See What Infant Car Seats Best Tricks The Celebs Are Using

How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best

Car seats are an essential item for parents. But what makes one better than another?

A dedicated infant seat fits the smallest of babies and is lighter for easier transportation outside of the vehicle. Consider convenience features like premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one button handles. Also, consider safety features like load legs and body cushions for the head and neck.

Safety

As any parent will tell you, selecting the right car seat for your child is among the most crucial decisions that you can make. The right seat will make sure that your child is in a position correctly and properly protected in the event of a crash.

Not all car seats are equal. While every seat sold in the US is required to adhere to the strict safety standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, not all seats have the same features. Some models have features that are designed to safeguard infants. For instance load legs can prevent movement in crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the car seat and base. Other features include bubble levels that allow for easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.

Car seats specifically designed for infants are also designed to fit babies at their most comfortably and usually include crash-tested inserts to aid in this, says Choi. They are also lighter than convertible car seat and can easily be converted into a stroller. This makes them ideal for ride-shares, daycare drop-offs and pick-ups. You can purchase an used one for a fraction of the price because they're only good for the first 12 months.

Another point to be aware of is that, while an excellent NHTSA rating and great crash test results are essential but the method you use your car seat is even more critical to the safety of your child. In fact, a study by Portland's most prestigious children's hospital discovered that 95 percent of parents made at least one critical mistake when installing or positioning their car seat.

It's important to familiarize yourself before your baby arrives by ensuring that you know the correct car seat guidelines. We suggest looking for a car seat with clear and concise instructions, is lightweight enough to be able to carry your child, and comes with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms.

You should also check to verify that the car seat for infants you're considering fits the size requirements for your vehicle. And if you're worried about your own ability to install and use the car seat properly you might want to bring it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) to receive an in-person tutorial prior to when the baby is born.

Convenience

Some infant car seats come with extra features that make them more user-friendly. Certain infant car seats have features that make them simpler to use. For instance, they could have a base on which the seat can be clicked into and out, or they might feature an easy-to-use adjustment mechanism. These features can help make it more convenient to install and detach the car seat, particularly when you have a child to look after.

It is also crucial to consider the weight and height limits for the infant car seats that swivel car seat. If your baby is growing rapidly it may be worth investing in an infant car seat with higher limits to ensure that you are able to use it for as long as you want.

In addition to safety features, your child's car seat must also be comfortable. Choose padded straps that will not rub or pinch their shoulders, and for soft fabrics that feel comfy beneath them. It's also an excellent idea to select the seat with the option of lying flat, which allows your newborn to be in a relaxed position that keeps their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high.

Dr. Segura advises that you should not purchase any accessories for infant car seats that aren't included in the seat, as they have not been tested for safety in a crash and could pose a risk. Avoid purchasing a used infant car seat because they might have been in an accident and could be damaged or worn.

While the top infant car seats range anywhere from $100 to $600, there are a few things that all of the top options have in common. They're all lightweight, simple to install and detach and comfortable for infants. Some models have additional features that make them more versatile. For instance they can pivot or clip into strollers without adapters. For more information about the various options available, check out our list of the top infant car seats.

Comfort

The best infant car seat travel car seats come with comfort features that make it easier to get baby in and out of the seat. The best infant car seat infant car seats have one-handed clasps which eliminates the need to grasp both sides at once. They also have padding that is cushioned to make it easier to lift the seat. In addition, you'll want to think about how much the seat weighs--you'll be using it without a base, for instance so a lighter model is more suitable. This Baby Trend Secure Lift, for instance, weighs less that 13 pounds.

The weight limit and height of infant car seats are important. If you plan to keep the car seat, select one that will expand with your child and allow them to transition into toddlerhood. Then, you'll be in a position to use it for longer and save money on a new car seat.

You should also take into consideration the dimensions of the seat, and whether it is narrower or wider than other models. The first one is useful for smaller vehicles. The second could be useful if you have three kids in the rear seat or two children in back-to-back car seats. If you're planning to use a car seat with a pram, select one that is compatible with most popular strollers and comes with detachable seats. Brands such as Graco or Nuna have options that meet your needs.

Check the rating of a car seat to determine its ease of use. Clearly labeled guides and indicators that inform you that the seat is level and securely fastened--like bubble levels or color codes--can assist in easing the burden on parents who are new. Some seats also have innovative features like load legs, which are shock-absorbing components located beneath the seat or on the base which extend to the floor of the vehicle to absorb some of the force in a crash.

There are additional accessories that claim to increase the convenience and comfort of your car seat. Be aware that anything that's not sold with the seat hasn't passed safety testing. Segura suggests that you don't place anything in your car seat, including an accessory like a blanket or harness that you bought elsewhere.

Style

For new parents trying to figure out how to choose the best infant carrier car seat car seat for your infant is a bit of a puzzle. It's crucial to know your budget and the features you'd like. There are a lot of options for special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics, but it all comes down to what's suitable for your baby.

For example it's important to note that infant seats designed specifically for babies fit smaller babies better than convertible car seats and can be used for the first year of life (though some might have extended kits that have been tested and crash-tested to ensure they last longer). They also tend to include more recline settings to allow proper positioning of small children and are generally lighter to make it easier to carry. They are also more likely to be compatible with a travel system which can be helpful for parents who are trying to save time and money by purchasing one seat that is able to do double duty.

Another thing to keep in mind is that car seat size and weight are key elements for families with a large number of children. For example, some infant car seats are designed to be a bit narrower than others, allowing them to fit in the back of your car, or for use with siblings in their seats. Some are so heavy that they will test your biceps as you lift them up and transfer them from the car to the stroller.

When it comes to convenience, a lot of parents choose infant car seats that have the ability to move from the base to the carrier and then click into a stroller, without the need for extra attachments. This will help you save a lot of time, particularly during busy times when you have to run around for errands.

Other convenient features include an adjustable buckle holder that is magnetic and a strap that is not rethread, and a streamlined installation procedure. Also, look for an head and body support insert that can help prevent infants from slumping in the seat or carrier when they fall asleep.

Some car seats feature rigid latches that open from the base when they are installed correctly. This kind of installation is more secure and reduces the amount a seat can move in an accident.