Choosing the Best Car Seats Infant
The best car seats infant meet federal safety guidelines and come with clear, labeled installation instructions. This handy chart that opens in a new tab could help you determine whether your child should be facing rear or facing forward.
Look for extras that are useful, such as load legs. These reduce movement during the event of a crash. And, consider whether you’ll want a convertible car seat that converts into a stroller.
Simple to use
The choice of a car seat for infants is essential because it will be the only one you’ll use for the first year of life. It’s crucial to think about safety guidelines from organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). You can also count on resources such as Consumer Reports and advice from other parents.
In addition to examining the NHTSA ratings and information on the fit of your vehicle for your infant car seat, you should make sure it’s simple to install and assemble and that it’s easy to move in and out, that the padding is comfortable and that it has useful extra features. Some of the best infant car seats come with self-checking mechanisms which give you an indicator in the form of a bubble or color to let you know you’ve installed it correctly. This is extremely beneficial for exhausted parents.
It is important to consider the size of the seat and weight limits. If you wish to be able to use the seat for a longer time, you should choose a car seat that can go all the way to the 90th percentile of height and weight. It’s difficult to determine what your child would prefer until you test it out however, you can search for thick padding and plush materials that feel soft against their skin.
If you’re unsure of what to do to narrow your options, it’s a great idea to speak with a certified child safety technician to find out more about the different types of seats and the installation methods that work best for your particular vehicle. They can also give you suggestions on the most appropriate fit and comfort for your child, as well as helping you understand the crash policy of each brand.
Safety
While every car seat on the market must conform to strict federal safety standards, there are lots of factors that can make an infant car seat more or less safe than the other. Choosing the best car seat for your child begins with ensuring it meets the specifications of the manufacturer’s height and weight and also your vehicle’s. Refer to the owner’s manual for your car for instructions on how to install a seat with lower anchors and tethers. (Or a seat belt in older cars without LATCH). Next, you should look for special features such as anti-rebound bar or load legs which reduce crash forces. You should also think about whether or not you can afford to live with a convertible car seat which will eventually turn into a toddler’s seat.
Your baby’s safety is dependent on the proper installation of their car seat. Before installing a car seat, it’s important to review the user manual or watch online installation videos. Keep in mind that it’s a good idea to have a trained professional examine your car seat even if you’ve installed it correctly.
Car seats that are easy to use are safer. Seats that are easy to use are more likely to be correctly used. Look for features like handles that hold the straps and buckles that are equipped with sensors.
In the same way, ensure you buy a car seat from a trusted site or store. It’s not recommended to purchase car seats from random sellers, or sites that ship directly from China. Additionally it is recommended to avoid used car seats since they could be old or may have been involved in an accident.
A car trip can be stressful, particularly for babies. Look for an infant car seat that is padded with soft fabrics, straps that are cushioned and is comfortable on the neck and shoulders. You should also take into consideration the weight of the chair. You want to be able to lift and carry it easily particularly if it is going to be utilized for a long duration.
Comfort
A quality car seat should not just protect your baby but also provide comfort for the newborn. Look for features like the thick padding, the easy-to-change harnesses and ventilation holes that keep your baby cool (especially if you live in a hot climate). The quality of comfort is a subjective matter and it’s important to read reviews on the internet and try out the seat before purchasing.
Weight is a different factor to take into consideration. All infant car seat swivel car seats sold conform to the safety standards of the federal government. However, some are lighter. This is especially true if you plan to use the car seat in multiple vehicles or attach it to a stroller frame. Nuna Pipa Aire RX, for example is the most lightweight convertible car seat on the market. It weighs just 6.2 pounds (without the base or canopy). Recently the Pipa Lite Aire is a less expensive but still safe car seat, was introduced to the brand’s product line.
The seat is more narrow compared to other models. This is good for most vehicles, but can be problematic when you have a small trunk. The shoulder straps are not adjustable in the height and the belt guides don’t provide enough padding to stop friction on your baby’s shoulders.
Overall the seat is simple to put in and will fit most newborns with ease. It has a higher rear-facing limit than other seats and is easy to change between reclining positions. It’s priced at the middle of the market for a baby car seat but has a great reputation for quality and comes with two cup holders.
Selecting a car seat for infants can be overwhelming because there are numerous choices. However, you don’t have to be intimidated if do your research prior to purchasing. Think about the car’s fit as well as the safety and comfort features and cost. You can determine the best car seat for your child if you consider these aspects. Whatever the quality of the car seat is, it won’t be as safe when you don’t install it correctly.
Ease of Installation
Car seats are extremely important safety devices, and must be installed correctly in order to keep your baby safe. We look at the how easy it is to install the right car seat for your baby. Many of the best infant carseats have self-checking features like bubble or color indicators that let you know when the seat is securely installed, preventing you from potentially dangerous mistakes. Some have self-checking functions on the base. This can be particularly beneficial if you are switching the seat frequently between vehicles.
The best infant car seats allow you to adjust or loosen harness straps, without the need for a manual or tool. This feature is particularly useful for babies and infants who require a tight harness to provide adequate support. A smooth tightening system is essential to avoid frustration when you have a child who isn’t cooperative and you have to secure the seat quickly.
The most effective infant car seats are lightweight and easy to carry around. We like models that don’t feel too heavy when a child sits in them. Carrying a car seat that is too heavy will make your back and arms uncomfortable, so it’s best to choose a seat with a weight range that feels feasible for you.
We also consider the size and weight of the base and the seat itself, since you don’t want to buy an item that is too big for your vehicle or require some difficult maneuvering to get it out and in. In general, we favor narrower seats that fit into two or three rows of cars and are less likely to get caught up against other carseats.
Our top pick for this category is the Chicco KeyFit line, which received high marks from many experts and parents we surveyed, including CPST instructor Kecia Healy. The KeyFit line has features that make it easy to install, like the recline foot with a spring loaded mechanism and a bubble indicator on the base to ensure you ensure it is level. Healy praises the tightening mechanism that utilizes the SuperCinch belt-tightening to allow the seat to be held in the right place.
