There Are Myths And Facts Behind Best Car Seat Infant
How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant
Infant car seats are available in a variety of prices, depending on the type of material, style and accessories. There is no need to spend a lot on a good infant car seat.
Our product testers rated the best infant car seats in five important categories including safety, ease of use reliability, comfort, and adjustability.
Safety Ratings
The best infant car seats are rigorously crash tested. They also have clear instructions and features that help install the seat correctly, such as bubble levels and padded seating that offer good support for infants. We also loved seats that were simple to adjust, and didn't require the child to be removed from the car. Parents are more likely to keep correctly fitted harnesses when the process is simple and fast.
A seat that can be washed is a great feature and we searched for models that allow the seat to be installed in conjunction with the base, which reduces the chance of a tripped or damaged buckle during washing. If you intend to use your car seat often, especially on public transportation, it's worth buying a model that has self-retracting belts and a reclining feature. This will help ease the strain on your spine.
It's important to do thorough research prior to making an purchase. Review reviews from customers and child safety advocacy groups. Before you buy a new car seat, it's an excellent idea to visit the website of the manufacturer and review any recalls.
Infant car seats are small, portable car seats designed for newborns or babies up to the first birthday. They are usually used in a rear-facing position. The majority of infants outgrow the car seat they were in when they reach the age of one. In the case of convertible and all-in-one seats the child will be moved to a toddler seat. Infant-only car seats should be used with the rear facing side until the child reaches the maximum height and weight limit set by the manufacturer. After that, they should be changed to forward-facing car seats. The convertible or all-in-one car seat can be used in both directions, but it is more secure for your child to remain in the rear-facing position until they are old enough to be able to move forward.
Simple to Use
While the safety of a car seat is paramount however, it's equally important to find one that is easy for parents to use. That's why we examine things like buckles, harness adjustments, and handles during our tests as well as how simple it is to set up the car seat in the vehicle. If a car seat is difficult to use, it could end up being used incorrectly which could compromise the safety of your child.
If you're concerned about installing your infant car seat correctly, you should consider visiting a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) prior to bringing your baby home. They'll be able to give you an instructional crash test video and show you how to use your new seat. Make sure to read the manual that comes with your car seat, as this will assist you in avoiding common installation mistakes.
Infant car seats are not convertible and should only be used until your child is outgrowing it or exceeds the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. This is why it's a good choice to select a seat that can be used the longest time possible prior to changing your baby to a bigger car seat.
Some infant car seats be converted into strollers that will provide more value for your money. It is important to keep in mind that seats that can double as strollers are heavier than those that are used as an infant car.
A wide car seat for infants can help you fit it into your car and may be compatible with other rear-facing seats. You'll also want to take into consideration how heavy it is, as lighter seats are easier to lift into and out of the car. This is especially important if you intend to use the infant seat often and carry it between vehicles. This is why we prefer lighter, more narrow models in our top infant car seat review.
Reliability
The safety of your child is the most important thing you can do. And while every car seat available must meet federal safety standards, some surpass. Best of the Bump winner Clek's Liing for instance, has two-stage body supports which helps keep infants comfortable and warm and is compatible with many popular strollers. It also scored a top crash test score from Consumer Reports.
Be aware that even the most reliable infant car seat can only be as safe as how it is installed and used. Poorly installed or misused car seats pose a serious safety risk for children and infants of all age groups. Vybiralova Stanton suggests that you read the instruction manual of the manufacturer of your car seat and search for videos on installation online. "You'll find that manufacturers are much more concerned about ensuring that you have the correct seat for your vehicle and baby," she says.
The most reliable infant car seats come with features that make it simple to install and use, including an easy-to-use harness buckle release, magnetic strap holders that don't cling on clothing, and a non-rethread harness. The seats are made of strong materials and feature several adjustable mechanisms that work seamlessly.
A base that can be used without or with the vehicle's LATCH system or shoulder belt is an additional feature to consider. This is useful for parents who travel by taxi frequently or who use their seat in multiple vehicles.
It's also important to take into consideration the amount that the car seat weighs and if you are able to carry it easily. Certain models are heavier than others and could burden your shoulders and arms particularly when you have kids to carry around or are traveling for long distances.
In the end, a baby car seat that is priced lower can save you money and time. However, you shouldn't be enticed to purchase one simply because it's cheap. A low price could mean that the manufacturer has made a mistake on safety features or material quality. Before making a final decision, it's a good idea review reviews and seek out suggestions from other parents.
Convenience
The best car seat s for infants make it easy to ensure your baby's safety. This means that they are simple to install, have features that make buckling up or unbuckling a breeze, and include other convenience amenities like comfortable fabrics and a no-rethread harness. They also feature features that increase their protection in a crash like load legs that absorb shock. parts on the base or the car seat, which reduce movement and thus impact forces on your child.
If you're in a smaller car, or you plan to change between multiple vehicles frequently, look for an infant car seat that is compact and slim. This type of seat is able to fit into narrower cars, and many of them come with a unique handle that makes it simple to carry. They're also generally lighter than convertible car seats, so they are easier to lift into and out of the vehicle.
This infant car seat also transforms into a stroller for babies without the need for an attachment. This is great for families that are constantly in motion or living in cities with public transportation. It's slightly bigger than a traditional car seat for infants but not as big as a convertible one.
It's easy to use and our testers loved its buckle holders with magnetic buckles and no-rethread harness. This makes it quick to get the baby out and in. It has many features that make it easier to use, for example the recline that is operated by a button with four positions and steel reinforced connectors for LATCH that can be removed from the base after being secured.
The choice of the right infant car seat is one of the most important decisions you'll have to make as you become a new parent. That's why it's so important to read reviews and research of different options before making an informed decision. You want to ensure that the car seat you pick is made with safety of your child in mind, and that it meets national standards for safety.