How to Choose the Best Infant Car Seat
Think about what you would like from your car seat. "If you want a car seat that can develop with your child you should consider an all-in-one model like the Graco 4Ever DLX," Saxton advises. The seat comes with a long rear-facing weight limit and can be converted into a high-back and backless booster.
The soft, machine-washable cushioning is also an advantage. Load legs are another beneficial feature. They are shock-absorbing components that are attached to the car seat base and limit movement during a crash.
Safety
The infant car seats are made to fit small babies best, and so they usually come with more padding and cushioning than convertible carseats. They are also smaller and lighter to remove from the car or attach to a stroller frame which is crucial because you'll need to carry your child in the car seat out of the vehicle frequently. Dedicated infant car seats also offer the benefit of being designed to last through your child's first year, so you don't need to worry about them exceeding their weight or height as quickly as convertible car seats can.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's guidelines for car seats are extremely stringent, but it is still recommended to conduct your own research prior to buying. Take a look at reviews written by other parents and reading car seat safety guidelines from organizations like Consumer Reports or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. infant car seat that swivels have crash test data that can be shared with families.
Find features that will help your family. These include a one-handed release of the strap, a no-rethread harness or a foot that can be leveled with spring-loaded mechanism. These features can make it easier to buckle up your child, but remember that even the safest seats will not be useful if they are not used correctly.
Other things to keep in mind are the width and weight of the car seat. Many infant seats are designed to be narrow enough to fit alongside older car seats in the back of your car Some can grow with your child, and move to a booster seat simultaneously. If you are planning to use your car seat to travel or to take taxis and taxis, then an infant car seat that can be installed by using only your car's seatbelt is an ideal choice.
In general it's best to purchase the most secure seat you can afford, as the cheapest models typically do not meet the highest crash safety standards. For example, it's best to avoid models that don't include side crash testing and allow companies to self-certify their products.
Convenience
The most suitable infant car seats are ones that fit in your family vehicle They are also easy to install, and have convenient extras such as a built-in running stroller or the ability to rotate. It should be reasonably priced. Infant seats range in price between $180 and $500. They may cost more if they are convertible and are used as an infant and toddler seat.
The convenience features include the ability to be fitted using the LATCH system or a seatbelt. Also it is possible to adjust the headrest and harness without removing the infant from the seat. Installing and taking it off should be easy, especially if your child rides in Ubers or you frequently switch between cars. The seat should also be lightweight and clearly labeled for installation guidelines and bubble levels so that you can quickly install the car seat properly installed.
You should be able easily to adjust the harness and buckles, as well as move the seat when not in use. Before purchasing an infant car seat, it's important to check the weight and height limits. Also, consider if your child will outgrow the seat before they turn one. In general, you should select a car seat for your child that will grow with them until they reach the 90 percentile.
While the safety standards of the federal government are the minimum, a few manufacturers go beyond to include additional crash-testing and features for convenience in their car seats. The Clek Ling is a top pick of our gear editors as well as Consumer Reports is a great example of an infant seat that offers much more than just excellent crash protection. It also has legs that help stabilize the seat during a crash, reducing forces on the child by 40 percent. This feature could save a child’s life. It's worth spending more on a car seat with added safety features and convenience.
Comfort
One of the most important considerations when selecting an infant car seat is comfort, as infants spend a lot of time in their car seats. The most comfortable ones are made of thick, breathable fabrics and plenty of padding in the harness and headrest. They also come with simple adjustment mechanisms, such as buckles, strap covers, and headrest adjustments that do not require rethreading.
The weight and size of a baby car seat can affect comfort, particularly when you are planning to change cars or travel with the seat often. Some models are tinier making it easier to fit in the backseat with other car seats or even siblings' seats. Although all models have weight and height limitations, some are lighter. This can save you from sore biceps when you carry it between cars.
Certain infant car seats come with extra features that make them more versatile including rotational options or the ability to connect to a stroller without the need for extra adapters. Some models come with high-end features, such as an adjustable no-rethread strap or anti-rebound bars to offer additional security in the event of the possibility of a crash. While these additional features aren't essential for an enjoyable ride, they can add to the overall experience of using the seat.
In addition to convenience and safety factors, many parents need a clean and comfortable infant car seat for their child. Choose a model which is machine washable, stain-resistant and easy to take off for cleaning. Some seats can be cleaned using the dishwasher which makes it easier to keep them looking brand new.
Some models go further to ensure that their customers get an enjoyable and safe experience. For instance, the Graco SnugRide (tm) Elite has an anti-rebounding bar that is able to meet Graco ProtectPlus Engineered(tm) which is designed to withstand front and rear collisions. The seat also comes with a Silent Shade canopy that keeps baby comfortable and quiet, as well as an indicator that tells you when it's properly attached to the base. The seat's carry handle is adjustable the harness tightener and indicator will let you know that it's properly connected to the base.
Design
Manufacturers of infant car seats design their products with safety and ease of use as their primary goals. However, the broad selection of features makes it difficult to choose which is best for your family. Consider factors such as the weight and height limits, the number of belt paths and buckles. Additional features like an anti-rebound bar, load legs and no-rethread straps could raise the cost of the seat but improve the comfort of your infant. Look for features that make it easier to get your child into and out of the car seat, for example rotational mechanisms. Be sure to be aware of the dimensions and weight of the seat, as not every seat will fit in all cars.
One of the most important aspects is the ease of installing and detaching from the base. The quality of the LATCH connectors, and whether or not they are flexible or rigid, could influence this. You should also think about whether the straps are able to be easily tightened and loosened and if there is an easy release mechanism that allows you to install and remove the seat.
Certain models allow you to use the seat without a footrest, which can be useful if your plan is to change cars or take taxis frequently. Find models with a built-in lock and bubble level indicators to ensure your seat is installed correctly.
Other features that may be worth the cost include a headrest that increases with the baby, a five-position recline and an extended canopy that locks in the position. Our product testers also noted that having a seat that can be used for a highback booster with belt positioning or a backless booster once the baby is no longer using it is a nice bonus.
The Doona is an infant car seat that delights parents. It has many features that address nearly every issue families have with infant car seats. This is why our test participants gave it top marks across the range. It's affixed for air travel and has an anti-rebound handle, and can be converted directly into a stroller. The crash test results are excellent and it's GREENGUARD Gold Certified.