How to Select Good Infant Car Seats
When it comes to choosing an infant car seat the choices can be overwhelming. There are a few steps you can do to narrow your search.
You can make your parenting experience easier by adding premium features like load legs, a simple-to-tighten harness, and a headrest that extends with the baby.
Simple to Use
If you're planning to purchase an infant car seat prior to when the baby is born, it's crucial to consider the weight and height limits. You want to make sure the seat will last until your child outgrows it, which is usually around the two-year mark. It is also important to think about whether you'd like a car seat that goes up to the 90th percentile of weight or height, or one that is a little shorter or taller. This will help you determine the length of time you intend to use the seat for.
You should also consider how it is easy to set up and use the seat. For example, the ease of tightening and loosening straps and latch connectors, the ease with which it is to switch between forward and rear facing positions, and how many buckle positions there are all have an impact on the user's experience. Consider the comfort of the head and body pads, as well as any other extra features like the cupholder or hideaway harness pad.
The more simple the seat is, you are more likely to use it correctly. This can affect the safety of your baby. Seats that are simple to set up and remove from the base with minimal effort are the most convenient.
The weight of the car seat and its portability are important factors to consider. You need to be able carry the car seat with your infant in it and transport it easily. This is crucial in the event of long trips. You should also examine the dimensions in terms of width and height to make sure it's appropriate for your vehicle, and if you plan on using it with a stroller, look for a model that's compatible with various strollers.
You should also look closely at the results of the tests conducted by the manufacturer. You can find these results on the manufacturer's website or by doing an online search. You can find out whether the seat has a history of protecting babies from crashes and also what their policy is regarding replacement.
Safety
When parents are shopping for an infant seat, they want to be sure that the product will keep their baby safe. All infant car seats have to conform to the safety standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Opens in a new window (NHTSA) that include rigorous crash testing and a five-point harness system.
There are other aspects to take into consideration when buying an infant car seat. First, it is important to choose the best infant car seat for your baby in accordance with their weight and height, and the kind of vehicle you drive. It is also crucial to ensure that the seat is properly fitted, as poorly installed car seats increase the risk of injury during an accident.
A good infant car safety seat will have clear installation instructions, a bubble indicator of the level that is easy to read and a locking clip which prevents the base from being removed accidentally. It should be lightweight and feature convenient features like an extended strap that is not rethread, anti-rebound bar, and a high-quality leg that protects your baby's head in case of an accident.
Although it's not a must-have feature for every family however, some parents may wish to search for an infant car seat that converts into a toddler seat at the push of a lever located on the base. This will give parents more flexibility and let them use the seat until their child has reached the weight and height limits.
You should also consider how easy the car seat is to use regularly. The buckle should be easy and smooth to click into place and out of. The straps need to be simple to loosen and adjust. The carrier should be lightweight and easy to carry, even when empty. The base should also be easy to remove without any hassle.
Lastly, it's a good idea to check for recalls on the car seat you are contemplating buying prior to making a purchase. This can be done via the NHTSA website. Opens in an entirely new window. good infant car seats features an index of searchable databases of all current and past car seat recalls.
Comfort
Parents are most concerned about comfort when it comes to the infant car seat. These rear-facing seats are created to protect your baby in the case of an accident. Many come with built-in back and head supports to ensure they are at a comfortable level. Find seats that is adjustable to accommodate your growing child with features like no-rethread harnesses magnetic buckle holders, as well as adjustable shoulder straps.
Another factor that can make or break an infant car seat is how easy it is to install and use. In the ideal scenario, you'll be able to detach the seat from its base using one hand while holding your child in the other. When you're ready to place the seat back on its base it should snap easily into position and take less than one minute.
A lot of infant car seats are also suitable for use without a base. This is a great option for parents who frequently switch between taxis or cars. Be sure to check the weight and height restrictions of the seat prior to purchasing it to ensure that your child is not too big. Most car seats come with an infant insert that can be used by babies who are small (like in the first few months or weeks of life) until their shoulders get to the lowest harness slot.
Convertible models are the ideal option for an infant car seat. They offer convenience and security. These seats are designed to be used in conjunction with a stroller and have a mechanism that allows them to tuck in when they are not in use. They are generally larger than infant car seats, and can be harder to transport around.
A load leg is another thing to look out for. This is an item that sits between your seat and the vehicle's floor. It provides extra stability. They aren't necessary however they can be very useful in small vehicles or for those with multiple car seats.
Convenience
You can travel with confidence knowing that your baby will be secure and comfortable. Look for features such as padded shoulder straps, extra padding for the neck to ensure your baby can get comfortable, a wide range of recline positions, and more. You may also want to consider a car seat with additional features, such as UPF 50+ sun protection and a zip-open full-coverage canopy that gives your baby the security they require.
In terms of convenience, consider how easy the seat is to use, and how it is installed in the vehicle. It's likely that you will have to install your seat using the LATCH system, as well as the belt of your vehicle. Select a seat that has the most simple installation.
For example our top pick for best infant car seats, the Nuna Pipa, has a turnkey installation process due to the steel-reinforced LATCH connectors that slide out from the base and flash green when correctly connected. This feature, along with the recline angle indicators as well as colored belt-oath indicators make this model stand out among infant car seats in terms of the ease of use.
The seat is also small and lightweight, which makes it a great choice for parents who must travel with their infant or are switching between cars frequently. It also comes with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to secure the harness using just one hand.
A slim shell that's less than 17 inches wide means that the seat is more suitable for newborns than other seats on the market, while additional padding in the chest and shoulder areas will provide extra comfort. The seat is a bit more expensive than other options but we believe the premium features like the adjustable base and SnugLock locking system are worth the cost.
Infant car seats can be costly. But, with the proper information, you can reduce your options to a few models which best suit your family. You can then focus on the important task - getting ready for the arrival of your baby!