How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant
Car seats for infants are available in a wide range of prices, depending on the materials, styles, and accessories. But you don't have to spend a fortune to find a high-quality car seat for your infant.
Our product testers gave the best-performing infant car seats across five main categories: safety, user-friendliness as well as reliability, convenience, and adjustability.
Safety Ratings
The best infant car seat is thoroughly crash tested. They also come with clear instructions and features that make it easy to install the seat correctly, like bubble levels and padded seating that provide adequate support for babies. We also liked seats that were easy to adjust and didn't require the child to be removed from the car. If the process is fast and simple, parents are more likely to maintain their correctly fitted harnesses.
We searched for seats that are machine washable and models that can be used on the base to minimize the risk of a buckle getting dropped or loosened during washing. If you'll be using your car seat often especially on public transportation, it may be worth spending more for one that retracts automatically straps and a reclining mechanism to help reduce the strain on your back.
Selecting a car seat for your infant is among the most important purchases you'll make as a parent, so we suggest doing your research on thoroughly prior to purchasing. Review reviews from customers and child safety advocacy organizations. It's recommended to visit the website of the manufacturer and read any recall notices before you purchase a car seat.
An infant car seat is a small, movable car seat specifically designed for newborns and babies until their first birthday. They are generally used with a in a rear-facing position. The majority of infants outgrow the car seat they were in before they turn one. In the case of convertible or all-in-one seats the child is transitioned into a toddler seat. Infant-only car seats should be used with the rear facing side until the child reaches the maximum height and weight limit set by the manufacturer. After that, they need to be switched over to the car seat that faces forward. The convertible or all-in one car seat can be used in both directions, however it is safer for your child to remain in the rear-facing position until they are old enough to be able to move forward.
Easy of Use
It is important to choose a car seat that's simple to use for parents while safety is the primary factor. That's why we look at things like buckles, harness adjustments and handles during our tests as well as how simple it is to put the car seat into the vehicle. If a car seat is hard to use, it may end up being used incorrectly and could affect the safety of your child.
You should consider meeting with a certified child safety technician (CPST) prior to when you bring your child home, if you are concerned about installing your infant car seats. They'll be able to show you an accident test video and teach you how to use your new seat. Don't forget to read the instruction manual that comes with your car seat, since this will assist you in avoiding common installation mistakes.
Unlike convertible car seats, which can be used for older children and toddlers infant car seats will only last until your baby outgrows them or is at the maximum weight limit or height set by the manufacturer. That's why it's a good idea to choose a seat that can be used the longest time possible prior to changing your baby to a bigger car seat.
Some infant car seats be converted into strollers that will give you more bang for your money. But it's important to note that any seat that is able to be transformed into a stroller is likely to be heavier than the ones that only work as a car seat for infants.
A wide infant car seat can help you fit it into your car and may be compatible with other back seats. You'll also want to think about how heavy the seat is, as a lighter seat can be easier to lift in and out of the car. This is a crucial aspect to consider if you're planning to use the infant seat frequently and be transporting it between vehicles. This is why we prefer lightweight, narrower models in our top infant car seat review.
top rated infant car seats of your child is a top priority. While all car seats must comply with federal safety standards there are certain models that go above and beyond. Clek's Liing is an award-winning winner of the Best of the Bump award. It has two-stage body support system which keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Consumer Reports also gave it a high score in an impact test.
Be aware, however, that even the most secure infant car seat can only be as secure as how it is installed and used. A poorly-installed or improperly-used car seat is a significant danger for infants as well as children of all age groups. This is why Vybiralova Stanton recommends studying the manual of the manufacturer and looking for videos of installation online. "You'll find that manufacturers are much more concerned about ensuring that you have the correct seat for your vehicle and baby," she says.
The most secure infant car seats have features that make it easy to install and use, such as a one-handed harness buckle release, magnetic strap holders that won't get caught on clothing, and a non-rethread harness. They also come with durable materials and a wide range of adjustment mechanisms that operate effortlessly.
A base that can be used without or with the vehicle's LATCH system or shoulder belt is an additional feature to consider. This can be useful for parents who frequently use taxis or are using their seats in many vehicles.
Also, you should consider how the infant car seat weighs and whether you are able to easily carry it around with you. Some models are heavier than others, and they can put a strain on your shoulders and arms if you are transporting other children or going long distances.
In the end, a cheaper infant car seat can save you money and time. However, you shouldn't be enticed to buy one because it's cheap. A low price might indicate that the manufacturer has cut corners on material quality or safety features. It's always an excellent idea to read reviews and ask for recommendations from other parents before making your final purchase.
Convenience
The best infant car seats make it simple to ensure that your baby is safe. This means they're easy to install, come with features that make buckling up or unbuckling a breeze, and include other convenience amenities like comfortable fabrics and a no-rethread harness. They also feature features that ensure their safety in the event of a collision such as load legs, which are shock absorbing parts on the base or the car seat, which reduce movement and thus impact forces on your child.
If you're driving a smaller car, or if you plan to change between vehicles often you should consider a child car seat that is slim and compact. This kind of seat can fit well in smaller vehicles, and many come with a handle that makes them easy to carry. These seats are typically lighter than convertible car seats which makes them easier to lift to and out of vehicles.
Another advantage of this infant car seat is that it transforms into a stroller with no need for an additional attachment. This is a huge advantage for families that are constantly on the go, or those who live in cities where public transportation is more frequent. It's a little larger than a standard car seat for an infant but not as big as a convertible car seat.
It's easy to use, and our testers were impressed by its buckle holders with magnetic buckles and harness that does not need rethreads, which makes it quick to get the baby out and in. It comes with many features that make it easy to use, such as an adjustable recline via a button that can be operated in four positions, and steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that can be removed from the base when secured.
As a new parent selecting the best infant car seats is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. This is why it's important to read reviews and research of different options before making a choice. You should ensure that the car seat that you select is designed with the safety of your child in mind and conforms to all safety standards in the country.