Choosing the Best Car Seats Infant
The best car seats infant comply with federal safety standards and have clear, clearly labeled installation guides. It is also beneficial to refer to this handy chart. It opens in a new window to help determine whether your child needs a rear facing infant car seat-facing or forward-facing seat.
Find additional features that are useful, such as load legs. These reduce movement during a crash. Also, think about whether you'll need a convertible car seat that can be converted into a stroller.
Simple to Use
The choice of a car seat for infants is essential because it will be the only one you'll have for your child's first year of life. Take into consideration safety guidelines from organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. You can also use resources like Consumer Reports and advice from other parents.
In addition to checking the NHTSA rating and information on the vehicle's fit, look for an infant car seat that's easy to put together and install and easy to get your child in and out of, has comfortable padding, and has convenient features. Some of the best infant car seats come with self-checking mechanisms that provide you with a bubble or color indicator to let you know you've installed it correctly. This is incredibly helpful for tired parents.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of the seat as well as weight limits. If you are planning to use the car seat for an extended time, choose one that can hold up to 90th percentiles in weight and height. It is impossible to determine what your child's preference is until you've tried the seat, but make sure you choose comfortable materials and a thick padding that feels good against their skin.
If you're unsure of what to do to narrow your options, it's a good idea to speak with a certified child safety technician to learn more about the types of seats and installation methods that work best for your specific vehicle. They can also give you advice on the proper size and comfort for your baby as well as help you understand the crash policies of each brand.
Safety
While every car seat on the market must conform to federal safety standards There are a myriad of factors that can make an infant car seat more or less secure than another. The best car seat for your baby starts with making sure it is in line with the weight and height requirements of the manufacturer, as well as the requirements of your vehicle's. You should also consult the manual of your car to learn how to install the seat using lower anchors and tethers (or seat belts in older vehicles with no LATCH). Then, you must look for features that are special such as anti-rebound bars or load legs that reduce the force of collisions. Finally, you'll want to consider whether or not a convertible infant car seat that eventually transforms into a toddler seat works with your budget and lifestyle.
When it is about safety, the most important factor is that your baby's seat is properly installed. It's important to read the user's instructions and watch the installation videos online before attempting to install a car seat newborn seat. Also, keep in mind that it's an excellent idea to have a professional inspect your car seat even if you've put it in place it correctly.
The most effective method to make a vehicle seat safer is to make it more comfortable to use. A car seat that is user-friendly is more likely to be used properly, so check for easy-to-read directions and useful features like handles that grip the straps or sensor-equipped buckles that let you know when your child hasn't yet sat down.
Also, ensure that you purchase car seats from a reputable retailer or site. It's not recommended to purchase carseats from random sellers, or from websites that ship directly out of China. Additionally, you should avoid used car seats, since they could be old or have been in an accident.
A car ride can be stressful, particularly for a child. Find a seat with plush fabrics and padded straps that are comfortable for the shoulders and neck. You should also take into consideration the weight of the chair. You should be able lift and carry it comfortably particularly if it is going to be used for a long time.
Comfort
A good car seat isn't just a thing that safeguards your child, it should also be comfortable for your newborn. Look for features like thick padding, easily adjustable harnesses, and ventilation holes to keep your baby cool. Comfort factors may be subjective, so it's important to read reviews online and test the seat before buying.
Weight is another factor to take into consideration. While all infant car seats that swivel car seats on the market meet federal safety standards, there are some that weigh less than others. This is particularly important if you plan to use the car seat in multiple vehicles, or to attach it to a frame for a stroller. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Aire RX is the lightest convertible infant car seat available at 6.2 pounds without canopy and base. Recently, the Pipa Lite Aire is a less expensive but still safe car seat, was introduced to the brand's product line.
The seat is narrower than other models, which is good for most vehicles however, it can be a problem if have a small trunk or a car with limited space in the back seat. The shoulder straps aren't adjustable in the height and the belt guides do not have enough padding to avoid the shoulders of your child from being pushed around.
Overall, the seat fits most newborns well and is easy to install. It has a higher capacity for rear-facing than other seats, and it is simple to change between reclining positions. It is priced at the middle of the range for an infant seat, however it has a solid reputation for quality. It also has two cupholders.
The process of choosing a car seat for your infant can be overwhelming because there are numerous options. However, you shouldn't be intimidated if do your research prior to purchasing. Take into account your vehicle fit, comfort and safety features, as well as price. You can choose the most suitable car seat for your child by taking into consideration these aspects. Be aware that regardless of how good the car seat is it's not going to be as secure if it's properly installed.
Installation Ease
Car seats are vital safety devices, and must be installed correctly to ensure your baby's safety. That's why easy installation is one of the most important considerations when selecting the best car seat for an infant. Many of the best baby car seats feature self-checking indicators. These include bubbles, or colored indicators that inform you whether the seat has been installed correctly. This can help you avoid mistakes that could be dangerous. Some models have self-checking functions at the base. This is especially helpful if you swap the car seat often.
The best infant car seats allow users to adjust or loosen harness straps, without the necessity of the use of a manual or a tool. This feature is especially useful for newborns or preemies, who require a snug harness for proper support. A simple tightening system is essential to avoid frustration when you have a baby who is not cooperative and you have to secure the seat quickly.
The most suitable infant car seats cheap car seats are lightweight and easy to carry around. We love models that do not feel heavy when a child sits in them. A car seat that's too heavy could strain your arms and back It's recommended to choose a seat with the weight range that is doable for you.
We also take into consideration the width and weight of the base and the seat itself, as you don't want a seat that's too large for your vehicle or will require some difficult maneuvering to get it in and out. We prefer seats that are smaller and can be placed in two or three rows. They are also less likely than larger seats to rub against each other.
Our favorite model for this category is the Chicco KeyFit line, which has received high marks from a number of experts and parents we interviewed, including CPST instructor Kecia Healy. The KeyFit range comes with features that make installation simple like a spring-loaded foot recliner and a bubble gauge on the base. Healy also praises the tightening system, which utilizes the SuperCinch belt tightening system that makes it easier to secure the seat in place.