How to Select Good Infant Car Seats
The options available when it comes time to choose an infant car seat can be overwhelming. There are a few things to look out for that will help narrow your choices.
High-end features such as load legs, an easy harness to tighten and an extendable headrest that grows with your baby can make your experience on this parenting journey more enjoyable.
Simple to Use
If you're planning to purchase an infant car seat prior to when the baby is born, it is important to consider height and weight limits. It is important to ensure that the seat will last until your child is outgrowing it, which is usually around the two-year mark. You should also think about whether you require an automobile seat that is rated with a maximum weight or height of 90th percentile, or in case you prefer one that is shorter or taller. This will help you determine how you'll need the seat for before you decide to upgrade to convertible car seats.
You should also think about how it is easy to install and use the seat. For example the ease of loosening and tightening straps and latch connectors, the ease with which it is to switch between forward and rear facing positions, and how many buckle positions are there all affect the ease of use. It is also important to take into consideration whether the padding on your body and head are comfortable, and if the seat has any convenience extras like an insulated cupholder or hidden harness pads.
The more simple the seat is, you are more likely to use it properly. This could affect the safety of your child. Seats that are easy to put on and take off from the base with minimal effort are the most convenient.
Another aspect to consider is the car seat's weight and how easily it can be moved. You want to be able to carry it with a child inside and carry it easily, especially if you're going on longer journeys. Check the seat's width and height to ensure that it fits in your vehicle. If you plan to use it with a stroller for babies, choose a model compatible with various strollers.
You should also look closely at the results of the tests conducted by the manufacturer. You should be able look them up on the car seat's website, or through an online search. You can then decide whether or not the car seat has a solid record of protecting babies from crashes, and what their replacement policy is.
Safety
The primary concern of any parent looking to purchase an infant car seat is whether it will keep their child safe. All infant car seats are required to adhere to safety standards set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) It opens in a New Window which include rigorous crash tests as well as the five-point harness system.
However there are other things to take into consideration when selecting an infant car seat. It is essential to select the correct infant car seat based on your baby's height and weight as well as what type of vehicle you have. Also, it is crucial to ensure that the seat is correctly installed in order to avoid any problems. Incorrectly installed car seats could increase the chance of injury in an accident.
A quality infant car seat will have clearly labeled installation guides, a clear bubble level indicator and a locking clip to prevent accidental removal of the base. It should also be lightweight and include useful features such as an extendable no-rethread harness bar, anti-rebound bars and an extra-large load leg which can protect your infant from head injuries in the event of collision.
While it's not a mandatory feature for every family, some parents may want to consider a baby car seat that can be converted into a toddler seat with the pull of a lever located on the base. This will allow them more versatility and let their child use the seat until they reach the height and weight limit.
It is also important to consider how easy the car seat is to use on a regular basis. The buckle should be easy and easy to snap into and out of. The straps must be easy to loosen and adjust. The carrier should be lightweight and easy to carry even when empty. The base should also be simple to remove without any hassle.
It is also a good idea prior to purchasing a car seat, to determine whether there are any recalls. This can be done on the NHTSA website Opens in a new window, which includes an index of searchable databases of all past and current recalls of car seats.
Comfort
Parents are most concerned with the comfort of their the infant car seat. These seats that face the rear are designed to protect infants in the event of a crash and many come with built-in body and head supports to keep your baby warm. Choose a seat facing the rear that has features such as no-rethread straps, magnetic buckle holders, and adjustable shoulder belts.
Another factor that can determine the success or failure of the infant car seat is how simple it is to set up and use. Idealy, you should be capable of getting the seat off its base using just one hand while holding the infant in the opposite. When you're ready to put the seat back on its base it should click into place and take less than a minute.
A lot of infant car seats are also suitable for use with no base. This is a great option for parents who frequently switch between cars or take taxis. Make sure you know the weight and height limits of the seat before purchasing it to ensure that your child is not too big. The majority of car seats have an infant insert which can be used for babies who are very small (like in the initial few months or weeks of their lives) until their shoulders reach to the lowest harness slot.
If you're looking for an infant car seat that offers both convenience and safety, think about a convertible model. These seats are compatible with strollers and have the ability to fold them in when they're not in use. They tend to be larger than car seats for infants and may be more difficult to transport around.
A load leg is another thing to look for. This is an item that sits between your seat and the vehicle's floor. It adds stability. While they're not required but they can be useful for smaller vehicles or cars with multiple seats.
Convenience
A high-quality infant car seat will provide you with peace of mind knowing that your baby is secure and comfortable on long trips. Look for features like straps for the shoulders that are padded and padding around the neck to ensure that your baby is comfortable. Also, look for several recline positions. You might want to search for a car seat that has extra features such as UPF 50+ protection and a canopy that zips open for full coverage.
When it comes to convenience, think about how easy the seat is to use, and how it is installed in a vehicle. You'll likely need to install the seat using the LATCH system and the belt of your vehicle and so choose the model that makes it as easy as possible.
The Nuna Pipa is our top pick for the best infant car seat. It has a simple installation procedure, because of the steel reinforced connectors on the base, which are able to pop out and flash green if correctly connected. This feature, as well as the recline angle indicators and colored belt-oath indicators, make this model stand out from other infant car seats in terms of ease of use.
The seat is compact and light. This makes it a great option for parents who travel with their baby or who switch between vehicles frequently. It also has a no rethread harness, as well as magnetic buckle holders which allow you to clip the seat with one hand.
The seat is a little narrower than other seats available and fits newborns better. infant car seat Pushchairs & Prams for the chest and shoulder area offers additional comfort. It's also a little more expensive than other alternatives, but we believe the top features, like an adjustable base and SnugLock lockoff, are worth it.
Infant car seats can be costly. However, with the right information, you can narrow your choices down to a select few models that best fit your family. You can then concentrate on the crucial task of getting ready for the arrival of your child!