How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant

Car seats for infants are available in a wide range of prices, based on the materials, styles and accessories. You don't need to shell out a lot of money for the best infant car seat.

Our product testers have rated the top-performing infant car seats in five main categories safety, ease of use and reliability along with adjustability and convenience.

Safety Ratings

The most effective infant car seat is thoroughly crash tested. The most secure infant newborn car seat insert seats come with clear instructions and features like bubble levels or padded seats to provide adequate support for the baby. We also found it beneficial when a chair has simple adjustments that don't require taking the baby out of the car to loosen or tighten them, or that use a system of hooks and clips for quick changes. If the procedure is quick and easy, parents are more likely maintain correctly fitted harnesses.

A seat that is machine washable is a plus We looked for models that allow the seat to be placed on the base, reducing the risk of a dropped or loosing buckle while washing. If you'll be using your car seat often especially on public transportation, it may be worth spending more for an auto-retracting straps and a reclining mechanism to ease the stress on your back.

It's important to do thorough research prior to making an purchase. Read reviews from customers as well as reviews from advocacy groups for children. Before you buy a new car seat it is a good idea also to visit the website of the manufacturer and review any recalls.

Infant car seats are small, portable car seats specifically designed for newborns or babies who are up to their one year old. They are usually used in a rear-facing position. Most infants outgrow their car seat they were in when they reach the age of one. In the case of convertible or all-in-one seats the child is moved to a toddler seat. Infant-only car seats should be used with the rear facing side until your child is at the maximum weight and height limits established by the manufacture. Then they should be switched to an forward-facing car seat. A convertible or all-in-one car seat can be used both ways, but it's more secure for your baby to stay in an rear-facing car seat until they are tall enough to be able to sit in an front-facing car seat.

Simple to Use

While the safety of car seats is crucial however, it's equally important to find one that is easy for parents to use. We test the buckles as well as the handles and harness adjustments and also its ability to be installed into the vehicle. If a car seat isn't easy to use, you could end up using it incorrectly. This could compromise the safety of your child.

Remember, however, even the most reliable infant car seat can only be as secure as how it is installed and used. A poorly-installed or incorrectly-used car seat is a major risk factor for infants and children of all different ages. That's why Vybiralova Stanton recommends studying the manual of the manufacturer and looking for installation videos online. "You'll discover that manufacturers are much more concerned about ensuring that you have the best car seat and baby," she says.

The most effective car seats for infants are easy to install and use. They come with features like a single-handed buckle release, magnetic strap holders which do not catch clothing, and a non need to rethread the harness. These seats are made of strong materials and feature various adjustable mechanisms that work smoothly.

A base that can be used in conjunction with or without the vehicle's LATCH system or shoulder belt is an additional feature to consider. This is a great option for parents who often use taxis or are using their seat in several vehicles.

It's also important to consider the amount that the car seat weighs, and if you're able to carry it with ease. Some models are much heavier than others and could strain your shoulders and arms particularly when you have kids to haul around or are traveling long distances.

In the end, a less expensive infant car seat can save you both money and time. Don't buy a low-cost car seat simply because it's inexpensive. A price that is low could mean that the manufacturer has compromised on safety features or quality. Before making a decision, it's a good idea read reviews and get recommendations from other parents.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats make it simple to keep baby safe. This means they're simple to install, have features that make buckling up and unbuckling much easier, and come with other features that make it easier to use, such as comfortable fabrics and a no-rethread harness. The car seats also come with design features which make them safer in the event of a crash. For example they come with load legs which are shock-absorbing parts that are located at the base of the seat. This makes it easier to move and therefore impact forces on your child.

If you're driving a smaller car, or you intend to switch between vehicles often you should consider a child car seat that is small and slim. This type of seat fits easily in smaller cars and most have a handle that makes them easy to carry. They are also often lighter than convertible car seats, so they're less difficult to lift into and out of the vehicle.

The infant car seat converts into a baby stroller without needing an additional attachment. This is ideal for families that are always in motion or living in cities with public transportation. It is a little heavier than a standard infant car seat, but it's still not nearly as big as the convertible model.

It's simple to use, and our testers were impressed by its buckle holders with magnetic buckles and harness that does not need rethreads, which makes it incredibly easy to get the baby out and in. It has many features that make it easier to use, such as a button-operated recline with four positions and steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that pop out of the base after being secured.

Selecting the best infant car seat is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make as the new parent. It is essential to research and read reviews prior to making a decision. You want to ensure that the car seat you select is specifically designed with your child's safety in mind, and is in compliance with the safety standards of the nation.