How to Choose the best Car seat Infant Car Seat

Consider what you want from your car seat. "If you are looking for a car seat to grow with your child, think about an all-in-one model like the Graco 4Ever DLX," Saxton recommends. The seat can be changed to a high-back booster or an unbackless booster. It has a big rear-facing weight limitation.

It also scores high in terms of comfort and quality, thanks to soft, machine-washable padding. Other features that are helpful include load legs which are shock-absorbing components on the base or car seat that reduce the movement of the car seat in a crash.

Safety

They are specifically designed to fit babies of smaller sizes better, so they are more cushioned than convertible car seats. They also tend to be lighter and easier to lift out of the car, or put onto a stroller frame than convertible car seats, which is crucial since you'll likely be required to transport your baby in the car seat often outside of your vehicle. 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 outgrowing their weight or height as fast as convertible car seats newborn seats can.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's standards for car seats are rigorous but it's an excellent idea to conduct your own research before purchasing. You should consider reading reviews from other parents as well as reviewing safety guidelines from groups such as Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, both of which have plenty of crash test data to give to families.

Look for features that will benefit your family. This could include an easy release of the strap, a no-rethread harness, or a leveling foot with spring-loaded mechanisms. These kinds of features can make buckling your child faster and more convenient however, you must remember that even the most secure seats can be a waste in the event that you don't utilize them properly.

The weight and the width of the car seat is also crucial. Many infant seats are designed to be able to sit alongside older car seats in the back of your car, while others can grow with your child and transition to an adult seat while you're at it. And finally, if you plan to use your car seat to travel or to take taxis, an infant car seat that can be fitted using only the seat belt of your vehicle is a great option.

In general, it's a good idea to buy the safest seat you can afford, since the cheapest models usually don't meet the most rigorous safety standards for crash safety. Avoid models that do not include side impact tests and allow manufacturers to self-certify.

Convenience

The best car seats for infants are ones that fit in your family vehicle, are simple to install, and include useful features like a built-in jogging stroller or a rotation feature. It should be affordable. Infant seats can range in price from around $180 to over $500. They can be more expensive when they're convertible and used as an infant and toddler seat.

Convenience features include how simple it is to put in the seat using either LATCH system or a seatbelt and whether you are able to adjust the headrest and harness without taking the baby out of the seat. Installing and taking it off is not difficult, particularly if your child rides in Ubers or you often switch between cars. The seat must also be lightweight baby car seat and clearly labeled for installation guides and bubble levels so you can quickly get the car seat correctly installed.

It should be easy to adjust the buckles and harness and move the seat when not in use. It is also essential to verify the weight and height limits of the infant car seat prior to you buy it, and think about whether your baby will outgrow it by the time he turns one. A good guideline is to choose a seat that grows with your baby until they reach the 90th percentile.

Some manufacturers go over the federal safety standards to include additional features such as crash-testing, comfort and convenience in their car seats. The Clek Ling is a top pick of our gear editors as well as Consumer Reports is a great example of an infant seat that offers much more than just great crash protection. It also comes with an element that helps stabilize the seat during an accident, reducing the force on the child by 40%. This feature alone could save the life of a child, which is why it's worth paying more for a car seat that's safe and has additional safety features.

Comfort

One of the most important considerations when choosing an infant car seat is the comfort, as babies spend a significant amount of time in their car seats. The most comfortable car seats are made of the thick, breathable fabric as well as generous padding on the harness and headrest. They are equipped with simple adjustments, such as strap covers, buckles and headrest adjustments which don't require the rethreading.

The weight and size of a baby car seat can affect comfort, especially if you plan to change cars or travel with the seat often. Certain models are smaller, making it easier to fit in the backseat alongside other car seats or even siblings' seats. While all models come with height and weight restrictions certain models are lighter. This can save your biceps from aching when you carry it from one place to another or between cars.

Certain infant car seats come with additional features to make them more versatile. For instance they can rotate or be clicked into a stroller without need for additional adapters. Other models have high-end features like an adjustable harness with no-rethread straps or anti-rebound bars to add additional security in the case of a crash. These features aren't required for safe riding, however they can improve the overall experience.

Parents want their babies to be comfortable and have a clean car seat. They also consider safety and convenience. Look for a model that's machine washable and stain-resistant, as well as easy to clean. Some seats can be cleaned using the dishwasher which makes it easier to keep them looking new.

Certain models go over and beyond to ensure that their customers get the most secure and comfortable ride. For instance the Graco SnugRide (tm) Elite has an anti-rebounding bar and meets Graco ProtectPlus Engineered(tm) which is designed to stand up to rear and front collisions. The seat features a Silent Shade canopy to keep your baby comfortable and quiet and has an indicator that lets you know that the seat is properly secured. Its adjustable harness tightener and carry handle allow for simple single-handed adjustments.

Design

Manufacturers of infant car seats design them with safety and comfort as their main goals. However, the broad range of features can make it difficult to determine which is best for your family. You'll want to consider factors such as weight and height limits as well as the number of buckles and belt paths. Other features such as anti-rebound bars load legs, harnesses that do not have a rethread can increase the price but may improve the comfort of babies. Consider features that make it simple to get your child in and out of the car seat, for example rotating mechanisms. You'll also want to pay attention to dimensions and weight of the base because not all seats are suitable for every vehicle.

The ease of attaching and detaching the base is a feature that is crucial. The quality of the LATCH connectors, and whether they're flexible or rigid, could affect this. You'll also want to consider whether the straps are easy to loosen and tighten, and whether there's a single-hand release mechanism for removing and installing the seat.

Some models let you use the seat with no footrest, which is convenient if your plan is to switch taxis or cars frequently. To make sure that your seat is securely installed make sure you choose models with bubble level indicators and a built-in locking mechanisms.

Certain features might be worth the extra cost, such as the ability to grow with your child, a five-position reclining feature and a canopy that extends and secures in place. Our product testers also noted the fact that a seat can be used for a highback booster with belt positioning or a backless booster once the baby has completed using it is an additional bonus.

The Doona is the type of infant car seat that pampers parents. It's got many features that address almost every complaint parents have about infant car seat newborn insert seats. This is why our product testers gave it top marks across the spectrum. It's affixed for air travel and comes with an anti-rebound handle, and can be converted into a stroller. The crash test results are outstanding and it's GREENGUARD Gold Certified.