How to Select Good Infant Car Seats
When it comes to choosing a car seat for your infant the choices can be overwhelming. There are a few things to look for to assist you in narrowing your options.
You can make your parenting journey easier by adding premium features such as load legs, a simple-to-tighten harness and a headrest that extends with the baby.
User-Friendliness
When you are buying an infant car seat take into consideration the weight and height limits. It is important to make sure that the seat will last your child until they grow out of it, which usually happens around the age of 2. It is also important to think about whether you require an automobile seat that is rated with the weight limit or height of 90th percentile, or if you prefer one that is shorter or higher. This will help you decide on how long you'll use the seat before you decide to upgrade to convertible car seats.
In addition to size and weight, you must take into consideration how easy the seat is to install and use. The ease of tightening or loosening straps, latch connectors, and the number of buckle positions all affect the accessibility. It is also important to take into consideration whether the padding on your body and head are comfortable, and if the seat comes with any extras that are convenient, such as a cupholder or hideaway harness pads.
The more easy-to-use a seat is, you are more likely to use it properly. This can have a significant impact on the safety of your infant. Seats that are simple to set up and remove from the base with a minimum of effort are the best.
Another aspect to consider is the weight of the car seat and how easily it can be moved. It is important to carry it with a child inside and take it around easily, especially when you're planning longer trips. Check the seat's width and height to make sure it fits in your vehicle. If you plan to use it with a stroller for babies pick a model that works with different strollers.
Finally, you should examine the crash test results of the manufacturer. You should be able to locate them on the car seat's website, or through an online search. You can determine if the seat has been used to protect babies from injuries in crashes and also what their policy is regarding replacement.
Safety
The primary concern of any parent looking to purchase an infant car seat is whether it will protect their child. All infant car seats have to conform to safety standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Opens in a New Window which include rigorous crash tests as well as a five point harness system.
However, there are a few other things to take into consideration when shopping for an infant car seat. It is important to select the appropriate infant car seat based on the baby's height and weight as well as what type of vehicle you have. It is also crucial to ensure that the car seat is correctly installed, as improperly installed car seats can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
A good infant car safety seat will have clear installation instructions, a bubble level indicator that is easy to read, and the locking clip, which stops the base from being removed accidentally. It should also be light and come with useful features such as an extendable harness that is not rethread, anti-rebound bars and an extra-large load leg which can protect your infant from head injuries in the event of an accident.
Some parents might be interested in an infant car seat that can be transformed into a toddler car seat by pulling an incline at the base. This will give them greater flexibility and allow their child to use the seat until they reach the height and weight limit.
It is also important to consider how easy it will be to use the car seat on a daily basis. The straps should be easy to tighten and loosen, and the buckle should be simple to slide in and out of place. The carrier should be easy to carry empty and the base must be simple to remove from the vehicle without fumbling around.
It is also a good idea prior to purchasing a car seat, to check if there are any recalls. This can be done on the NHTSA website Opens in an entirely new window. It includes an index of searchable databases of all current and past recalls on car seats.
Comfort
Parents are most concerned with comfort when it comes to baby car seats. These seats that face the rear are designed to protect babies in the case of a crash and many come with built-in support for the body and head to keep your baby cozy. Find a rear-facing seat with features like no-rethread straps as well as magnetic buckle holders and adjustable shoulder belts.
Another factor that can make or break the infant car seat is how easy it is to install and use. Idealy, you should be capable of removing the seat from the base with one hand while holding the infant in the other. When you're ready place the seat back on its base, it should click easily into place and take less than one minute.
A lot of infant car seats are also suitable for use with no base. This is ideal for parents who frequently change between cars or take taxis. Be sure to check the weight and height limitations of the seat before purchasing it to ensure that your child isn't big. Most car seats come with an infant insert that can be used by babies who are very small (like in the early months or weeks of their lives) until their shoulders are able to reach to the lowest harness slot.
If you are looking for a baby car seat that is a combination of convenience and safety, think about a convertible model. These seats are designed to be used with strollers and come with the ability to be tucked in when they are not in use. They are generally larger than car seats for infants, and can be harder to transport around.
A load leg is another thing to look out for. It's an item that sits between your seat and the floor of your vehicle. It offers additional stability. While these aren't a requirement however, they can be helpful for small vehicles or those with multiple car seats.
Convenience
A high-quality infant car seat will give you peace of mind knowing that your child is safe and comfortable during long journeys. Look for features such as straps that are padded for shoulder and padding around the neck to ensure your baby fits comfortably. Also, look for several recline positions. You might also look into a car seat that has additional features, like UPF 50+ sun-shields and a fully-coverage canopy with zip-open zippers that provides your baby with the protection they need.
In terms of convenience, consider how easy the seat is to use, and how it can be easily installed in the vehicle. It is likely that you will need to install the seat using both the LATCH system and the belt of your vehicle, so find a model that makes it as easy as possible.
For example our top pick for the best infant car seats The Nuna Pipa, has an easy-to-install process due to the steel-reinforced connectors that open from the base and flash green when properly connected. This feature along with recline angle guides and colored belt-oath indicators make it a standout model among infant car seats for convenience of use.
The seat is compact and light. This makes it an ideal option for parents who travel with their child or who switch between cars often. Additionally, it comes with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to attach the harness with just one hand.
A shell that's smaller than 17 inches wide means that the infant seat is more comfortable than others available, and the extra padding in the shoulder and chest area will provide extra comfort. It's also a bit more expensive than other alternatives, but we think the premium features, such as an adjustable base and SnugLock lockoff, are well worth it.
Car seats for infants can be costly. But, with the proper information, you can narrow your choices down to a select few models that best suit your family. Then, car seats by age can concentrate on the most important thing - preparing for the arrival of your baby!