How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Car seats are a must-have for parents. What makes one car seat better than another?
A specially designed infant seat is the ideal option for babies who are small. It is also lighter, making it easier to move outside of the vehicle. Consider features that are convenient, like premium connectors for lower anchors with non-rethreading harness pads and single button handles. Also, think about security features like load legs and head/body cushions.
Safety
As every parent knows, choosing the right car seat is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your child. The best seat will ensure that your child is in a position correctly and 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) However, not all car seats are created equally. Some models have features designed to protect infants. For example, load legs reduce movement in crashes, by absorbing impact forces onto the base and car seat. Some include bubble levels that make installing easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.
Choi says that infant car seats are designed to provide the perfect fit for babies. They typically have crash-tested inserts which can help achieve this. Additionally, they're generally lighter than convertible car seats and are easily moved to strollers, making them ideal for ride shares and daycare drop-offs and pick-ups. You can purchase an used one for a fraction of the price, since they only last for the first 12 months.
Another factor to consider is that while a high NHTSA rating and excellent crash test results are essential however, the manner you use your car seat is more critical for your child's safety. A study conducted by Portland's top children's hospital found that 95% of parents made a mistake at least once when installing or changing their car seat.
It's a good idea to take a few minutes to get familiar with the correct car seat usage guidelines before your little one arrives. We suggest looking for a car seat with clear and concise instructions, is light enough to be able to carry your baby in it, and has simple adjustments.
It is also important to see whether the car seat for infants you're considering meets the size requirements for your vehicle. If you're worried about your ability to set up and operate the car seat properly by 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 have extra features that make it simpler to use. Certain infant car seats come with features that make them easier to use. For instance, they may include a base that the seat can be clicked in and out, or they may feature an easy-to-use adjustment mechanism. These features can make it more convenient to attach and remove the car seat, especially if you have another child to attend to.
infant car seat cheap pushchairsandprams.uk is also essential to think about the limits on height and weight for the infant car seat. If your baby is growing rapidly it may be worthwhile to invest in a car seat with greater limits to ensure that you are able to use it for as long as you'd like.
In addition to safety features, your baby's car seat should also be comfortable. Choose padded straps that will not rub or pinch their shoulders, and look for soft fabric that feels at ease beneath them. It's also an excellent idea to select a seat with the option of lying flat that allows your baby to be in a reclined position that helps keep their airways open and their oxygen saturation levels high.
Dr. Segura advises that you should not buy any accessories for infant car seats that are not included in the seat, since they are not crash-tested and may be unsafe. Avoid buying a used car seats for infants because they may be involved in an accident and may be damaged or worn.
The best infant car seats range anywhere from $100 to $600, there are a few features that all the top picks have in common. They're all light, easy to install and remove, and comfortable for the infant. Some have features that make them more flexible such as the ability to rotate and clip onto strollers without the need for additional adapters. For more information on the different options available, take a look at our list of the top infant car seats.
Comfort
The best infant car seats have comfort features that make it easier to get baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch that eliminates the need to grip both straps at once, plus cushioned padding that makes it less painful to lift the seat. It is also important to consider the weight of the seat. Because you'll be using it with no base, a seat that is lighter is preferable. The Baby Trend Secure-Lift, for example, weighs less than 13 pounds.
Other factors to consider include the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If you plan to keep the car seat for a while, look for a model that can grow with your baby and fit them into the toddler years. Then, you'll be capable of using it for a longer period of time and save money on a second car seat.
It is also important to consider the dimensions of the seat and whether it's narrower or wider than other models. The first is a good option for vehicles with smaller dimensions. The second could be beneficial if you have three kids in the rear seat or two children in back-to-back car seats. If you are planning to use a car seat with a pram, choose one that is compatible with most popular strollers, and includes removable seats. Car seat brands such as Graco and Nuna offer options that meet this need.
Review the rating of a car seat to determine its the ease of use. Clear guides and indicators, such as bubble levels or color coding which indicate whether the seat is secured and level can ease stress for new parents. Some seats have innovative features, like load legs. They are shock-absorbing components that extend from the seat base or under the seat to the vehicle's floor and absorb some impact force during a crash.
There are also a few accessories that claim to increase the comfort of your car seat and convenience, but remember that any product not included in conjunction with the car seat hasn't yet been tested or approved for safety. "Anything you purchase that isn't from the manufacturer, including the harness or blanket you shouldn't put in the car seat," Segura says.
Style
For new parents, figuring out how to select the best car seat for your infant can be a bit of a puzzle. It's crucial to understand your budget and what features you want. There are numerous options for special features, stroller compatibility, and fabrics. However, it all boils down to comfort.
It's important to note that convertible car seats aren't suitable for babies and can only be used until the age of one year. Some may even come with extended kits that have been tested in a crash which can help them last longer. They also tend to include more recline settings for proper positioning of smaller children and are generally lighter, making it easier to carry. They are also more likely to be compatible with a travel system which is beneficial for parents who are trying to save time and money by buying one seat that is able to do double duty.
Another aspect to be aware of is that car seat width and weight are important factors for most families. For instance, certain infant car seats are designed to be a bit narrower than others for a better fit in the back seat of your vehicle or for use with siblings seats. Some are also heavy enough to test your biceps to lift and transfer from stroller to car.
In terms of convenience, many parents opt for infant car seats that have the ability to go from the base to the carrier and then snap into a stroller without the need for extra attachments. This will save you a lot of time, particularly during busy times when you're out running errands with your kids.
Other features that are useful include the magnetic buckle holder, a no-rethread strap, and a streamlined installation procedure. Look for a head-and-body support insert to prevent infants from settling into the seat or in the car when they fall asleep.
Certain car seats come with rigid latches which flip out from the base when installed correctly. This kind of installation is more secure and limits the amount of movement a car seat can move in a crash.