How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best
Parents should have car seats. What is it that makes one car seat more effective than another?
A dedicated infant seat is the ideal option for small babies. It is also lighter, making it easier to transport outside of the vehicle. Look for features that make life easier like premium lower-anchor connectors with non-rethreading harness pads and single button handles. Also, look for security features such as load legs and head/body cushions.
Safety
As any parent will tell you, choosing the right car seat for your child is one of the most crucial decisions you could make. The right seat will ensure that they're in the right position properly in the car and ensure they're protected in the event of an accident.
Not all car seats are created equal. While every car seat sold in the US is required to adhere to the strict safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, not all seats have the same features. Certain models have features specifically designed to safeguard infants, like load legs that reduce movement in crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the car seat and base as well as built-in bubble levels for easy installation and adjustable headrests that expand with your baby.
Choi says that car seats for infants are designed to provide the perfect fit for babies. They usually have crash-tested inserts which can help achieve this. They're also lighter than convertible car seat and can be easily converted into a stroller. This makes them ideal for daycare drop-offs, ride-shares, and pickups. And because they'll only last through the first year of your baby's life, you can always buy an older model for less than the price.
A high NHTSA score and excellent crash test results are crucial however the method you use to install your child's car seat is more important. A study conducted by Portland's top children's hospital showed that 95% parents made at least one mistake when installing or altering their car seat.
It's essential to familiarize yourself prior to when your baby is born with proper guidelines for car seats. We recommend that you choose a car seat with clear and concise instructions. It must also be light enough it's easy to carry around your baby.
It is also important to determine if the car seat for infants you're considering meets the size requirements for your vehicle. If you're concerned about your own abilities to set up and use the car seat correctly, consider taking it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) to receive an in-person tutorial prior to when your baby is born.
Convenience
Some infant car seats have additional features that make them easier to use. Certain infant car seats come with features that make them simpler to use. For instance, they might include a base that the seat can be clicked into and out, or they might have an easy-to-use adjusting mechanism. These features make it easier to set up and remove the car seat - especially when there is a child in your care.
The weight and height limits of an infant car seat are also important factors to take into account. If your child is growing rapidly it may be worth purchasing an infant car seat with higher limits to ensure that you can use it for as long as you want.
In addition to safety features, your baby's car seat should also be comfortable. Look for padded straps which will not rub or pinch their shoulders, and for soft fabrics that feel comfortable underneath them. It's also recommended to choose the seat with the option of lying flat which allows your infant to be in a relaxed position that keeps their airways open and oxygen levels high.
There are infant car seats that swivel www.pushchairsandprams.uk for infant car seats however Dr. Segura warns against buying anything that is not included with the seat as it hasn't been tested for crash and could be dangerous. You should also avoid purchasing used infant car seats since they may be involved in an accident and may be damaged or worn out.
While the top infant car seats can cost anywhere from $100 to $600, there are a few features that the top choices have in common. They're all light, easy to install and remove, and comfortable for the child. Some even have special features that make them more flexible including the ability to rotate and clip into strollers, without the need for additional adapters. Take a look at our review of the best infant car seats to get more details on the different choices available.
Comfort
Top infant car seats are fitted with features for comfort that make it easy to get your baby into and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch that eliminates the need to grip both sides of the strap at once, plus cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. In addition, you'll want to think about the weight of the seat--you'll be using it without a base in the end so a lighter model is better. This Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.
Other factors to consider include the height and weight limits of the infant car seat. If you intend to keep the car seat for a long time you should look for a model that can grow with your baby and will fit them well into toddlerhood. It is possible to use it for a longer time and save money by not buying a second seat.
You'll also want to think about the seat's dimensions and if it's smaller or larger than other models. The former can be a boon for cars with smaller sizes, and the latter is a benefit 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 time. If you're planning to use a car seat in conjunction with a pram, select one that is compatible with most popular strollers, and includes detachable seats. Brands like Graco or Nuna offer options to meet your needs.
Check the rating of a car seat for the ease of use. Clear guides and indicators, like bubble levels or color coding which indicate whether the seat is secured and level, can ease the stress of new parents. Some seats also have innovative features, such as load legs which are shock-absorbing components located beneath the seat or on the base which extend to the floor of the vehicle to absorb some of the force in a crash.
There are accessories that claim to enhance the convenience and comfort of your car seat. But remember that anything that is not included in the seat hasn't undergone safety tests. "Anything you buy that's not from the manufacturer, including the harness or blanket is not recommended to put in the car seat," Segura says.
Style
It can be a challenge for new parents to choose the right infant car seats. It's crucial to know your budget and what features you'd like. There are many 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 up to the age of one year. Some have extended kits that have been tested in a crash, which will help them last longer. They also tend to offer more recline options to allow proper positioning of 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 who are trying to save time and money by purchasing one seat that will serve two purposes.
Another thing to keep in mind is that car seat size and weight are key factors for most families. Certain infant car seats, like are narrower, which allows them to be able to fit in the back of your car or close to other seats. Some are so heavy that they will test your biceps as you lift them up and transfer them from the car to the stroller.
Many parents opt for an baby car seats that can be transformed from base to carrier, and then click into a stroller without needing any extra attachments. This can help you save a lot of time, especially on days when you need to complete the errands.
Other features that are useful include a harness that is not rethread with magnetic buckle holders, as well as a streamlined installation process. Also, look for an arm and head support insert that can assist infants in avoiding slumping in the carrier or seat when they are asleep.
Certain car seats come with rigid latches that can be flipped out from the base when they are installed correctly. This kind of installation is more secure and restricts the amount of movement a car seat can move during the event of a crash.