How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

Car seats are an essential item for parents. What makes one car seat better than the other?

A specially designed infant seat is ideal for the most tiny babies, and is lighter to facilitate transport outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience options such as premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one-button handles. Also, look out for safety features such as load legs and head and body cushions.

Safety

As every parent knows, choosing the right car seat is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make for your child. The correct seat will ensure that they're placed correctly in the car and ensure they're secured in the event of an accident.

While every car seat sold in the US must conform to strict standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), not all car seats are created equal. Certain models have features specifically designed to safeguard infants, like load legs that reduce movement in crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the base and car seat and others have built-in bubble levels for easy installation and adjustable headrests that increase with your child.

Car seats for infants are also designed to fit tiny babies best, and typically include extra crash-tested inserts to aid in this, according to Choi. Plus, they're usually lighter than convertible car seats and are easily moved to strollers which makes them perfect for ride-sharing and daycare pickups and drop-offs. And because they'll only last for the first year of your baby's life it's possible to purchase an used one at less than the price.

Another point to keep in mind is that even though a high NHTSA rating and great crash test results are important but the method you use your car seat is more crucial to your child's safety. In fact, a study conducted by Portland's top children's hospital found that 95 percent of parents have made at least one serious mistake when installing or positioning their car seat.

This is why it's a great idea to spend a few minutes to get familiar with the proper car seat usage guidelines before your baby arrives. We recommend looking for car seats that have clear and concise instructions, is light enough to easily carry with your baby in it, and comes with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms.

It is also important to see whether the car seat for infants you're considering fits the requirements for size for your vehicle. And if you're worried about your own abilities to install and operate the car seat properly, consider taking it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) for a hands-on tutorial before your baby is born.

Convenience

Some infant car seats include extra features that make it simpler to use. For example, they may include a base the seat clicks into and out of, or they may have easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features can make it easier to install and detach the car seat, particularly when you have a child to take care of.

The weight and the height limits of a car seat for infants are also important to take into consideration. If your baby is growing rapidly, it might be worth purchasing a car seat with greater limits to ensure that you can use it as long as you'd like.

Aside from the safety features, an infant car seat is a must for a comfortable baby. Look for padded straps which don't rub or pinch their shoulders, and for soft fabric that feels at ease beneath them. Select a seat that is in a lie-flat position. This allows your baby to sit in an upright position, which helps to keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.

Dr. Segura advises that you should not purchase any accessories for infant car seat newborn insert seats that are not included in the seat because they haven't been tested for crash safety and could be dangerous. You should also avoid buying used car seats for infants, since they may be involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn out.

The top infant car seats range in price from $100 to over $600. However they all share a few features. They're all light, easy to install and detach, and comfortable for babies. Some come with additional features that make them even more adaptable. For instance they can pivot or clip into strollers without the need for adapters. For more details on the various choices available, read our list of the top infant car seats uk car seats.

Comfort

Top infant car seats are equipped with comfort features that allow you to easily get your baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch that eliminates the need to hold both straps at the same time, and cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. It is also important to think about the weight of the seat. Since you'll be using it without a base, a lighter seat is preferable. This Baby Trend Secure Lift, for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds.

The weight limit and height of the infant car seats are crucial. If you intend to keep the car seat for a long time, look for one that will expand with your child and will allow them to transition into toddlerhood. This way, you'll be in a position to use it for longer and save money on a new car seat.

You should also take into consideration the dimensions of the seat and if it is narrower or wider than other models. This could be beneficial for cars with smaller sizes, and the latter may be helpful when you have two kids in back-to-back car seats, or require driving with three kids in the back seat at some moment in the future. If you plan to use a car seat along with a pram, you should choose one that is compatible with most popular strollers and comes with detachable seats. Brands like Graco or Nuna have options that meet your needs.

To make it easier to use, take a look at the ratings the car seat is given for installation. Guides and indicators clearly labeled that let you know the seat is level and securely fastened -- like bubble levels or color-coded markings--can help reduce stress on parents who are new. Some seats have innovative features, such as load legs. These are parts that absorb shock that extend from the base or beneath the seat all the way to the floor of your vehicle and absorb the force of impact during a crash.

There are also some accessories that claim to enhance the comfort of your car seat and ease of use, but remember that any product not included with the car seat hasn't been tested or approved for safety. "Anything you purchase that's not from the manufacturer, including an accessory like a harness or blanket, you should not put in the car seat," Segura says.

Style

It can be difficult for parents with young children to determine the best car seat newborn uk infant car seats. It's crucial to know the budget you have set and what features you're looking for. There are plenty of different choices in terms of features, stroller compatibility and fabrics, but it all depends on what's most comfortable for baby.

For instance it's important to note that infant seats designed specifically for babies are more suitable for babies than convertible car seats and are suitable for the first year of life (though some might include extensions that have been tested for crash to ensure they last longer). They usually offer more recline options to ensure the proper positioning of tiny children. They are also lighter and 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 can perform double duty.

Another aspect to be aware of is that car seat width and weight are important factors for most families. For instance, some infant car seats are designed to be a bit narrower than others, allowing them to fit in the back of your vehicle or for use with siblings seats. Some are heavy enough to really test your biceps by lifting and transfer from car to stroller.

Many parents opt for an baby car seats that can be transformed from base to carrier and then click into a stroller, without any extra attachments. This will save you lots of time, especially on days when you have to run around for errands.

Other useful features include a magnetic buckle holder as well as a strap that does not need to be rethread and a simplified installation process. Find a head-and-body-support insert to stop infants from settling into the seat or in the car as they sleep.

Certain car seats come with rigid latches which flip out from the base if installed correctly. This type of install is more secure and can limit the amount a seat can move during the event of a crash.