How to Choose the Best Infant Carrier Car Seat
Parents should take into consideration a variety of factors when selecting the best infant car seat. Some focus on safety features like impact testing results, while others focus on the ease of use and comfort.
A multi-functional 3-in-1 design that can be converted from a car seat to stroller and baby carrier. Our product testers are impressed by the ease with which it is possible to switch between modes.
Safety
Baby carriers are practical, but they also pose a number risks including suffocation, falling and even suffocation. Make sure you adhere to the directions and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on weight and height for your child. Before purchasing, check the CPSC’s website for safety recalls. If your baby carrier has been recalled, don’t use it. Contact the manufacturer to request a replacement.
You’ll also need to make sure that the car seat for your infant is comfortable and easy to use. For example, the best infant car seat will have waist belts that are able to expand to accommodate different body types and the design will support your child’s development of the hip. The carrier should also be able to have a front-facing inward and outward pointing and a back carry.
Some infant car seats include features such as a plush infant insert, auto-retracting LATCH system and bubble level indicators to speed up installation and adjustments. A lot of models have additional features, like an extended canopy or stroller compatibility.
If you’re in search of a budget infant car seat with robust safety features, you should consider the Graco KeyFit 35. It is a top crash test results and comes with an infant insert with a plush material to help newborns sleep. It is also GREENGUARD Gold certified for chemical emissions and JPMA certified to meet industry’s most stringent safety standards. Its reclining base is equipped with an anti-rebound bar in order to minimize movement in rear-end collisions. It includes seven different headrests.
Regardless of the features you select, keep in mind that infant car seats are designed only for transportation and not as a substitute for a crib or bassinet. Car seats for infants that are left unsupervised in furniture or on soft surfaces like beds can cause babies to fall over or even to suffocate. In fact, a study revealed that more than 8,000 babies a year are treated for injuries suffered when baby carriers tip over or roll over. You should also never leave a baby in a car seat for longer than 15 minutes, as they are at risk of overheating and even death.
Easy of Use
Parents should also consider car seats that are simple to use. This includes a base that is easy to put in your vehicle and a handle that’s simple to remove from the base and straps that are easily adjusted without rethreading or moving the harness. Additionally, parents should choose seats that have clearly labeled installation guides as well as a base with built-in bubble levels to indicate whether it’s secured in the vehicle.
Comfort is also important for infants, which is why it’s essential to find an infant seat that is cushioned and provides ample support for their back and head. This includes seats that have soft fabrics and straps that aren’t hard or rough against the skin. The more comfortable your car seat is, the less likely your child will cry. This means that they’ll be safer on the ride.
Some infant seats come with additional features that make them more practical. For example they come with a rotation feature that allows you to turn the baby towards you when you put them in or out of the seat. Certain infant car seats can be turned directly into strollers. This is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or use public transport.
It’s important to find a seat with an easy cleaning process. The spit-up of a baby, diaper blowouts and sticky hands can make it difficult to clean a seat.
Infant carriers are rear-facing car seats that are suitable for infants and infants up to 13kg or four months of age. Based on your needs, you might prefer an all-in-one or convertible seat, which is designed to grow with your child into toddlerhood and can be used as a forward-facing car seat when they’re nine months old or older (9 to 18kg). However, this type of car seat will take up more space in the car and will not fit in certain vehicles without an adapter. You can also purchase an infant car accessory for your existing stroller. This is a more flexible option.
Convenience
A rear-facing infant carrier car seat clicks into the base of your vehicle. These seats are designed to keep infants safe and comfortable until they reach their limit of their weight and height. It is typically around 18kg. Some models can be transformed into a travel set-up that you can use while on the move. These car seats all-in-one are perfect for families that need to change cars or travel frequently.
Look for a car seat that is simple to install and adjust. The buckles, straps for installation and handle must be accessible and simple to use. Similarly, the adjustable straps for the headrest and harness should be easy to tighten and loosen, especially for children who grow rapidly. Look for a design that is easy to use and has numerous safety features, like bubble levels built into the design to help you find the ideal size.
Some models allow you to rotate the seat 360 degrees, which can be handy if your baby sleeps in the car or you’re trying to get them in and out of the seat. Ideally, you should choose an infant car seat that has a lie-flat position, which offers better support for babies and decreases the chance of sudden death.
A well-designed handle or canopy can make a huge difference in your day-to-day routine. The best car seats for infants come with handles that can be lowered and raised by a single press. They are simple to use even when you have hands full or your child is asleep in the seat. Some seats also have an umbrella that can be removed from the bottom to safeguard your child.
If you plan to travel with your baby a often, an infant car seat that has integrated ISOFIX connectors is a great option. They make it easier to attach the seat using the car’s seat belt and is a more secure alternative. They’re also great for taxi rides, fly-drive holiday and trips in rental cars or grandparent’s vehicles.
Value
You don’t have to spend the entire amount of money to buy a great infant car seat. Affordable options like the Baby Trend Secure-Lift demonstrate that you don’t need to sacrifice safety features to save money. This seat is certified by GreenGuard for low chemical emissions and JPMA certified to meet the highest safety standards. The Keepsafe(tm) and side-impact protection and adjustable base ensure that the seat can grow with your child.
Other features that can save money include easy removal and installation, and machine-washable fabric covers. Some infant car seats come with handy extras, like a built in stroller or a rotation feature. These features can help you reduce costs if you plan to use the seat for a long duration or often switch between vehicles.
Another factor to consider is the weight and height limits of the seat. If you want to use the car seat for longer periods of time, you should look for one that is at least the 90th percentile of your baby’s weight and height. This can protect your child from spinal injuries if you’re involved in an accident.
If you’re shopping on a budget consider one with a smaller size, which will make it easier to fit the seat in smaller vehicles and cars. There are also budget-friendly models that come with practical features, such as an expansive canopy or multiple carrying positions.
Pick a seat that you can use for a long time. The Axkid One Maxi-Cosi Titan Plus i-Size Car Seat for Kids is suitable for infants all the way up to seven years old, which makes it a great value. Mum Rachael says “It is a good investment, and I save money on future convertible car seats since it will fit my babies from birth.”
Many parents are seeking an all-in-one solution when it is about baby equipment. A car seat that doubles as a stroller is ideal, and this one from Nuna is a great choice for families on a tight budget. Its safety features and conveniences, including a load-leg and an anti-rebound bar provide peace of mind, and its premium fabrics, along with convenient accessories such as a stroller lock and pushchairsandprams a cup holder will surely please.
