How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Parents should have car seats. What is it that makes one car seat better than another?
infant car seats Push Chairs & Prams fits small babies best, and is lighter for easy transport outside the vehicle. Look for convenience options like premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one-button handles. Also, consider safety features such as load legs and body cushions for the head and neck.
Safety
As any parent will tell you that choosing the best car seat is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your child. The right seat will ensure that your child is positioned properly and is adequately protected in the event of a car crash.
While every car seat sold in the US must meet the strict standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Not all seats are created equal. Certain models have features specifically designed to protect infants, such as load legs that limit movement in crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the car seat and base, while others include built-in bubble levels for easy installation and adjustable headrests that grow with your baby.
Choi says that infant car seats are designed to be able to accommodate babies in the best way. They often have crash-tested inserts which can help achieve this. They're also generally lighter than convertible car seats and are easily moved to strollers making them ideal for daycare and ride-share pickups and drop-offs. You can buy a used one at a fraction of the price, since they only last for the first 12 months.
A high NHTSA score and great crash test results are important however, the way you use your child's car seat is more important. In fact, a study by Portland's most prestigious children's hospital discovered that 95 percent of parents have made at least one critical mistake when installing or positioning their car seat.
It's important to familiarize yourself prior to when your baby arrives by ensuring that you know the correct car seat guidelines. We suggest you look for a car seat with clear and concise instructions, is light enough to be able to carry your baby in it, and has simple adjustment mechanisms.
You should also verify that the car seat for infants you're thinking of purchasing meets the requirements for size for your vehicle. And if you're worried about your ability to install and use the car seat properly, consider taking it to a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) to receive an interactive session prior to the time your baby's birth.
Convenience
Some infant car seats have additional features that make them easier to use. For example, they may come with a base that the seat clicks into and out of, or they may come with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features make it easier to install and remove the car seat, especially if there is another child in your care.
It is also crucial to consider the weight and height limits for an infant car seat. If your child is growing rapidly it could be worth purchasing a car-seat with higher limits to ensure that you are able to utilize it for as long as you want.
Apart from the safety features, an infant car seat is a must for a comfortable baby. Find padded straps that will not rub or pinch their shoulders, and look for plush fabric which feels comfy underneath them. Choose a seat that has an upright position. This allows your child to sit in an upright position, which helps to keep their airways wide open and oxygen saturation levels high.
There are many accessories for infant car seats but Dr. Segura advises against purchasing anything that is not included in the seat, as it hasn't been tested for crash and could be unsafe. Avoid buying used car seats for infants because they may have been involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn.
The best infant car seats range in price from $100 to over $600. However they all share a few features. They're all lightweight, simple to install and detach and comfortable for infants. Some have extra features that make them even more versatile. For example they can pivot or clip into strollers with no need for adapters. Take a look at our review of the top infant car seats for more details on the different options on the market.
Comfort
Top infant car seats are equipped with comfort features that allow you to easily get your baby in and out of the seat. The top infant car seats feature a single-handed clasp system that eliminates having to grip both sides at the same time. They also come with cushioned padding to make it easier to lift the seat. Also, you should consider the weight of the seat. Since you'll use it without a base, a lighter seat is preferred. The Baby Trend Secure Lift, for instance, weighs less that 13 pounds.
The height and weight limit of infant car seats is also important. If you are planning to keep the car seat, select one that can adapt to your child's needs and fit them into the toddlerhood. This way, you'll be in a position to use it for a longer period of time and save money on a second car seat.
You should also think about the seat's dimensions and whether it's wider or wider than other models. The first is a good option for smaller vehicles. The second option could be beneficial if you have three kids in the rear seat or two children in back-to back car seats. If you intend to use your car seat with strollers, choose one that can be detached from car seats that are compatible with a wide range of strollers. Brands such as Graco or Nuna have options that will meet your needs.
Review the rating of a car seat for the ease of use. Clear guides and indicators, like bubble levels or color codes to indicate if the seat is secure and level can help relieve the stress of new parents. Some seats come with unique features, like load legs. These are shock-absorbing parts that extend from the seat base or beneath the seat to the vehicle's floor and absorb some force during a crash.
There are also some accessories that claim to enhance your car seat's comfort and convenience, but keep in mind that any product not included with the car seat hasn't been evaluated or approved for safety. Segura advises that you shouldn't put anything in your car seat, such as an accessory like a blanket or harness that you purchased elsewhere.
Style
It can be difficult for new parents to choose the right infant car seats. It's essential to know 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 example it's worth noting that dedicated infant seats fit small babies better than convertible car seats and are suitable for the first year of life (though some may include extended kits that have been tested and crash-tested to make them last longer). They tend to offer more recline settings to facilitate the proper positioning of small children. They are also lighter and easier to carry. They are also more likely to work with a travel system which is beneficial for new parents trying to save time and money by buying one seat that can do double duty.
Car seat weight and width are important aspects to take into consideration for families with a large number of children. Some infant car seats, for instance are narrower, which allows them to be able to fit in the back of your car or close to other seats. Some are so heavy that they test your biceps as you lift them up and transfer them from the car to the stroller.
In terms of convenience, many parents prefer infant car seats with the capability to move from base to carrier and then click into a stroller without the need for extra attachments. This can save you lots of time, especially during busy times when you need to complete the errands.
Other useful features include a harness that doesn't need to be rethread with magnetic buckle holders, as well as an easy installation process. Look for a head-and-body support insert to prevent infants from collapsing into the carrier or seat when they fall asleep.
Some car seats have rigid latches that open from the base when installed correctly. This type of install is more secure and may limit the amount of time a car seat moves in the event of a crash.