See What Infant Car Seats Best Tricks The Celebs Are Using

How to Choose infant car seats best (Read A lot more)

Parents should have car seats. What makes one seat better than another?

A dedicated infant car seat newborn seat fits the most tiny babies, and is lighter for easy transport outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience features like premium connectors for lower anchors and harness pads that are not rethreading, and single button handles. Also, look for security features such as load legs and head/body cushions.

Safety

As every parent will tell you, selecting the best car seats car seat for your child is among the most important decisions you can make. The correct seat will ensure that they're in the right position correctly in the car and ensure they're secured in the event of a crash.

While every car seat sold in the US must adhere to strict standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Not all car seats are created equally. Some have special features designed to protect infants, for instance, load legs that help reduce movement in crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the base of the car seat and others have built-in bubble levels for easy installation and adjustable headrests that grow with your child.

Car seats specifically designed for infants are also designed to fit tiny babies most comfortably and usually come with extra crash-tested inserts to help achieve this, says Choi. They're also lighter than a convertible car seat and can easily be transformed into a stroller. This makes them perfect for ride-shares, daycare drop-offs, and pick-ups. You can purchase a used one at less than the cost because they're only good for the first 12 months.

Another thing to consider is that while an excellent NHTSA rating and excellent crash test results are crucial however, the way you use your car seat is even more critical for your child's safety. A study conducted by Portland's top children's hospital revealed that 95% of parents have made at least one mistake when installing or adjusting their car seat.

It's a good idea to spend a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the proper car seat usage guidelines before your baby arrives. We recommend looking for car seats that have clear and concise instructions, is lightweight enough to be able to carry your child, and comes with easy-to-use adjustments.

Examine if the infant car seat that you are considering fits the vehicle's size requirements. And if you're worried about your ability to install and use the car seat properly take it to a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) for an interactive session prior to the time the baby is born.

Convenience

Some infant car seats include additional features that make it simpler to use. Certain infant car seats come with features that make them easier to use. For instance, they might include a base that the seat can be clicked in and out, or they could include an easy-to-use adjusting mechanism. These features make it easier to install and remove the car seat - particularly in the event that you have a child in your care.

The weight and the height limits of a car seat for infants are also important factors to take into consideration. If your baby is growing quickly it could be worthwhile to invest in a car seat with greater limits to ensure you can use it as long as you want.

In addition to safety features, your child's car seat must also be comfortable. Look for padded straps which will not rub or pinch their shoulders, and for plush fabric which feels comfortable under them. Select a seat that is in an upright position. This allows your child to ride in an upright position, which helps to keep their airways wide open and oxygen saturation levels high.

There are a number of accessories available for infant car seats however Dr. Segura warns against buying any item that isn't included in the seat because it is not tested in a crash and may be unsafe. Also, avoid purchasing used car seats for infants, since they may be involved in a crash and can be damaged or worn out.

The top infant car seats are priced from $100 to over $600. However, they all share a few characteristics. They are all lightweight, easy to install and take down, and are comfortable for the child. Some come with additional features that make them more adaptable. For example they can swivel, or clip onto strollers with no need for adapters. Check out our review of the top infant car seats for more information on the various choices available.

Comfort

The top infant car seats come with comfort features that make it easier to get the baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch that removes the need to grasp both sides of the strap at once, plus cushioned padding that makes it less painful to lift the seat. Additionally, you'll need to consider how much weight the seat weighs. You'll be using it without a base after all and a lighter weight is more suitable. The Baby Trend Secure-Lift, for example, weighs less than 13 pounds.

The weight limit and height of infant car seats is also important. If you intend to keep the car seat for a long time choose one that will expand with your child and will allow them to transition into the toddler years. You'll be able to use it for longer and save money on a second car seat.

You'll also want to think about the seat's dimensions and if it's smaller or larger than other models. The first is a good option for smaller vehicles. The second may be beneficial if you have three kids in the rear seat or two children in back-to back car seats. If you intend to use your car seat along with strollers, you should look for one that can be detached from car seats that are compatible with a wide range of strollers. Brands like Graco or Nuna have options that will satisfy your requirements.

To make it easier to use, take a look at the score that a car seat gets for installation. Clear guides and indicators, like bubble levels or color codes, that indicate whether the seat is secured and level can help relieve stress for parents who are new. Some seats also have innovative features, such as load legs which are shock-absorbing pieces found under the seat or base which extend to the floor of the vehicle and absorb some of the impact force during a crash.

You'll also find some accessories that claim to enhance the comfort of your car seat and convenience, but remember that any accessory not included with the car seat hasn't yet been tested or vetted for safety. Segura advises that you shouldn't place anything in your car seat, such as a blanket or harness you bought elsewhere.

Style

It can be a challenge for parents with young children to determine the best infant car seats. It's crucial to know the budget you have set and what features you want. There are many options for special features, stroller compatibility, and even fabrics. However, it all boils down to comfort.

It is important to remember that convertible car seats are not as suitable for small babies and are only suitable until the age of one year. Some may even come with crash-tested extensions kits, which will help them last longer. They also have more recline modes for proper positioning of smaller children, and are generally lighter, which makes it easier to carry around. They are also more likely to work with a travel system which can be helpful for new parents trying to save time and money by purchasing one seat that will do double duty.

Car seat weight and width are important factors to consider for the majority of families. For example, some infant car seats are designed to be a bit narrower than others for a better fit in the back of your car or for use with siblings in their seats. Some are so heavy that they will test your biceps as you lift them and transfer them from the car to the stroller.

Many parents prefer the infant car seat that can be converted from a base to a carrier and then transform into a stroller without needing any additional attachments. This can save a ton of time, especially during busy times when you're running errands your kids.

Other features that are useful include a harness that doesn't need to be rethread with magnetic buckle holders, as well as an easy installation process. Lastly, look for an head and body support insert, which will aid in preventing infants from slumbering in their seats or carriers in the event of a nap.

Some car seats feature rigid latches that open from the base when installed correctly. This kind of installation is more secure and reduces the amount a seat can move during a crash.