How to Choose the Best Infant Car Seat
Consider what you want from your car seat. "If you need a car seat that will adapt to your child's needs, consider an all-in-one model like the Graco 4Ever DLX," Saxton says. It has a lengthy rear-facing weight limit and can convert into the high-back and backless booster.
The soft cushioning that can be machine washed is an added benefit. Load legs are another beneficial feature. They are shock-absorbing parts that are attached to the car seat base and reduce movement during the event of a crash.
Safety
Car seats for infants are made to fit small babies best, and so they usually have more padding and cushioning than convertible carseats. They also tend to be lighter and easier to take out of the car or put on a stroller frame rather than convertible car seats, which is crucial since you'll likely need to transport your baby in the car seat frequently out of your vehicle. The infant car seats have the advantage of being designed to last through the first year of your child's life which means you don't have to worry about them exceeding their height or weight limits in the same way that the convertible car seat might.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's standards for car seats are stringent however it's a good idea to do your own research prior to purchasing. Consider reading reviews from other parents as well as checking out car seat safety guides from groups like Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, both of which have a wealth of crash testing information to provide to families.
Find features that can be useful to your family. These include the ability to release the strap, a no-rethread harness or a leveling foot with spring-loaded mechanisms. These features can help you buckle up your child, but remember that even the safest seats can be dangerous if they are not used in a proper manner.
The weight and the width of the car seat are equally important. Many infant seats can be put in your vehicle alongside older car seats. Some of them can grow with your child, and then convert to an adult booster simultaneously. If you plan to use the car seat to travel or to take taxis, then an infant car seat which can be put in place using only the seat belt of your vehicle is an ideal choice.
In general it's a good idea to buy the most secure car seat you can afford, because the cheapest models typically don't meet the highest safety standards for crash safety. Avoid models that do not include side impact tests and allow manufacturers to self-certify.
Convenience
The ideal car seat for your infant is one that will fit comfortably in the car of your family It is simple to install and use, and has convenient extras like an integrated stroller or a rotation capability. It should be affordable. Infant seats range in price between $180 to $500. They may cost more when they're convertible and will be used as a toddler and infant seat.
The convenience features include the ability to be installed with the LATCH system or a seatbelt. Also it is possible to adjust the harness and headrest without having to remove the baby from the seat. Installing and taking it off should be easy, especially if your child rides in Ubers or frequently switches between cars. The seat must also be lightweight and come with clearly labeled installation guidelines and bubble levels so that you can quickly install the car seat properly installed.
It should be easy to adjust the buckles and harness, as well as turn the seat around when it is not in use. Before purchasing an infant car seat, be sure to verify the weight and height limits. Also, consider if your child will outgrow the seat before they reach their first birthday. In general, you should select a seat for your child that will grow with them until they reach the 90% percentile.
Some manufacturers go beyond the federal safety standards to incorporate other features, such as crash testing as well as comfort and convenience in their car seats. The Clek Liing one of the top picks by our gear editors as well as Consumer Reports, is an excellent example of an infant seat that provides more than just excellent crash protection. It also comes with legs that help stabilize the seat in an accident, reducing the force on the child by 40%. This feature could save a child’s life. It's worth it to invest more in a car seat with added safety features and convenience.
Comfort
One of the most important factors when selecting a baby car seat is the comfort, as infants spend a lot of time in their car seats. The most comfortable ones have thick, breathable fabrics and generous padding for the harness and headrest. They also come with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms such as strap covers, buckles, and headrest adjustments that don't require the rethreading.
The weight and size of an infant car seat can affect the comfort of your child, particularly in the event that you intend to switch cars or travel with the seat often. Certain models are smaller which makes it easier to place them in the backseat alongside other car seats or even siblings seats. Although all have minimum and maximum heights and weight limits, some are lighter than others, which can prevent your biceps from becoming sore when you carry it around town or between vehicles.
Certain infant car seats come with extra features that make them more adaptable, such as rotating options or the ability to connect to a stroller without the need for additional adapters. Some models come with high-end features, such as an adjustable strap that doesn't rethread or anti-rebound bar to provide extra safety in case of an accident. These features aren't required to ensure safety, however they can improve the overall experience.
In addition to convenience and safety factors, many parents also require a clean, comfortable car seat for their infant. Select a seat that is machine washable, stain resistant and easy to take off for cleaning. Some seats can be cleaned in the dishwasher which makes it easier to keep them looking fresh.
Some models go over and beyond to ensure that their customers enjoy an enjoyable and safe experience. For instance the Graco SnugRide (tm) Elite has an anti-rebounding bar, and is compatible with Graco ProtectPlus Engineered(tm), which is designed to withstand both rear and front collisions. The seat comes with a Silent Shade canopy to keep your baby comfortable and quiet and also an indicator that lets you know that the seat is properly secured. The seat's carry handle is adjustable the harness tightener and indicator indicate whether it's securely attached to the base.
Design
Car seat manufacturers design infant car seats with safety and ease of use in mind, but the dizzying array of features available makes it difficult to decide what's the best fit for your family. Take into consideration factors such as the weight and height limits as well as the number of belt routes and buckles. Additional features like anti-rebound bars load legs, harnesses that do not have a rethread can increase the cost, but they can also improve the comfort of babies. Look for features that make it easy to get your child in and out of the car seat, like rotational mechanisms. Also, be aware of the dimensions and weight of the seat, since not all seats will fit in all cars.
One aspect that is particularly important is the ease of installing and disconnecting from the base. The quality of the LATCH connectors and whether or not they are flexible or rigid, can influence this. You should also be aware of whether the straps can be easily tightened or loosen and if there is an easy release mechanism that allows you to remove and install the seat.
Some models let you use the seat with no footrest, which is convenient when you plan to change cars or take taxis often. To ensure that your seat is securely installed make sure you choose models with bubble level indicators and integrated locking mechanism.
Certain features could be worth the extra cost for example, the ability to grow with your child, a five-position reclining feature, or the canopy that expands and secures into the correct position. Our product testers also mentioned that having a seat which can be used for a highback booster using belt positioning or a backless booster after the baby has completed using it is an added benefit.
visit my homepage is the type of infant car seat that pampers parents. It comes with a variety of features that address almost every complaint parents have about infant car seats. This is why our product testers have rated it highly all over the spectrum. For example, it's approved for use on planes, and has a unique handle that doubles as an anti-rebound bar, and transforms directly into strollers (no need for separate stroller adapters). The crash test results are excellent and it is GREENGUARD Gold certified.