How To Determine If You're Set For Infant Car Seats Best
How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Parents should have car seats. But what makes one better than another?
A special infant seat is the best option for babies who are small. It is also lighter, making it easier to transport outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience extras like premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one-button handles. Also, consider security features like load legs and head/body cushions.
Safety
As any parent will tell you that choosing the best car seat is among the most important decisions you'll have to make for your child. The correct seat will make sure that your child is in a position correctly and properly protected in the event of a crash.
Not all car seats are equal. While every car seat sold in the US is required to adhere to the strict safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, not all seats have the same features. Certain models have features specifically designed to protect infants, for instance, load legs that reduce movement during crashes by absorbing the force of impact on the base of the car seat and others have built-in bubble levels to make it easy for installation and adjustable headrests that grow with your baby.
Car seats for infants are also designed to fit small babies most comfortably and usually include crash-tested inserts to help achieve this, says Choi. Additionally, they're generally lighter than convertible car seats and are easily moved to strollers making them ideal for ride-sharing and daycare drop-offs and pick-ups. Since they'll only last through your baby's first year, you can always buy a second-hand one for less than the price.
Another point to keep in mind is that even though having a high NHTSA rating and impressive crash test results are important, the way you use your car seat is more important to your child's safety. A study by Portland's most renowned children's hospital revealed that 95% of parents made at least one error when installing or adjusting their car seat.
It's essential to familiarize yourself before your baby arrives with the proper guidelines for car seats. We recommend you pick an infant car seat that comes with clear and concise instructions. It must also be light enough it's easy to carry around with your baby.
Check to see if the infant car seat that you're thinking about purchasing meets the car's dimensions. And if you're worried about your own abilities to install and use the car seat correctly, consider taking it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) to receive an interactive session prior to the time your baby's birth.
Convenience
Some infant car seats include extra features that make it simpler to use. Certain infant car seats come with features that make them easier to use. For instance, they could include a base that the seat can be clicked in and out, or they may include an easy-to-use adjusting mechanism. These features can make it easier to set up and remove the car seat, particularly when you have a child to look after.
The weight and the height limits of an infant car seat are also important to take into account. If your child is growing quickly, it might be worthwhile to invest in an infant car seat with higher limits to ensure that you can use it as long as you like.
In best car seats for newborns uk to safety features, your baby's car seat should also be comfortable. Look for padded straps which won't pinch or rub their shoulders, and for soft fabric that feels comfortable underneath them. Select a seat that is in the ability to lie flat. This allows your baby to ride in an upright position, which helps keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.
There are many accessories available for infant car seats however Dr. Segura cautions against buying items that are not included with the seat as it has not been tested in a crash and may be dangerous. You should also avoid buying used infant car seats as they may have been involved in a crash and can be damaged or worn out.
The best infant car seats cost from $100 to over $600. However they all have some features. They're all light and easy to install and take down, and are comfortable for the infant. Some come with additional features that make them more adaptable. For example they can swivel, or clip onto strollers without adapters. For more information on the different options available, check out our list of the top infant car seats.
Comfort
The best infant car seats are fitted with features that provide comfort and make it easy to take your child into and out of the seat. The best infant car seats have a one-handed clasp system which eliminates the need to grasp both sides at once. They also come with padding that is cushioned to make it easier to lift the seat. Additionally, you'll need to think about how much the seat weighs--you'll be using it without a base, for instance, so a lighter one is more suitable. This Baby Trend Secure Lift, for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.
Other important aspects include the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If you plan to keep the car seat for a period of time, look for a model that can grow with your baby and will fit them well into toddlerhood. This way, you'll be capable of using it for longer and save money on a second car seat.
You'll also want to think about the seat's dimensions and whether it's narrower or wider than other models. The first can be useful for smaller vehicles. The second may be beneficial if you have three kids in the rear seat or two children in back-to back car seats. If you're planning to use a car seat along with a pram, select one that is compatible with most popular strollers and comes with detachable seats. Car seat brands such as Graco and Nuna offer options that can meet this need.
Examine the rating of a car seat to determine its user-friendliness. Guides and indicators clearly labeled that indicate the seat is level and securely fastened--like bubble levels or color-coded markings--can assist in easing the burden on the new parents. Certain seats come with innovative features, like load legs. These are shock-absorbing parts that extend from the base or beneath the seat to the floor of the vehicle and absorb some force in the event of a crash.
There are additional accessories that claim to improve the convenience and comfort of your car seat. However, remember that anything not included with the seat hasn't undergone safety testing. "Anything you purchase that isn't from the manufacturer, even a blanket or harness is not recommended to put in the car seat," Segura says.
Style
It can be a challenge for new parents to figure out the best infant car seats. It's crucial to understand your budget and what features you want. There are a variety of options for special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics. However, it all comes down to comfort.
For instance it's worth noting that infant-specific seats are more suitable for babies than convertible car seats and are suitable for the first year of their lives (though some might come with extensions that have been tested for crash to help them last longer). They typically offer more recline modes to allow for the correct positioning of small children. They are also lighter and easier to carry. They are more likely to be compatible when used with a travel system. This is beneficial for parents who are new and want to save money and time by buying seats that serve two functions.
Car seat weight and width are also important factors to consider for the majority of families. For instance, certain infant car seats are designed to be a bit narrower than others, allowing them to fit in the back of your car, or for use with siblings seats. Some are so heavy that they test your biceps when you lift them and transfer them from the car to the stroller.
In terms of convenience, many parents prefer infant car seats that have the capability to move from base to carrier and then snap into a stroller without the need for additional attachments. This will save you lots of time, particularly during busy times when you are running the errands.
Other features that are useful include a harness that doesn't need to be rethread, magnetic buckle holders and an easy installation process. Lastly, look for an head and body support insert, which will assist infants in avoiding slumping in their seats or carriers in the event of a nap.
Some car seats feature rigid latches that can be flipped out from the base if installed correctly. This type of install is more secure and can limit the amount of time a car seat can move during an accident.