How to Choose the Best Infant Car Seat
What do you want from your seat? "If you're looking for a car seat that will grow with your child think about an all-in-one seat like the Graco 4Ever DLX," Saxton says. The seat comes with a long rear-facing weight limit and is able to convert to both the high-back and backless booster.
It also scores well for comfort and quality thanks to soft cushioning that is machine washable. Other useful features include load legs that absorb shock on the base or car seat that limit movement in a crash.
Safety
The infant car seats are made to fit small babies best, and so they generally offer more cushioning and padding than convertible carseats. They are also smaller and lighter to remove from the car or connect to a stroller frame, which is crucial because you'll need to carry your child's car seat outside of the vehicle often. The infant car seats have the advantage of often being designed to last for the first year of your child's life, which means you don't have to worry about them exceeding their weight or height as quickly as a convertible car seat may.
It's a good idea to conduct some research before you make a purchase. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has strict standards for car seats. Consider reading reviews by other parents, and also looking through car seat safety guides from organizations such as Consumer Reports or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both have crash test data that can be shared with families.
You will also want to examine whether a seat comes with features that could be especially beneficial for your family, like a one-handed strap release and a harness with no rethread or a spring-loaded foot for leveling. These types of features can make buckling up your baby faster and easier, but keep in mind that even the safest of seats can be a waste in the event that you don't utilize them properly.
Other things to consider are the width and weight of the car seat. Many infant seats can be placed in your car alongside older car seats. Some can grow with your child, and can be converted to a booster at the same time. And finally, if you intend to use your car seat to transport or to take taxis, a baby car seat that can be installed with only the seat belt of your vehicle is a great alternative.
In Pushchairs And Prams , you should buy the most safe seat you can afford. The cheapest models don't 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 crash testing and allow companies to self-certify their seats.
Convenience
The ideal infant car seat for you is one that will fit comfortably in your family's vehicle It is simple to install and use, and includes convenient extras like the built-in stroller or rotating ability. It should be reasonably priced. The price of infant seats is between $180 to $500. If they're convertible and will be used for both infants and toddlers, the price can be higher.
The convenience features include whether the seat can be installed using the LATCH system, or a seatbelt. Additionally, if you can adjust the headrest and harness without removing the infant from the seat. The process of installing and removing the seat is not difficult, particularly for children who ride Ubers or you often switch between cars. The seat must also be lightweight and have clearly labeled installation guides and bubble levels to ensure you can easily install the car seat properly installed.
You should be able to adjust the buckles and harness and also rotate the seat when not in use. Before purchasing an infant car seat, be sure to verify its weight and height limits. Also, consider if your child will outgrow the seat before they reach their first birthday. It is generally recommended to select a seat for your child that can grow with them until they reach 90 percentile.
While federal safety standards are the minimum requirement, some manufacturers go beyond to include additional crash-testing and other features that are included in their car seats. The Clek Liing, a top pick among our gear editors and Consumer Reports, is an excellent example of an infant seat that offers more than just excellent crash protection. It also comes with an extra load leg that helps stabilize the seat in a crash, and reduces the forces exerted on the body of the child by 40 percent. This feature could save a child's life. It's worth spending more on car seats with added safety features and convenience.
Comfort
The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting an infant car seat, because babies spend the majority of their time in the car seat. The most comfortable ones feature comfortable, breathable fabrics and ample padding on the harness and headrest. They come with easy-to-use adjustments such as strap covers, buckles, and headrest adjustment mechanisms that don't need to be rethread.
The weight and size of the infant car seat will also affect the comfort, especially if it is intended to be used in multiple cars or for frequent travel. Some models are narrower than others, making them more suited to be placed in the back seat alongside another car seat or other siblings seats. And, while they all have maximum and minimum heights and weight restrictions, some are lighter than others, which can prevent your biceps from becoming sore when carrying it around town or between vehicles.
Some infant car seats offer additional features that make them more flexible like rotating options or the ability to convert into a stroller without the need for extra adapters. Some models come with top features such as harnesses that are adjustable and do not rethread or anti-rebound bars to add extra safety in the event of a crash. These features aren't necessary for a safe ride but they can improve the overall experience.
In addition to safety and convenience factors, many parents need a clean and comfortable infant car seat for their child. Choose a seat that is machine washable and stain-resistant as well as easy to remove for cleaning. Some seats can be cleaned using the dishwasher, making it easier to keep them looking new.
Some models go above and beyond to ensure their customers have the most secure and comfortable ride. For example, the Graco SnugRide (tm) Elite has an anti-rebounding bar and meets Graco ProtectPlus Engineered(tm) which is designed to stand up to front and rear collisions. The seat features a Silent Shade canopy to keep your baby comfortable and quiet, as well an indicator to let you know when the seat is securely attached. The seat's carry handle is adjustable, harness tightener, and indicator indicate when it is properly attached to the base.
Design
The manufacturers of infant car seats design their products with safety and ease of use as their primary objectives. However, the wide range of features can make it difficult to decide which is best for your family. Consider factors such as the weight and height limits, the number of belt paths and buckles. Additional features like anti-rebound bars load legs, harnesses with no-rethread straps can increase the cost but could also increase comfort for baby. Look for features that make it simple to get your child in and out of the car seat, such as rotating mechanisms. You'll also want to pay attention to dimensions and base weight, as not all seats are suitable for every car.
One of the most important aspects is the ease of installing and disconnecting from the base. This can be affected by the quality of the LATCH connectors as well as whether they are rigid or flexible. You should also consider whether the straps are simple to loosen and tighten, and whether there's a single hand release mechanism for removing and installing the seat.
Certain models let you use the seat without a base, which can be convenient when you frequently take taxis or plan on switching cars often. Find models equipped with a built-in lock, as well as bubble level indicators to ensure that your seat is set properly.
Other features that may be worth paying extra for include a headrest that increases with the growing baby or a recline with five positions, as well as an extendable canopy that locks in place. Our product testers have observed that having a seat that can be used as a high-back belt-positioning booster or a backless booster after the baby is finished using it is a benefit.
Doona is an infant car seat that will spoil parents. It has many features that solve almost every issue families have with infant car seats. This is why our product testers gave it top marks across the spectrum. It's approved for air travel and comes with an anti-rebound handle, and is able to be converted directly into a stroller. The crash test results are impressive and it's GREENGUARD Gold Certified.