How to Choose the Best Infant Car Seat
Consider what you’d like from your car seat. “If you are looking for an automobile seat that will expand with your child, think about an all-in-one model such as the Graco 4Ever DLX,” Saxton advises. The seat comes with a long rear-facing weight limit and can convert to both a high-back and backless booster.
It also scores well for comfort and quality thanks to soft cushioning that is machine washable. Other features that are helpful include load legs, which are shock-absorbing elements on the base or in the car seat that limit the movement of the car seat in a crash.
Safety
The infant car seats are designed to fit tiny babies best, and so they usually offer more cushioning and padding than convertible carseats. They are also smaller and lighter to remove from the car or attach to a stroller frame, which is crucial because you’ll need to carry your child in the car seat out of the vehicle often. The dedicated infant car seat is also designed to last your child for the first year. This means that you don’t have to be concerned about your child growing beyond its weight or height limit.
It’s a good idea to do some research before you make a purchase. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has strict standards for car seats. Take a look at reviews written by other parents, and also looking through car seat safety guidelines from organizations like Consumer Reports or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both have crash test data that can be shared with families.
You should also consider whether the seat has features that can be beneficial to your family, like the strap release that is one-handed, a no-rethread harness or a spring-loaded foot for leveling. These types of features can help you buckle your baby faster and easier but remember that even the safest seats are useless in the event that you don’t utilize them properly.
Other things to consider are the size and weight of the car seat. Many infant car seats can be installed in your car alongside older car seats. Some of them can expand with your child and convert to a booster simultaneously. If you are planning to use the car seat to travel or take taxis and taxis, then an infant car seat that can be installed by using only the seat belt of your vehicle will be a convenient choice.
In general, it is recommended to buy the safest car seat you can afford. The cheapest models may not always meet the most stringent standards of crash safety. For example, it’s best to stay clear of models that do not include side impact testing and permit companies to self-certify their products.
Convenience
The best car seats for infants are those that can fit inside your vehicle with your family and are easy to install and have convenient extras like a built-in jogging stroller or the ability to rotate. It should also be affordable. Infant seats cost between $180 and $500. If they’re convertible and will be used for toddlers and infants the cost could be higher.
Convenience features include how simple it is to set up the seat using either LATCH system or a seatbelt, and whether you are able to adjust the headrest and harness without removing the infant out of the seat. You need to be able to install and take it out easily and quickly, particularly if you need to switch it between cars frequently or take Uber rides with your child. The seat should be light and clearly labeled with instructions for installation and bubble levels to assist you in quickly install the car seat.
You should also be able turn the seat around and lock it when you’re not using it and have easy access to the buckles and harness straps. It’s also important to know the weight and height limits of the infant car seat before you buy it, and consider if your baby will outgrow it before the time he turns one. It is generally recommended to select the seat for your child that grows with them until they reach 90% percentile.
Some manufacturers go over the federal safety standards and include additional features like crash-testing, convenience and comfort in their car seats. The Clek Ling, a top choice among our gear editors as well as Consumer Reports is a great example of a baby seat that provides more than just great crash protection. It also comes with a load leg, which helps stabilize the seat in a crash, and reduces forces on the body of the child by 40 percent. This feature alone could save the life of a child, so it’s worth paying more for a car seat that’s safe and has additional safety features.
Comfort
One of the most important aspects to consider when selecting an infant car seat is comfort, as babies spend a significant amount of time in their car seats. The most comfortable car seats have the thick, breathable fabric as well as ample padding on the harness and headrest. They are equipped with simple adjustments, such as strap covers, buckles and headrest adjustments which don’t require to be rethread.
The weight and size of an infant car seat can also impact comfort, particularly in the event that you intend to switch cars or take the seat with you on a regular basis. Certain models are smaller, making it easier to place them in the backseat alongside other car seats or siblings seats. Although all models have weight and height limitations Some are lighter. This can save your biceps from aching when you carry it around town or between cars.
Some infant car seats offer additional features that make them more adaptable, such as rotational options or the ability to convert into a stroller without the need for extra adapters. Some models come with top rated baby car seats features such as harnesses that are adjustable and do not rethread or anti-rebound bars for additional security in the event of an accident. These features aren’t required for safe riding, but they can improve the overall experience.
In addition to convenience and safety factors, many parents also want a clean, comfortable infant car seat for their child. Choose a model which is machine washable, stain-resistant and easy to take off for cleaning. Some seats are dishwasher safe, making it easier to keep them looking fresh.
Some models go above and beyond to ensure that their customers enjoy an enjoyable and safe experience. For example the Graco SnugRide ™ Elite has an anti-rebounding bar and meets Graco ProtectPlus Engineered(tm) which is designed to withstand both front and rear collisions. The seat also comes with a Silent Shade canopy that keeps baby comfortable and quiet and an indicator that informs you that it’s attached correctly to the base. The seat’s adjustable carry handle the harness tightener and indicator will let you know whether it’s securely attached to the base.
Design
Car seat manufacturers design infant car seats with safety and convenience in mind, however the dizzying array of features available makes it difficult to determine which one is most suitable for your family. It is important to take into account factors like weight and height limits and the number of buckles and belt paths. Additional features like anti-rebound bars, load legs and harnesses with no-rethread straps can increase the cost but could also increase the comfort of your baby. Look for features that make it simple to get your child in and out of the car seat, like rotating mechanisms. You’ll also want to be aware of the dimensions and base weight, as not all seats fit in every car.
One of the most important aspects is the ease of installation and disconnecting from the base. The quality of the LATCH connectors and whether or not they’re flexible or rigid, will influence this. You should also think about whether the straps are able to be easily adjusted and tightened and if there is a single-hand release mechanism to remove and install the seat.
Some models let you use the seat without a base which is useful when you frequently take taxis or if you are planning on switching cars frequently. To ensure that your seat is correctly installed be sure to look for models that have bubble level indicators and a integrated locking mechanism.
Other features worth paying extra for include a headrest that expands with the baby, a five-position recline and an extended canopy that locks in the position. Our product testers also mentioned that having a seat that can be used for highback boosters with belt positioning or a backless booster after the infant has finished using it is an added benefit.
Doona is a car seat for infants that will spoil parents. It has many features that address almost every issue families have with infant car seats. This is the reason our product testers gave it top marks across the board. For instance, it’s approved for travel on airplanes, has a unique handle that doubles as an anti-rebound bar. It also transforms directly into a stroller (no need to purchase separate stroller adapters). Its crash test result is excellent and it’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified.