Why Infant Car Seats Best Is Harder Than You Imagine
How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Parents must have car seats. What is it that makes one car seat better than another?
A special infant seat fits small babies best, and is lighter to facilitate transport outside the vehicle. Look for features that make life easier such as premium lower-anchor connectors with non-rethreading harness pads and single button handles. Also, look out for safety features such as load legs and head/body cushions.
Safety
As every parent will tell you, selecting the most appropriate car seat for your child is one of the most crucial decisions that you can make. The right seat will ensure that your child is in a position properly and is adequately secured in the event of a car crash.
Not all car seats are created equal. Although infant car seat cheap sold in the US is required to conform to the strict safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, not all seats have the same features. Certain models come with special features to safeguard infants, for instance, load legs that limit movement during crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the base of the car seat and others have built-in bubble levels that make for easy installation and adjustable headrests that expand with your baby.
Dedicated infant car seats are also designed to fit babies at their best and often include extra crash-tested inserts to aid in this, says Choi. They're also lighter than a convertible car seats and can be easily converted to a stroller. This makes them ideal for daycare drop-offs, ride-shares and pickups. You can purchase a used one at less than the cost, since they only last for your baby's first 12 months.
A high NHTSA score and excellent crash test results are important, but the method you use to install your child's car seat is more important. In fact, a study conducted by Portland's top children's hospital found that 95 percent of parents have made at the very least one crucial error when installing or putting in their car seat.
That's why it's a good idea to spend a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the correct car seat usage guidelines before your little one arrives. We suggest you look for car seats that have clear and concise instructions, is light enough to easily carry with your baby in it, and comes with easy-to-use adjustments.
It is also important to determine if the infant car seat you're thinking of purchasing meets the dimensions required for your vehicle. If you're concerned about your ability to install and operate the car seat properly yourself, you may be able to bring it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your baby is born to receive a hands-on demonstration.
Convenience
Some infant car seats come with extra features that make it easier to use. For instance, they could come with a base that the seat can be clicked into and out of, or they could come with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features can help make it easier to attach and remove the car seat, especially if you have another child to look after.
The weight and height limits of an infant car seat are also important to take into consideration. If your child is growing rapidly it may be worth purchasing an infant car seat with higher limits to ensure you can use it for as long as you like.
Apart from the safety features, an infant car seat should be comfortable for your baby. Find padded straps that won't pinch or rub their shoulders, and for soft fabrics that feel comfy beneath them. It's also an excellent idea to select a seat with an option to lie flat which allows your infant to ride in a more relaxed position that keeps their airways open and their oxygen levels high.
There are many accessories for infant car seats however Dr. Segura cautions against buying items that are not included in the seat, as it has not been crash tested and could be unsafe. Avoid buying a used infant car seat because they might have been involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn.
The best infant car seats cost between $100 and $600. However they all share some features. They are all lightweight, easy to install and take down, and are comfortable for the baby. Some come with additional features that make them more adaptable. For instance, they can swivel or clip into strollers without the need for adapters. For more information on the different options available, take a look at our comparison of best infant car seats.
Comfort
Top infant car seats come with comfort features that allow you to easily get your baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch system that eliminates the need to grip both sides of the strap simultaneously, as well as cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. Also, you should consider the weight of the seat. Since you'll be using it with no base, a seat that is lighter is preferred. This Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.
Other important aspects include the height and weight limits of the infant car seat. If you intend to keep the car seat for a long time, look for an infant car seat that will expand with your child and will allow them to transition into toddlerhood. It is possible to use it for a longer time and save money by not buying another seat.
It is also important to consider the dimensions of the seat, and whether it is narrower or wider than other models. This can be beneficial for vehicles with smaller dimensions, while the latter may be helpful if you have two kids in back-to-back car seats or require driving with three children in the back seat at some time. If you are planning to use your car seat with a stroller, look for one that can be detached from car seats and is compatible with the majority of strollers. Brands like Graco or Nuna have options that will meet your needs.
Review the rating of a car seat to determine its user-friendliness. Clear guides and indicators, such as bubble levels or color codes which indicate whether the seat is securely fastened and level can ease the stress of new parents. Some seats also come with innovative features, such as load legs which are shock-absorbing parts located beneath the seat or base that extend out to the vehicle floor and absorb some of the impact force in a crash.
There are also some accessories that claim to increase the comfort and convenience, but remember that any accessory not included with the car seat hasn't been tested or vetted for safety. Segura recommends that you don't place anything in your car seat, such as a blanket or harness you bought elsewhere.
Style
For new parents, figuring out how to choose the best infant car seat is a bit of a puzzle. It's important that you understand your budget and what features you'd like. 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 worth noting that infant-specific seats fit small babies better than convertible car seats and are suitable for the first year of life (though some may include crash-tested extension kits to help them last longer). They also offer more recline options for proper positioning of smaller children, and are generally lighter to make it easier to carry around. They are more likely to be compatible when used with an existing travel system. This is a great option for parents who are new and want to save money and time by buying seats that serve two purposes.
Another thing to keep in mind is that car seat size and weight are key factors for most families. Certain infant car seats, for example, are narrower to fit better in the back of your vehicle or next to other seats. Some are also heavy enough to really test your biceps strength and move from car to stroller.
Many parents choose an the infant car seat that can be transformed from base to carrier, and then transform into a stroller without needing any extra attachments. This will save you lots of time, especially on days when you have to run around for errands.
Other features that are useful include a no-rethread harness as well as magnetic buckle holders and an easy installation process. Also, look for an arm and head support insert, which will assist infants in avoiding slumping in their seats or carriers when they are asleep.
Most car seats have flexible straps to secure the lower anchor connectors, however some feature rigid latches that flip out of the base and turn green once installed. This type of installation is more secure and restricts the amount a seat can move in a crash.