What Experts In The Field Would Like You To Know

How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

Car seats are an essential item for parents. But what makes one better than the other?

A dedicated infant seat fits small babies best, and is lighter for easier transport outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience features like premium lower-anchor connectors with non-rethreading harness pads and single button handles. Also, look into safety features like load legs and body/head cushions.

Safety

As any parent knows choosing the correct car seat is among the most important decisions you'll make for your child. The correct seat will ensure that your child is positioned properly and is adequately secured in the event of a crash.

While every car seat sold in the US must adhere to strict standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) However, not all car seats are created equally. Certain models come with special features to protect infants, for instance, load legs that help reduce the impact of crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the base and car seat, while others include built-in bubble levels for easy installation and adjustable headrests that increase with your baby.

Car seats specifically designed for infants are also designed to fit babies at their most comfortably and usually include extra crash-tested inserts to help achieve this, according to Choi. Plus, they're usually lighter than convertible car seats and are easily transferred to a stroller, making them ideal for ride shares and daycare drop-offs and pick-ups. You can buy an used one for a fraction of the price, since they only last for the first 12 months.

Another factor to be aware of is that even though an excellent NHTSA rating and great crash test results are crucial however, the method you use your car seat is more important to the safety of your child. In fact, a study conducted by Portland's leading children's hospital revealed that 95 percent of parents have made at the very least one crucial mistake when installing or positioning their car seat.

It's a good idea to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the proper car seat usage guidelines prior to when your child arrives. We suggest looking for a car seat that has clear and concise instructions, is lightweight enough to be able to carry your child in it and that has easy-to-use adjustments.

Examine if the infant car seat you're considering fits your car's dimensions. If you're worried about your ability to install and operate the car seat correctly yourself, you may be able to bring it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your baby is born for a hands-on demonstration.

Convenience

Some infant car seats have additional features that make them more user-friendly. Certain infant car seats have 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 could include an easy-to-use adjusting mechanism. These features make it easier to attach and remove the car seat, particularly if you have another child to look after.

It is also essential to take into consideration the weight and height limits of an infant car seat. If you have a child who is growing rapidly it might be worth the cost to purchase a car seat with higher limits to keep it in use for as long as is possible.

In addition to safety features, your child's car seat should also be comfortable. Choose cushioned straps that don't rub or pinch their shoulders and soft fabric that is soft beneath them for extended periods of time. Choose a seat that has the ability to lie flat. This allows your baby to ride in an upright position, which helps keep their airways wide open and oxygen saturation levels high.

There are a number of accessories available for infant car seats, but Dr. Segura warns against buying items that are not included with the seat as it has not been tested for crash and could be dangerous. Also, avoid buying used car seats for infants, as they may be involved in an accident and may be damaged or worn out.

The best car seats for newborns infant car seats range in price between $100 and $600. However, they all share certain features. They're all lightweight, simple to put in and take off and comfortable for infants. Some have features that make them more flexible, like the ability to pivot and clip into strollers without the need for additional adapters. For more details on the various choices available, read our comparison of best infant car seats.

Comfort

The top infant car seats come with comfort features that make it easier to get the baby in and out of the seat. The top infant car seats feature a one-handed clasp system that lets you grip both sides simultaneously. They also have cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. Also, you should think about the weight of the seat. Since you'll be using it with no base, a lighter one is preferred. This Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less that 13 pounds.

The weight and height limits of infant car seats are also crucial. If you intend to keep the car seat for a while, look for an infant car seat that will grow with your baby and fit them into toddlerhood. You can keep it for longer and save money by not purchasing another seat.

You should also take into consideration the dimensions of the seat and if it is wider or narrower than other models. This can be an advantage for vehicles with smaller dimensions, while the latter could be beneficial when you have two kids in car seats that are back-to-back or have to drive with three kids in the back seat at some moment in the future. If you plan to use the car seat in conjunction with strollers, choose one that has detachable car seats and is compatible with a wide range of strollers. Car seat brands like Graco and Nuna offer options that can meet this need.

Examine the rating of a car seat for the ease of use. Guides and indicators clearly labeled that inform you that the seat is level and securely fastened - like bubble levels or color-coded markings--can assist in easing the burden on parents who are new. Some seats come with unique features, such as load legs. They are shock-absorbing components that extend from the base or beneath the seat to the vehicle's floor and absorb some force in the event of a crash.

There are also accessories that claim to enhance the convenience and comfort of your car seat. Be aware that anything not sold with the seat hasn't passed safety tests. "Anything you purchase that's not from the manufacturer, even an accessory like a harness or blanket you shouldn't put in the car seat," Segura says.

Style

For parents who are new trying to figure out how to choose the best infant car seat can be quite an exercise. It's important to know what your budget is and what features you're looking for. There are a variety of options for special features, stroller compatibility, and fabrics. But it all comes down to comfort.

It is important to know that convertible car seats aren't suitable for babies and are only suitable until one year. Some include extension kits that have been tested for safety that will allow them to last longer. They also have more recline modes to ensure proper positioning for smaller children and are generally lighter to make it easier to carry. They are also more likely to be compatible with a travel system which is beneficial for new parents trying to save time and money by buying one seat that will serve two purposes.

Another aspect to be aware of is that car seat weight and width are crucial elements for families with a large number of children. For example, some rear facing infant car seat car seat newborn seats are designed to be narrower than others to allow a better fit in the back seat of your car or for use alongside siblings in their seats. Some are also enough weighty to test your biceps strength and transfer from stroller to car.

In terms of convenience, many parents opt for infant carrier seat car seats that have the ability to move from the base to the carrier and click directly into a stroller without the need for additional attachments. This will help you save a lot of time, especially on days when you are running errands.

Other convenient features include a magnetic buckle holder and a strap that is not rethread, and a simple installation process. Find a head-and-body-support insert to prevent infants from slumping into the seat or in the car as they fall asleep.

Certain car seats come with rigid latches that open from the base when installed correctly. This type of installation is more secure and reduces the amount of movement a car seat can move during an accident.