How to Select Good Infant Car Seats
The options available when it comes time to choose a car seat for infants can be overwhelming. There are a few things you can do to narrow your search.
You can make your parenting journey more enjoyable by adding features like load legs, an easy-to-tighten harness, and a headrest that extends with the baby's.
Easy of Use
When purchasing a car seat for your infant, you should consider the weight and height limits. It is important to ensure that the seat will last for your child until they grow out of it, which is usually around the age of 2. Also, think about whether you require an automobile seat that is rated with the maximum weight or height of 90th percentile, or should you choose one that is shorter or higher. This will help you determine the length of time you intend to use the seat.
In addition to the size and weight, you should be aware of the ease of the seat to install and use. For instance, the ease of loosening and tightening straps and latch connectors, how easy it is to change between forward and rear facing, and how many buckle positions are there all affect the ease of use. best car seats for infants is also important to be aware of whether the padding for your head and body are comfortable and if the seat includes any extras for convenience, such as cups or hidden harness pads.
The more easy-to-use the seat is, the more you are more likely to use it correctly. This can be a major factor in the safety of your child. Seats that are simple to put on and take off from the base with minimal effort are the easiest.
The weight of the car seat and its portability are important aspects to think about. It is important to pick it up with a child inside and take it around easily, especially if you're going on longer journeys. Check the seat's width and height to ensure that it's appropriate for your vehicle. If you plan to use it with a baby stroller pick a model that works with various strollers.
You should also look closely at the results of manufacturer's tests. You can find these results on the official website of the manufacturer or by doing an online search. You can find out whether the car seat has an history of protecting infants from crashes and also what the policy for replacement.
Safety
The primary concern of any parent looking to purchase an infant car seat is whether the seat will safeguard their child. All infant car seats have to conform to safety standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Opens in a New Window which include rigorous crash tests and the five-point harness system.
There are additional factors to take into consideration when buying an infant car seat. It is important to select the correct infant car seat based on your child's weight and height as well as the type of vehicle you have. It is also essential to make sure the seat is properly installed, as improperly installed car seats may increase the risk of injury in an accident.
A good infant car safety seat will have clear installation instructions, a bubble indicator for the level that is easy to read and an locking clip that prevents the base from being accidentally removed. It should also be lightweight and have convenient features such as an extendable harness that is not rethread bar, anti-rebound bars and a premium load leg, which can protect your infant from head injuries in the event of a crash.
While it's not a mandatory feature for all families however, some parents may wish to consider a baby car seat that can be converted into a toddler seat with the pull of a lever at the base. This will allow them more flexibility and allow their child to use the seat until they reach the manufacturer's weight and height limit.
It's also important to think about how it will be easy to use the car seat on a regular basis. The buckle should be easy and smooth to click into place and out of. The straps need to be easy to loosen and adjust. The bag should be light and easy to carry, even when empty. The base should also be easy to remove without fumbling.
It is also a good idea before purchasing a car seat, to verify whether there are any recalls. This can be done on the NHTSA website. Opens in a new window, which has an index of searchable databases of all past and current recalls of car seats.
Comfort
When it concerns infant car seats comfort is the primary consideration for parents. These rear-facing seats are designed to safeguard your child in the case of an accident. Most include built-in back and head supports to ensure they are at a comfortable level. Choose a seat facing the rear that has features such as no-rethread straps and magnetic buckle holders and adjustable shoulder belts.
Another feature that can make or break an infant car seat is how easy it is to install and use. In ideal circumstances you should be able of taking the seat off the base with just one hand while holding the baby in the opposite. When you're ready put the seat back on its base, it should click easily into position and take less than a minute.
A lot of infant car seats are also suitable to use without a base. This is ideal for parents who frequently switch between taxis or cars. Check the weight and height restrictions of the seat before purchasing it to ensure that your child isn't big. Car seats also typically come with an infant insert which can be used when your baby is very small (like in the initial few months or weeks of their life), until their shoulders reach the lowest harness slot.
Convertible models are a great option for an infant car seat. They offer convenience and security. These seats are designed to work with strollers and come with an mechanism that allows them to be tucked in when they are not in use. They're however generally larger than normal infant car seats and may be more difficult to carry around.
A load leg is another thing to look for. It's a brace which sits between your seat and the vehicle's floor. It provides extra stability. While they're not required however, they can be useful for smaller vehicles or vehicles with multiple seats.
Convenience
You can travel with confidence and know that your child will be secure and comfortable. Consider features like straps that are padded for shoulder and padding around the neck to ensure your baby fits comfortably. Also look for several recline positions. You might want to search for a car seat that has extra features such as UPF 50+ protection and a canopy that zips open for complete coverage.
Consider the ease of use and installation of the seat when it comes to convenience. You're likely to require the seat to be installed using the LATCH system, as well as the belt for your vehicle. Select a model that allows for the easiest installation.
For example, our top pick for the best infant car seats The Nuna Pipa, has a turnkey installation process due to the steel-reinforced LATCH connectors that flip out from the base and flash green when properly connected. This feature, in conjunction with the recline angle indicators and colored belt-oath indicator make this model stand out from other infant car seats with regard to user-friendliness.
The seat is compact and lightweight. This makes it an ideal option for parents who travel with their infant or who switch between cars often. It also comes with a non rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders which permit you to secure the seat with one hand.
A slim shell that's less than 17 inches wide means the seat is more suitable for newborns than others available, and the additional padding on the shoulder and chest areas offer added comfort. It's also a little more expensive than some of the other options, but we think the best features, like an adjustable base and SnugLock lockoff, are well worth it.
Infant car seats are a big investment, but with the right information and considerations you can narrow your options to a few models that best fit your family's requirements. Then, you can concentrate on the crucial task of getting ready for your baby's arrival!