Choosing the Best Car Seats Infant
The best car seats for infants meet federal safety guidelines and come with clear, labeled installation instructions. This handy chart that opens in a new tab could help you determine if your child should be rear-facing or facing forward.
Find accessories that are convenient, such as load legs. These reduce movement during a crash. Consider if you'll require a convertible car seat that converts into a stroller.
Easy of Use
It is essential to choose the best infant car seat since you'll use it for your child's very first year. Consider safety guidelines from organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. You should also rely on sources such as Consumer Reports as well as suggestions from other parents.
In addition to checking the NHTSA ratings and information on the fit of your vehicle for your infant car seat, you should make sure it's simple to put together and install and is easy to move in and out, that the padding is comfortable and it comes with useful features. Some of the top infant car seats come with self-checking mechanisms that provide you with an indicator in the form of a bubble or color to let you know you've installed it correctly--super beneficial for exhausted parents.
Also, you should consider the size and weight of the seat. If you want to to use the seat for a longer period of time, choose a car seat that goes all the way to the 90th percentile in height and weight. You can't know what your child prefers until you've tried the seat, but make sure you choose comfortable materials and a thick padding that feels good against their skin.
If you're unsure of what to do to narrow your options, it's a good idea to speak with an accredited child passenger safety technician to learn more about the types of seats and installation methods that are suitable for your specific vehicle. They can also provide guidance on the most suitable fit and comfort for your child, in addition to helping you understand the crash policies of each brand.
Safety
While every car seat on the market must adhere to strict federal safety standards There are many factors that can make an infant car seat less or more secure than the other. The best car seat for your baby begins with ensuring it meets the specifications of the manufacturer's height and weight and the specifications of your car's. Refer to the owner's manual for your car for directions on how to install a seat with lower anchors and tethers. (Or a seat belt for older cars without LATCH). The next step is to look at specific features such as load legs or anti-rebound bars which reduce the force of collisions. You should also consider whether you can afford to live with the convertible car seat which will eventually turn into a toddler seat.
The safety of your baby is dependent on the correct installation of their car seat. It's essential to read the user's instructions and watch the installation videos online prior to attempting to install a car seat. Even if you think that your car seat is properly installed it's best to have a professional trained to check it.
Car seats that are easy to use are safer. A seat that is easy to use will be more likely to be used in a safe manner, so check for easy-to-read instructions and convenient features such as handles that hold the straps or buckles that have sensors that notify you when your child isn't sitting down.
In the same way, ensure you're buying car seats from a trusted store or site. Pushchairs And Prams 's not a good idea to buy car seats from random sellers or websites that ship directly out of China. In addition you should stay clear of used car seats as they could be old or involved in an accident.
A car ride can be stressful, especially for babies. Find a seat that has plush fabrics, padded straps and is comfortable on the shoulders and neck. You should also be aware of the weight of the chair. You need to be able lift and carry it easily especially if it is going be utilized for a long duration.
Comfort
A good car seat is not just there to protect your baby but also provide comfort for the newborn. Consider features like heavy padding, adjustable harnesses, and ventilation holes to keep your baby cool (especially when you live in a hot climate). The factors that determine comfort can be subjective and therefore it's essential to read online reviews and try out the seat yourself prior to purchasing.
Another thing to consider is weight. While all infant car seats on the market meet federal safety standards, some are heavier than others. This is especially important in the event that you plan to use the seat in more than one vehicle or attach it to stroller frames. For instance the Nuna Pipa Aire RX is the most lightweight convertible infant car seat available at 6.2 pounds without the base and canopy. It's been recently replaced by the less expensive, yet still secure Pipa Lite Aire.
The seat is more narrow compared to other models. This is good for most vehicles but can be problematic if your vehicle has an insufficient trunk. The shoulder straps are not adjustable in the height, and the belt guides don't have enough padding to avoid friction on your baby's shoulders.
Overall, the seat is easy to install and fits most newborns with ease. It has a greater rear-facing limit than other seats and is easy to change between recline positions. It is priced at the middle of the range for a baby seat, however, it has a great reputation for quality. It also has two cupholders.
Selecting a car seat for infants can be a daunting task because there are numerous choices. However, you don't have to be overwhelmed if you conduct your research before buying. Think about the size of your car as well as safety and comfort features and cost. You can determine the best car seat for your child by considering these aspects. Remember, no matter how high-quality the car seat is it's not as secure if it's installed correctly.
Easy Installation
Installing car seats correctly is vital to keep your baby safe. This is why the it is one of the top considerations when choosing the best car seat for an infant. Many of the best baby car seats have self-checking indicators. These include bubbles, or colored indicators that let you know when the seat has been installed correctly. This will help to avoid making potentially dangerous errors. Some have self-checking features at the base, which can be particularly useful in the event that you often swap the car seat between cars.
The best infant car seats make it easy to adjust or loosen harness straps without the necessity of the use of a manual or a tool. This feature is particularly useful for babies and infants who require a tight harness to give them the sufficient support. A simple tightening system is essential to avoid frustration if you have an uncooperative baby and need to fasten the seat quickly.
The most effective infant car seats are light and easy to carry around. We love models that do not feel heavy when a child is in them. A car seat that's too heavy can cause back and arms pain It's recommended to choose a seat with an appropriate weight range that feels feasible for you.
We also take into account the weight and the width of the base and the seat, since you don't have to purchase seats that are too large for your vehicle or one that will require a lot of juggling in order to move it from the car and back in. In general, we prefer narrower seats that fit in two or three rows of cars and are less likely to rub against other car seats.
Chicco KeyFit is our favorite model in this category. It received high ratings from experts and parents, including CPST teacher Kecia Healy. The KeyFit range includes features that make the installation process simple including the foot recliner that is spring-loaded and a bubble gauge at the base. Healy praises the tightening mechanism, which utilizes the SuperCinch belt-tightening mechanism to make it easier for the seat to be secured in the right place.