How to Choose the Best Infant Car Seat
Consider what you want from your car seat. "If you need a car seat that can expand with your child look into an all-in-one model like the Graco 4Ever DLX," Saxton says. The seat comes with a long rear-facing weight limit and can be converted into the high-back and backless booster.
The soft cushioning that is machine washable is an added benefit. Other features that are helpful include load legs that absorb shock on the base of the car seat that reduce the movement of the car seat in a crash.
Safety
Dedicated infant car seats are designed to fit tiny babies the best, which is why they usually offer more cushioning and padding than convertible carseats. They also tend to be lighter and easier to take out of the car, or put onto a stroller frame, unlike convertible car seats, which is important since you'll likely have to transport your child in the car seat frequently out of your vehicle. Car seats for infants have the advantage of often being designed to last through the first year of your child's life, so you don't need to worry about them exceeding their weight or height in the same way that the convertible car seat might.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's guidelines for car seats are stringent however it's a good idea to do your own research before making a purchase. Consider reading reviews by other parents, and also looking through car seat safety guides from organizations such as Consumer Reports or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both have crash test results that can be shared with families.
It is also important to examine whether a seat comes with features that could be particularly helpful for your family, such as an easy strap release with one hand, a no-rethread harness or a spring-loaded leveling foot. These kinds of features can make buckling up your baby faster and easier but remember that even the safest seats will be useless when you don't use them in a proper manner.
The weight and the width of the car seat are equally crucial. Pushchairs & Prams of infant seats can be put in your vehicle alongside older car seats. Others can expand with your child and then convert to a booster at the same time. If you plan to use the car seat to travel or take taxis or taxis, then an infant car seat which can be put in place using only your vehicle's seatbelt is an ideal choice.
In general, you should buy the most safe seat you can afford. The most affordable models don't always meet the highest standards of safety in crashes. For instance, it's recommended to avoid models that don't include side impact testing and permit companies to self-certify their products.
Convenience
The best car seat for your infant is one that will fit comfortably in your family's vehicle It is simple to install and use, and includes handy features such as a built-in stroller or rotation capability. It must also be affordable. The price of infant seats is between $180 and $500. If they are convertible, and will be used for toddlers and infants, the price can be higher.
Convenience features include how easy it is to put in the seat using either the LATCH system or a seatbelt and whether you are able to adjust the harness and headrest without taking the baby out of the seat. You should be able to install and take it out easily and quickly, particularly if you need to switch frequently between vehicles or take Uber rides with your child. The seat should be light and clearly labeled with instructions for installation and bubble levels to help you quickly install the car seat.
You should also be able rotate the seat and lock it when not using it and have access to buckles as well as harness straps. Before purchasing an infant car seat, it's important to check the weight and height limits. Also, consider if your child will outgrow the seat by the time they reach their first birthday. As a rule, choose a car seat for your child that will grow with them until they reach 90% percentile.
Some manufacturers go over the federal safety standards to include additional features like crash-testing, comfort and convenience in their car seats. The Clek Ling, a top choice among our gear editors and Consumer Reports is a great example of a baby seat that provides more than just great crash protection. It also comes with legs that help stabilize the seat in a crash, reducing forces on the child by 40%. This feature could save a child’s life. It's worth the extra money spent on car seats with added safety and convenience features.
Comfort
One of the most important aspects to consider when selecting an infant car seat is the comfort, as babies spend a lot of time in their car seats. The most comfortable ones feature thick, breathable fabrics and generous padding in the harness and headrest. They also offer simple adjustment mechanisms, like buckles, strap covers, and headrest adjustments that don't require rethreading.
The weight and size of the infant car seat will also affect the comfort, especially if it is going to be used in multiple vehicles or for frequent travel. Some models are narrower making 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 a bit lighter than others. This can help save your biceps from becoming sore when you carry it between vehicles.
Certain infant car seats come with additional features to make them more versatile. For example, they can rotate or be clicked into a stroller with no need for additional adapters. Certain models include premium features such as an adjustable no-rethread strap or bar that prevents rebound to give you extra security in the event of an accident. These features aren't necessary for a safe ride but they can improve the overall experience.
In addition to safety and convenience factors, many parents need a clean and comfortable infant car seat for their infant. Pick a car seat that is machine washable, stain-resistant and easy to take off to clean. Some seats can be cleaned using the dishwasher making it easier to keep them looking new.
Some models go beyond to ensure that their customers' experiences are safe and smooth, such as the Graco SnugRide(tm) Elite, which boasts an anti-rebound bar and is compliant with Graco ProtectPlus Engineered(tm) standards to withstand rear and front collisions. The seat comes with a Silent Shade canopy to keep baby quiet and comfortable and has an indicator that lets you know when the seat is securely attached. Its adjustable harness tightener and carry handle allow for simple single-handed adjustments.
Design
Car seat manufacturers design infant car seats with safety and comfort in mind, however the myriad of features available makes it difficult to decide what's best for your family. You'll need to take into consideration aspects like weight and height limits as well as the number of belt buckles and belt paths. Additional features like anti-rebound bars, load legs and no-rethread harnesses can add to the price but may improve the comfort of your baby. Consider features that make it simple to get your child into and out of the car seat, such as rotational mechanisms. Also, be aware of the dimensions and base weight, as not all seats are suitable for every vehicle.
The ease of attaching and detaching the base is a feature that is crucial. The quality of the LATCH connectors and whether or not they're flexible or rigid, will affect this. Also, you should think about whether the straps are able to be easily tightened and loosened and if they have a one-hand release mechanism to remove and install the seat.
Certain models allow you to use the seat without a footrest, which is convenient if your plan is to change taxis or cars frequently. Make sure you choose a model equipped with a built-in lock, as well as bubble level indicators to ensure that your seat is set correctly.
Other features worth paying extra for include a headrest that expands with the infant, a five-position recline and an extended canopy that locks in the position. Our product testers have also noticed that having a seat that can be used as a highback belt-positioning booster or backless booster after the infant is done using it is a plus.
The Doona is an infant car seat that spoils parents. It's loaded with features that address nearly every complaint families have about infant car seats, which is the reason our product testers gave it top marks in every category. It's approved for air travel and has an anti-rebound handle and is able to be converted directly into a stroller. Its crash test result is excellent and it's GREENGUARD Gold Certified.