How to Choose the Best Infant Car Seat
What do you want from your seat? "If you are looking for an automobile seat that will develop with your child think about an all-in-one model like the Graco 4Ever DLX," Saxton recommends. It has a lengthy rear-facing weight limit and is able to be converted into the high-back and backless booster.
The soft cushioning that is machine washable is an advantage. Other features that are helpful include load legs, which are shock-absorbing elements on the base of the car seat that reduce the impact of a crash.
Safety
Car seats for infants are designed to fit small babies the best, which is why they typically come with more padding and cushioning than convertible carseats. They are also smaller and lighter to remove from the car or attach to a stroller frame which is crucial because you will be required to transport your child's car seat out of the vehicle often. Car seats for infants offer the benefit of being designed to last for 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 a convertible car seat may.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's guidelines for car seats are rigorous but it's an excellent idea to conduct your own research before purchasing. You might want to read reviews from other parents and looking at car seat safety guidelines from organizations like Consumer Reports or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both have crash test results that can be shared with families.
Find features that will benefit your family. For instance, a one-handed release of the strap, a no-rethread harness, or a leveling foot with spring-loaded mechanism. These kinds of features can make buckling your child faster and more convenient, but keep in mind that even the safest of seats can be a waste in the event that you don't utilize them in a proper manner.
Other things to keep in mind are the width and weight of the car seat. Many infant car seats can be put in your car alongside older car seats. Others can grow with your child and can be converted to a booster in the same time. If you are planning to use your car seat to travel or take taxis and taxis, then an infant car seat which can be fitted using only your car's seatbelt will be a convenient choice.
In general it's best to purchase the most secure seat you can afford, as the cheapest models typically don't meet the most rigorous safety standards for crash safety. For example, it's best to stay clear of models that do not include side crash testing and allow companies to self-certify their products.
Convenience
The ideal infant car seat is the one that will fit comfortably in the car of your family and is easy to install and use, and has useful features like an integrated stroller or a rotation capability. It should be affordable. Infant seats can vary between $180 to over $500. If they're convertible and are intended for toddlers and infants the cost could be higher.
The convenience features include the ability to be fitted using the LATCH system or a seatbelt. Also, if you can adjust the headrest and harness without removing the baby from the seat. You want to be able to set up and take it out easily particularly if you move it between cars frequently or take Uber rides with your child. The seat should be lightweight and clearly labeled with instructions for installation and bubble levels to make it easier to install the car seat.
You should be able easily to adjust the buckles and harness and also turn the seat around when it is not in use. It is also essential to verify the height and weight limits of the infant car seat before you buy it, and consider if your baby will outgrow it before its first birthday. A good guideline is to choose a seat that grows with your child until they reach the 90th percentile.
Some manufacturers go over the federal safety standards and 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 offers more than just good crash protection. It also has a load leg, which can help stabilize the seat in a crash, and reduces forces on the child's body by 40 percent. This feature could save a child's life. It's worth it to invest more in car seats with added convenience features and safety.
Comfort
One of the most important considerations 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 large, breathable fabrics as well as ample padding for the harness and headrest. They have easy-to-use adjustments, like strap covers, buckles, and headrest adjustments which don't require to be rethread.
The weight and size of the car seat for infants will also affect the comfort especially if it's going to be used in multiple vehicles or for frequent travel. Certain models are smaller than others, making them easier to fit in the back seat with another car seat or other siblings seats. Although all models have weight and height limitations, some are lighter. This could save your biceps from aching when you move it between cars.
Certain infant car seats come with extra features to make them more adaptable. For example they can rotate or be clicked into a stroller, without the need for additional adapters. Some models are equipped with top-quality features like the adjustable no-rethread strap and bar that prevents rebound to give you additional security in the event of a crash. While infant carrier seat aren't necessary for an enjoyable ride, they can add to the overall experience using the seat.
In addition to safety and convenience factors, many parents also require a clean, comfortable infant car seat for their infant. Look for a model that's machine washable and stain-resistant, and also easy to take off for cleaning. Some seats are even dishwasher safe, which makes it even easier to keep them looking new.
Some models go beyond to ensure that their customers' experiences are safe and comfortable, like the Graco SnugRide(tm) Elite, that comes with an anti-rebound bar and meets the Graco ProtectPlus Engineered(tm) standards to withstand rear and front collisions. The seat also includes a Silent Shade canopy that keeps your baby calm and comfortable and also an indicator that lets you know that it's attached correctly to the base. Its adjustable carry handle and harness tightener allow for easy one-handed adjustments.
Design
The manufacturers of infant car seats make them with safety and convenience as their main goals. However, the vast variety of features can make it difficult to choose which one is the best fit for your family. Consider factors like the weight and height limits as well as the number of belt paths and buckles. Additional features such as load legs that are not bound, anti-rebound bar and straps that do not rethread could increase the cost of the seat, but they will improve the comfort of your baby. Consider features that make it easier to get your child in and out of the car seat, like rotating mechanisms. You should also pay attention to the dimensions and weight of the seat, because not every seat will fit in all vehicles.
The ease of attaching and detaching the base is a feature that's important. This is influenced by the quality of the LATCH connectors and whether they're strong or flexible. You should also consider whether the straps can be easily adjusted and tightened and if there is a one-hand release mechanism to remove and install the seat.
Certain models let you use the seat without a base, which is useful for those who frequently use taxis or if you plan on changing cars often. To ensure that your seat is securely installed make sure you choose models with bubble level indicators and built-in locking mechanisms.
Other features that may be worth paying extra for include a headrest that increases with the baby, a five-position recline and an extended canopy that locks in place. Our product testers also mentioned the fact that a seat can be used for highback boosters with belt positioning or a backless booster once the baby is no longer using it is a nice benefit.
Doona is a car seat for infants that will spoil parents. It's loaded with features that solve nearly every complaint families have about infant car seats, which is the reason our product testers have rated it as top across every category. It's affixed for air travel and has an anti-rebound handle, and can be converted directly into a stroller. The results of its crash tests are impressive and it's GREENGUARD Gold certified.