How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant
The price of infant car seats can range across all over the place, based on the type of material, style and other add-ons. You don't need to spend a lot on a good infant car seat.
Our product testers rated the top-performing infant car seats across five main categories including safety, ease of use, reliability, convenience and adjustability.
Safety Ratings
The best infant car seats are thoroughly crash-tested. They also come with clear instructions and features that help install the seat correctly, like bubble levels and padded seats that offer good support for infants. We also found it beneficial when a chair has simple adjustments that don't require taking the baby out of the car to loosen or tighten them, or utilize clips and hooks for quick changes. Parents are more likely to use properly fitting harnesses if the process is easy and fast.
A seat that is machine washable is a benefit and we searched for models that allow the seat to be positioned in conjunction with the base, which reduces the chance of a tripped or damaged buckle during washing. If you'll be using your car seat a lot and especially on public transportation it could be worth it to invest in an auto-retracting straps and a reclining mechanism to reduce the strain on your back.
It is essential to conduct thorough research prior to making an purchase. Review reviews from other parents, as well as reviews from advocacy groups for children. It's recommended to visit the manufacturer's website and review any recall notices prior to you purchase a car seat.
Infant car seats are small, lightweight car seats specifically designed for newborns or babies up to the first birthday. They are generally used rear-facing. The majority of infants outgrow the car seat they were in before they turn one. In the case of convertible and all-in-one seats the child is transitioned into a toddler seat. Infant-only seats should be used with the rear facing side until your child is at the weight and height limits established by the manufacture. After that, they need to be switched over to the car seat that faces forward. A convertible or all-in-one seat can be used both ways, but it's better for your baby to remain in an rear-facing car seat until they're large enough to fit in a front-facing seat.
User-Friendliness
It's important to choose a car seat that is simple to use for parents, even though safety is the primary factor. This is why we consider things like buckles, harness adjusters and handles during our tests, as well as how easy it is to set up the car seat into a vehicle. If a car seat is difficult to use, it may be used improperly which could compromise your baby's safety.
If you're worried about installing your infant car seat correctly, you should consider having a consultation with a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) before you bring your baby home. They will show you how to use the seat and show you the video of the crash test. Be sure to read the car seat's instruction manual. This will help you avoid common mistakes when installing the seat.
Car seats for infants aren't convertible and should only be used until your child has outgrown it or reaches the weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. This is why it's a good choice to select one 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 and give you more bang for your buck. However, it is important to keep in mind that any seat that is able to be transformed into a stroller is likely to be heavier than seats that only work as a car seat for infants.
A wide car seat for infants can help you fit it into your car, and it may also be compatible with other rear-facing seats. You'll also want to consider how heavy it is, since a lighter seat can be easier to lift into and out of the car. This is a particularly important factor to think about if you're planning to use your infant seat frequently and will be transporting it between vehicles. In our best infant car seats review, we recommend models that are smaller and lighter.
Reliability
Keeping your child safe is a top priority. While all car seats must be in compliance with federal safety standards, there are some that go over. Best of the Bump winner Clek's Liing for instance, has two-stage body support that keeps babies comfortable and cozy and is compatible with many popular strollers. It also scored a top crash test score from Consumer Reports.
Be aware, however, that even the most reliable infant car seat will only be as secure as how it is installed and used. A poorly-installed or improperly-used car seat is a significant risk factor for infants and children of all ages. This is why Vybiralova Stanton recommends reading the user's manual for the manufacturer and searching for videos of installation online. "You'll find that manufacturers are more focused on ensuring you have the right seat for your vehicle and baby," she says.
The most reliable infant cars seats have features that make it simple to install and use, including a one-handed harness buckle release, magnetic strap holders that don't cling on clothing, and a no-rethread harness. These seats are made of strong materials and feature a variety of adjustment mechanisms which work smoothly.
A base that can be used in conjunction with or without the vehicle's LATCH system or shoulder belt is another option to think about. This is helpful for parents who often take taxis or who will be using their seat in many vehicles.
It's also important to take into consideration how much the car seat weighs and if you're able to carry it with ease. Some models are heavier than others, and may burden your shoulders and arms, especially when you have children to carry around or are traveling long distances.
Ultimately, an infant car seat with a lower cost can save you money and time. Don't buy a cheap car seat simply because it's cheap. A price that is low could mean that the manufacturer skimped on material quality or safety features. It's always recommended to review reviews and get recommendations from other parents prior to making a purchase.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats make it simple to ensure that your baby is safe. They are easy to install and have features that allow for buckling and unbuckling with ease and include other convenient features such as soft fabrics and a no-rethread harness. They also come with features that increase their protection in a crash such as load legs, which are shock absorbing parts on the base or the car seat that reduce movement and thus impact forces on your child.
Find an infant car seat if you have a small vehicle or plan on changing vehicles often. This type of seat fits well in smaller vehicles and most have a handle that makes them easy to carry. They're also typically lighter than convertible car seats, which means they are easier to lift into and out of vehicles.
The infant car seat can be converted into a stroller for a baby without needing an additional attachment. This is ideal for families that are constantly in motion or living in cities with public transportation. It's a bit larger than a standard car seat for an infant but not as big as a convertible.
It's simple to use and our product testers were impressed by its magnetic buckle holders and no-rethread harness, which makes it super quick to get the baby out and in. It has 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 pop out of the base after being secured.
As infant car seat cheap Pushchairs & Prams choosing the right car seats for your baby is among the most important decisions you'll ever make. This is why it's crucial to read reviews and research of various options prior to making a decision. You must ensure that the car seat you choose is made with your child's safety in mind and meets all national safety standards.