How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant
Infant car seats are available in a wide range of prices, based on the materials, styles and accessories. There is no need to spend a fortune on the best infant
car seat for newborn seat.
Our product testers gave the best-performing infant car seats across five main categories safety, ease of use, reliability, convenience and adjustability.
Safety Ratings
The best infant car seat is thoroughly crash tested. They also come with clear directions and features that help install the seat correctly, including bubble levels and padded seats that provides good support for infants. We also liked seats that were easy to adjust, and didn't require the child to be removed from the car. If the procedure is quick and easy, parents are more likely to keep their correctly fitted harnesses.
A seat that's machine washable is a plus and we searched for models that allow for the seat to be placed in conjunction with the base, which reduces the chance of a tripped or loosing buckle while washing. If you'll be using your car seat frequently and especially on public transport it could be worth the extra expense for a model that has self-retracting straps and a recline mechanism to ease the strain on your back.
Selecting a car seat for your infant is among the most important purchases you'll make as a parent, so we suggest doing your research on it thoroughly before buying. Review reviews from other parents as well as reviews from child safety advocacy groups. It's also a good idea to visit the manufacturer's website and review any recall notices prior to you purchase a car seat.
Infant car seats are small, portable car seats designed for newborns or babies up to the first birthday. They are usually used rear-facing. Most infants outgrow the car seat they were in by the time they are 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 reaches the maximum weight and height limits set by the manufacturer. After that, they need to be switched over to an automobile seat that faces forward. The convertible or all-in-one car seat can be used in both directions, but it is safer for your child to remain in the rear-facing position until they have reached the age of maturity to move
forward facing infant car seat.
Ease of Use
While the safety of the car seat is essential however, it's equally important to find one that is easy for parents to use. That's why we examine things like buckles, harness adjustments and handles during our tests and also how easy it is to install the car seat in a vehicle. If a car seat is difficult to use, it may be used improperly and could affect the safety of your child.
If you're worried about installing your infant car seat correctly, you should consider visiting a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) before you bring your
baby seat home. They will show you how to use the seat and show you an example of the crash test. And don't forget to read the manual that comes with your car seat, as it will help you avoid common mistakes in installation.
In contrast to convertible car seats that are suitable for toddlers and older children, infant car seats only last until your baby outgrows them or reaches the maximum weight limit or height set by the manufacturer. It is important to select the right seat for your child that will last for as long as is possible before converting them into an adult car seat for older children.
Some infant car seats are convertible into strollers, which means you get more for your budget. It is important to keep in mind that seats that can be used as strollers are heavier than those designed to function as an infant car.
A large infant car seat will help you fit it into your vehicle, and it may also be compatible with other back seats. It is also important to take into consideration the weight of the seat, since a seat that is light is easier to move into and out of a car. This is a particularly important factor to think about if you're planning on using the infant seat often and will be transporting it between vehicles. In our best infant car seats review, we recommend models that are narrower and lighter.
Reliability
Your child's safety is your most important concern. While all car seats must comply with federal safety standards there are certain models that go over. Best of the Bump winner Clek's Liing, for example comes with a two-stage body support system which helps keep infants comfortable and warm and is compatible with a variety of popular strollers. Consumer Reports also gave it a high score in an impact test.
Be aware, however, that even the most reliable infant car seat will only be as secure as how it is installed and used. Poorly installed or misused car seats pose a significant danger to children and infants of all different ages. That's why Vybiralova Stanton recommends studying the manual of the manufacturer and looking for videos of installation online. "You'll find that manufacturers are more focused on making sure you have the right seat for your car and your baby," she says.
The most reliable infant car seats have features that make them easy to set up and use, including the buckle release for harnesses that can be operated with one hand, magnetic strap holders that don't catch on clothing, and a non-rethread harness. They also have sturdy materials and a wide range of adjustment mechanisms that function effortlessly.
Another aspect to look out for is whether the infant car seat has a base that can be used with or without the use of a vehicle's LATCH or shoulder belt systems. This can be useful for parents who frequently use taxis or are using their seat in several vehicles.
It's also worth considering how the car seat for infants weighs and if you can easily transport it around. Some models weigh more than others, and can put a strain on your arms and shoulders when you're carrying children around or traveling long distances.
In the end, a
baby car seat with a lower cost can save you time and money. Don't purchase a cheap car seat because it's cheap. A lower price could indicate that the manufacturer has cut corners on the quality of the material or safety features. Before making a final decision it's a good idea to look over reviews and seek suggestions from other parents.
Convenience
The
best car seat infant car seats make it easy to keep your baby safe. This means they are simple to install, have features that allow buckling up and unbuckling a breeze, and include other convenience features like soft fabrics and a no-rethread harness. They also come with features that make them more protective in the event of a crash like load legs which are shock-absorbing parts of the base or the car seat that reduce movement and thus impact forces on your child.
If you're driving a smaller vehicle, or if you plan to change between vehicles often choose a baby car seat that is small and slim. This type of seat can easily fit in smaller cars, and many of them come with a distinctive handle that makes them easy to tote. They're also generally lighter than convertible car seats, so they are easier to lift into and out of the car.
This infant car seat also can be converted into a stroller for a baby without the need for an additional attachment. This is great for families that are always moving around or living in cities with public transport. It's a bit larger than a standard car seat for an infant however, it's not as big as a convertible car seat.
This top-rated infant car seat is simple to use, and our product testers liked it for its no-rethread harness as well as buckle holders with magnetic buckles that make it quick to get baby in and out.