an auto-retracting straps and a reclining mechanism to ease the stress on your back.
It's important to do thorough research before you make the purchase. Review reviews from other parents as well as reviews from advocacy groups for children. It's an excellent idea to check the manufacturer's website and review any recall notices prior to you purchase a car seat.
Infant car seats are small, lightweight baby car seat car seats that are designed for infants or babies until their one year old. They are typically used with a rear-facing design. Most children outgrow their car seats by the time they reach 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 with the rear facing side until the child reaches the maximum height and weight limits set by the manufacturer. Then, they can be changed to forward-facing car seats. The convertible or all-in-one car seat can be used in both directions, but it is more secure for your child to remain in the rear-facing position until they have reached the age of maturity to move forward.
Simple to Use
While the safety of a car seat is paramount however, it's equally important to find one that is easy for parents to use. That's why we look at things like buckles, harness adjustments and handles in our tests, as well as how simple it is to set up the car seat into a vehicle. If a car seat is difficult to use, you may end up using it improperly. This could compromise the safety of your child.
Consider having a meeting with a certified child safety technician (CPST) prior to when you bring your child home if you're worried about correctly installing your infant car seat. They can show you how to use the seat and give you the video of the crash test. Don't forget to read your car seat's manual. This will make it easier to avoid common mistakes when installing the seat.
In contrast to convertible car seats that are suitable for older children and toddlers infant car seats will only last until your baby outgrows them or reaches the highest weight limit or height set by the manufacturer. That's why it's a good choice to select a seat that can be used the longest time possible prior to changing your baby into a big kid car seat.
Some infant car seats are convertible into strollers, meaning you can get more for your budget. It's important to note that car seats that can double as a stroller are heavier than those that work only as an infant car.
A wide infant car seat can help you fit it into your car and may be compatible with other back seats. It's also important to take into consideration how heavy it is, since a lighter seat can be easier to lift into and out of the car. This is particularly important when you plan to use your infant seat often and transport it between vehicles. In our top infant car seats review, we recommend models that are slimmer and lighter.
Reliability
Your child's safety is your top rated baby car seats priority. While every car seat available must adhere to the federal safety standards, some exceed. Clek's Liing is an award-winning winner of the Best of the Bump award. It has a two stage body support system that helps keep babies comfortable and cozy. Consumer Reports also gave it a high score in the crash test.
Remember, however, even the most reliable infant car seat will only be as safe as how it is installed and used. Unsafely installed or mishandled car seats pose a serious security risk for infants and children of all age groups. Vybiralova Stanton suggests that you read the instruction manual of the car seat manufacturer and search for videos of installation online. "You'll discover that manufacturers are more interested in making sure you have the correct seat for your vehicle and baby," she says.
The best infant car seats are easy to install and use. They feature features such as a one-handed buckle release, magnetic strap holders which do not snag clothing, and a no rethread harness. They also have sturdy materials and a range of adjustment mechanisms that work seamlessly.
A base that can be used in conjunction with or without the vehicle's LATCH system or shoulder belt is a different option to think about. This is helpful for parents who often take taxis or will be using their seat in several vehicles.
It's also important to take into consideration the amount that the car seat weighs, and whether you can carry it easily. Some models are heavier than others, and they can put a strain on your shoulders and arms especially if you're carrying other children or traveling long distances.
In the end, a less expensive car seat for babies can save you both time and money. Don't buy a cheap car seat simply because it's inexpensive. A low price might mean that the manufacturer skimped on the quality of the material or safety features. It's always a good idea to look through reviews and seek suggestions from other parents prior to making a purchase.
Convenience
The best infant seat car seats for infants make it easy to ensure your baby's safety. They are easy to install and have features that make buckling and unbuckling easier and come with other convenience amenities such as comfortable fabrics and a no rethread harness. They also feature design elements that help to make them more protective in the event of a collision such as load legs, which are shock absorbing parts of the base or the car seat that reduce movement and thus impact forces on your child.
Find an baby car seat if you have a small vehicle or plan to change vehicles often. This kind of seat can fit easily in narrower vehicles and some come with a handle, making them easy to carry. They're also typically lighter than convertible car seats, meaning they are easier to lift into and out of the vehicle.
Another great feature of this infant car seat is that it can be converted into a stroller without the requirement for an additional attachment. This is great for families who are always on the move or those living in cities with public transportation. It is a little more bulky than a traditional infant car seat, but it's not as big as convertible models.
The top-rated infant car seat is easy to use, and our testers loved it for its harness that is not rethread and magnetic buckle holders that make it super fast to get baby in and out. It also has loads of features that make it more convenient, like a four-position recline with a button that is operated by a button, and steel-reinforced LATCH connectors that flip out from the base and turn green when secure.
Selecting the best infant car seat is among the most important decisions you'll have to make as you become a new parent. This is why it's important to study and read reviews of various options prior to making an informed choice. You should ensure that the car seat you select is designed with your child's safety in mind, and also that it conforms to the standards set by the national safety council.