How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant
The cost of infant car seats can range across all over the place, based on the type of material, style and other add-ons. There is no need to spend a fortune on an infant car seat that is of high quality.
Our product testers rated the best-performing infant car seats across five main categories including safety, ease of use as well as reliability, convenience, and adjustability.
Safety Ratings
The best infant car seats are thoroughly crash-tested. They also come with clear directions and features that help install the seat correctly, like bubble levels and padded seats that offer good support for infants. We also loved seats that were simple to adjust and didn't require the baby to be removed from the car. Parents are more likely to maintain properly fitting harnesses if the process is simple and quick.
A seat that is machine washable is a benefit We looked for models that allow for the seat to be positioned on the base, reducing the risk of a dropped or loosing buckle while washing. If you intend to use your car seat often, especially on public transportation, it's worth purchasing a seat with self-retracting belts and a reclining feature. pushchairsandprams.uk will help ease the pressure on your spine.
Choosing an infant car seat is one of the most important purchases you'll make as a parent, so we recommend doing your research on thoroughly prior to making your purchase. Look at consumer reviews, as well as reviews from child safety advocacy groups. It's recommended to visit the manufacturer's website and look over recall notices prior to you buy a car seat.
An infant car seat is a small, lightweight car seat designed for newborns and babies who are up to their first birthday. They are usually used 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 then transferred to a toddler's seat. Infant-only car seats should be used rear-facing until the child is at the maximum height and weight limits set by the manufacturer. Then, they must be switched over to an automobile seat that is facing forward. The convertible or all-in one car seat can be used in both directions, but it is safer for your child to remain in the rear-facing position until they have reached the age of maturity to move forward.
Simple to use
While the safety of the car seat is essential however, it's equally important to find one that is easy for parents to use. This is why we consider things like buckles, harness adjustments and handles during our tests as well as how simple it is to install the car seat into a vehicle. If the car seat is difficult to use, it could end up being used incorrectly which could compromise the safety of your child.
Take a look at having a meeting with a certified child safety technician (CPST), before you bring your infant home if you're concerned about installing your infant car seat. They'll be able to give you an accident test video and show you how to use your new seat. And don't forget to read the manual that comes with your car seat, since this can help you avoid common mistakes in installation.
Car seats for infants aren't convertible, and they can only be used until your child is outgrowing it or reaches the weight or height limit that is set by the manufacturer. It is essential to select a seat that will last for as long as is possible before transitioning them to an adult car seat that is suitable for older children.
Some infant car seats are convertible into strollers, so you get more for your budget. It's important to note that car seats that can double as a stroller weigh more than those that work only as an infant car.
Another factor to keep in mind is how wide your infant's car seat is. This can affect the ease of it to fit into your car and if it's compatible with other seats in the back row. You should also consider how heavy it is, since lighter seats are easier to lift into and out of the car. This is especially important in the event that you plan to use your infant seat often and carry it between vehicles. For these reasons, we prefer lighter, more narrow models in our best infant car seat review.
Reliability
The safety of your child is the top priority. While all car seats must comply with federal safety standards there are some that go beyond. Best of the Bump winner Clek's Liing for instance comes with two-stage body supports that helps keep small babies cozy and comfortable and is compatible with many popular strollers. Consumer Reports also gave it an excellent score in an impact test.
It is crucial to keep in mind, however, that even the most secure infant car seat is only as reliable as the way it's put in place and used. A poorly-installed or incorrectly-used car seat is a major risk for infants and children of all different ages. That's why Vybiralova Stanton recommends reading the user's manual for the manufacturer and searching for installation videos on the internet. "You'll find that manufacturers are much more concerned about ensuring that you have the best car seat for your baby," she says.
The most effective infant car seats are simple to install and use. They have features such as a one-handed buckle release and magnetic strap holders that do not catch clothing, and a non need to rethread the harness. The seats are made of durable materials and come with various adjustable mechanisms that work seamlessly.
A base that can be used without or with the LATCH system of the vehicle or shoulder belt is another feature to consider. This is helpful for parents who take taxis frequently or use their seat in multiple vehicles.
Finally, it's worth considering how much the car seat for infants weighs and whether you are able to easily transport it around. Some models are heavier than others, and can be a strain on your arms and shoulders especially if you're transporting other children or going long distances.
In the end, a car seat that is priced lower will save you money and time. But, be wary to purchase one simply because it's cheaper. A low price might mean that the manufacturer skimped on material quality or safety features. Before making a decision it's a good idea to read reviews and get suggestions from other parents.
Convenience
The best car seat infants make it simple to ensure your baby's safety. This means that they are simple to install, have features that make buckling up or unbuckling a breeze, and include other convenience features like soft fabrics and a no-rethread harness. They also come with features that ensure their safety in a crash like load legs which are shock-absorbing parts of the base or the car seat that reduce the movement of the seat and consequently reduce the force on your child.
If you have a smaller vehicle, or if you plan to switch between multiple vehicles frequently, look for an infant car seat that is compact and slim. This type of seat can easily fit in narrower vehicles, and many of them come with a unique handle that makes it easy to carry. They're also typically lighter than convertible car seats, so they are easier to lift into and out of the vehicle.
The infant car seat transforms into a stroller for babies without needing an additional attachment. This is great for families that are constantly in motion or living in cities with public transportation. It's a bit heavier than a standard infant car seat, but it's not as big as the convertible model.
This highly rated infant car seat is simple to use, and our testers loved it for its harness that is not rethread and buckle holders with magnetic buckles that make it super fast to get the baby in and out. It is equipped with features that make it easy to use, including a button-operated recline with four positions and steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that pop out of the base when secured.
As a new parent selecting the best infant car seats is one of the biggest decisions you will make. It is essential to research and read reviews prior to making a decision. You should make sure that the car seat you select is made with safety of your child in mind, and that it conforms to the standards set by the national safety council.