How to Choose the Best Infant Car Seat
Think about what you'd like from your car seat. "If you need an automobile seat that can grow with your child look into an all-in-one model like the Graco 4Ever DLX," Saxton says. The seat can be converted to a high-back booster or a backless booster. It comes with a huge rear-facing weight limit.
The soft cushioning that can be machine washed is an added benefit. Other features that are helpful include load legs which are shock-absorbing components on the base or car seat that limit the impact of a crash.
Safety
They are specifically designed to fit babies of smaller sizes better, which is why they have more padding than convertible car seats. They also tend to be lighter and easier to get out of the car, or put on a stroller frame rather than convertible car seats, which is important because you'll probably have to transport your child in the car seat often outside of your vehicle. The dedicated infant car seat is designed to last for your child through the first year. This means you won't need to worry about your child exceeding its weight or height limits.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's guidelines for car seats are stringent but it's an excellent idea to conduct your own research prior to purchasing. You should consider reading reviews from other parents as well as reviewing safety guides from groups like Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, both of which have a wealth of crash test data to provide to families.
You will also want to look into whether a seat has features that can be beneficial to your family, such as an easy strap release with one hand, a no-rethread harness or a spring-loaded leveling foot. These features can make it easier to buckle up your child, but remember that even the safest seats can be dangerous in the event that they are not used in a proper manner.
The weight and the width of the car seat is also crucial. Many infant car seats can be installed in your vehicle alongside older car seats. Some of them can grow with your child, and convert to an adult booster at the same time. If you plan to use the car seat to travel or take taxis or taxis, then an infant car seat that can be fitted using only the seat belt of your vehicle will be a convenient choice.
In general it's a good idea to buy the most secure car seat you can afford, because the cheapest models usually do not meet the highest safety standards for crash safety. Beware of models that don't include side impact tests, and allow manufacturers to self-certify.
Convenience
The ideal car seat for your infant is one that can work well in the car of your family, is easy to install and use, and comes with useful features like a built-in stroller or rotation capability. It should be affordable. Infant seats range in price between $180 to $500. If they're convertible, and will be used for both infants and toddlers, the price can be higher.
The convenience features include whether the seat can be fitted using the LATCH system, or a seatbelt. Also, if you can adjust the harness and headrest without removing the infant from the seat. You need to be able to set up and take it out easily, especially if you switch frequently between vehicles or take Uber rides with your child. The seat must also be lightweight and come with clearly labeled installation guides and bubble levels so you can easily install the car seat properly installed.
You must also be able to turn the seat around and lock it when you're not using it, and have easy access to buckles as well as harness straps. Before you buy an infant car seat, you need to determine its weight and height limits. Also, consider whether your child will outgrow the seat by the time they reach their first birthday. A good rule of thumb is to select a seat that grows with your child until they reach the 90th percentile.
Some manufacturers go beyond the federal safety standards to incorporate additional features such as crash-testing as well as comfort and convenience in their car seats. The Clek Ling, a top choice among our gear editors and Consumer Reports is a great example of a baby seat that offers much more than just excellent crash protection. It also comes with a load leg, which helps stabilize the seat in the event of a crash and reduces the force on the child's body by 40%. This feature could save a child’s life. It's worth spending more on a car seat with added convenience features and safety.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when selecting the right car seat for your infant, since babies spend the majority of their time in the car seat. The most comfortable car seats have the thick, breathable fabric as well as ample padding on the headrest and harness. They also have easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms, like strap covers, buckles and headrest adjustments that don't require rethreading.
The size and weight of an infant car seat can also impact comfort, especially when you are planning to switch cars or travel with the seat often. Some models are narrower which makes it easier to fit them in the backseat with other car seats or siblings' seats. And, while they all have maximum and minimum heights and weight limits, some are lighter than others--which can help save your biceps from aching when you carry it around town or between vehicles.
Some infant car seats come with extra features to make them more adaptable. For example they can rotate or be converted into a stroller, without the need for adapters. Push Chairs And Prams come with high-end features, such as an adjustable strap that doesn't rethread or anti-rebound bar to provide additional security in the event of an accident. These features aren't required for a safe ride however they can improve the overall experience.
Parents want their infants to have a comfortable, clean car seat. They also consider safety and convenience. Pick a car seat that is machine washable, stain-resistant and easy to take off for cleaning. Some seats are even dishwasher safe, which makes it easier to keep them looking fresh.
Certain models go over and beyond to ensure their customers have a safe and comfortable experience. For example the Graco SnugRide (tm) Elite has an anti-rebounding bar, and is compatible with Graco ProtectPlus Engineered(tm) which is designed to withstand both rear and front collisions. It also has a Silent Shade canopy that keeps baby safe and quiet and also an indicator that informs you whether it's securely attached to the base. The adjustable carry handle and harness tightener provide easy, one-handed adjustments.
Design
The manufacturers of infant car seats make them with safety and convenience as their primary objectives. However, the wide range of features can make it difficult to choose which one is right for your family. You'll want to consider factors such as weight and height limits and the number of belt paths and buckles. Additional features like an anti-rebound bar, load legs and no-rethread straps could increase the price of the seat but improve the comfort of your infant. Consider features that make it simple to get your child in and out of the car seat, such as rotating mechanisms. You should also be aware of the dimensions and weight of the base because not all seats fit in every vehicle.
One feature that's especially important is the ease of installation and detaching from the base. This is affected by the quality of the LATCH connectors as well as whether they are rigid or flexible. Also, you should be aware of whether the straps can be easily tightened and loosened and if there is an easy release mechanism that allows you to install and remove the seat.
Certain models let you use the seat without a base which can be convenient when you frequently take taxis or if you plan to switch cars often. Look for models with a built-in lock and bubble level indicators to help make sure that the seat is placed correctly.
Other features worth the cost include a headrest that expands with the growing baby or a recline with five positions, as well as an extended canopy that locks in the position. Our product testers also said the fact that a seat can be used for a highback booster with belt positioning or a backless booster once the baby has completed using it is a nice benefit.
The Doona is an infant car seat that pampers parents. It has many features that solve almost every complaint families have regarding infant car seats. This is why our test participants gave it top marks all over the range. For instance, it's certified for airplane travel, features an exclusive handle that doubles as an anti-rebound bar and can be converted directly into strollers (no need to purchase separate stroller adapter). The crash test results are impressive and it's GREENGUARD Gold Certified.