How to Choose the best car seat newborn Infant Car Seat
What do you want from your car seat? “If you need an automobile seat that can grow with your child look into an all-in-one model like the Graco 4Ever DLX,” Saxton says. The seat can be changed into a high-back booster, or an unbackless booster. It has a large rear-facing weight limit.
The soft cushioning that can be machine washed is an added benefit. Load legs are another beneficial feature. They are shock-absorbing components that are attached to the car seat base and help to limit movement in a crash.
Safety
They are designed to fit smaller babies better, so they are more cushioned than convertible car seats. They are also lighter and easier to take from the car or attach to a stroller frame which is crucial since you will need to transport your child’s seat outside of your vehicle often. The dedicated infant car seat is also designed to last your child through the first year. This means that you don’t need to worry about your child outgrowing its weight or height limit.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s guidelines for car seats are extremely stringent however it’s an excellent idea to conduct your own research before buying. Consider reading reviews by other parents, and also looking through car seat safety guidelines from organizations like Consumer Reports or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both have crash test data that can be shared with families.
Look for features that will help your family. These include an easy release of the strap, a no rethread harness, or a leveling foot with spring-loaded mechanism. These types of features can help you buckle your baby quicker and easier however, you must remember that even the safest seats will be useless if you don’t use them correctly.
The weight and the width of the car seat are also crucial. Many infant seats can be put in your car alongside older car seats. Some can grow with your child and convert to a booster at the same time. If you intend to use your car seat to transportation or for taxis, an infant car seat that can be installed using only the vehicle’s seatbelt is a great alternative.
In general, it is recommended to purchase the safest seat you can afford. The cheapest models may not always meet the highest standards of safety in crashes. For example, it’s best to avoid models that don’t include side impact crash testing and allow companies to self-certify their products.
Convenience
The best car seats for infants are those that can fit in your family vehicle, are easy to install, and include useful features such as a built-in jogging stroller or a rotation feature. It should be reasonably priced. Infant seats can range in price from around $180 to more than $500. They may cost more if they are convertible and used as a toddler and infant seat.
The convenience features include the ability to be positioned using the LATCH system or a seatbelt. Also it is possible to adjust the headrest and harness without removing the baby car seat from the seat. You want to be able to put in and take it out easily, especially if you switch frequently between vehicles or take Uber rides with your child. The seat should also be lightweight and clearly labeled for installation guidelines and bubble levels so that you can easily install the car seat properly installed.
You should be able to adjust the buckles and harness and rotate the seat when not in use. When you purchase an infant car seat, be sure to verify its weight and height limits. Also, think about whether your child will outgrow the seat by the time they reach their first birthday. A good guideline is to select a seat that grows with your child until they reach the 90th percentile.
Some manufacturers go above and beyond federal safety standards to incorporate additional features such as crash-testing, convenience and comfort in their car seats. The Clek Ling is a top pick among our gear editors and Consumer Reports is a great example of a baby seat that provides more than just excellent crash protection. It also comes with an element that helps stabilize the seat during an accident, reducing the force on the child by 40 percent. That feature alone could save a child’s life, so it’s worth paying more for a car seat that’s safe and has added convenience features.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to consider when choosing an infant car seat since babies spend the majority of their time in the car seat. The most comfortable ones have thick, breathable fabrics and plenty of padding on the harness and headrest. They have easy-to-use adjustments, like strap covers, buckles and headrest adjustments that don’t require rethreading.
The weight and size of the infant car seat can also impact comfort particularly if it’s going to be used in multiple vehicles or for frequent travel. Some models are narrower than others, which makes them easier to fit into the back of the car with a car seat or your siblings seats. While they all have height and weight restrictions certain models are lighter. This will help you from having sore biceps when you move it from one place to another or between cars.
Certain infant car seats newborn seats come with additional features that allow them to be more flexible. For example they can rotate or be converted into a stroller, without the need for adapters. Some models come with premium 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 necessary for a safe ride but they can enhance the overall experience.
In addition to convenience and safety factors, many parents also want a clean, comfortable infant car seat for their child. Look for a model that’s machine washable and stain-resistant as well as easy to clean. Some seats can be cleaned using the dishwasher which makes it easier to keep them looking new.
Certain models go over and beyond to ensure their customers have a safe and comfortable experience. For example, the Graco SnugRide ™ Elite has an anti-rebounding bar that is able to meet Graco ProtectPlus Engineered(tm) which is designed to withstand front and rear collisions. The seat comes with a Silent Shade canopy to keep your baby calm and comfortable and has an indicator to let you know that the seat is properly secured. And, its adjustable carry handle and harness tightener provide simple, one-handed adjustments.
Design
Manufacturers of infant car seats create their products with safety and ease of use as their primary goals. However, the vast selection of features makes it difficult to decide which one is the best car seat fit for your family. You’ll want to consider aspects like weight and height limits and the number of buckles and belt paths. Additional features like an load legs that are not bound, anti-rebound bar and straps that do not rethread could raise the cost of the seat, but they will improve the comfort of your infant. You may also think about features that make it easier to get your child into and out of the seat, like rotational mechanisms. Also, be aware of the dimensions and base weight because not all seats fit in 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 are flexible or rigid, can affect this. You’ll also want to consider whether the straps are simple to tighten and loosen, and whether there’s a single-hand release mechanism for installing and uninstalling the seat.
Certain models let you use the seat without a base which is a great option for those who frequently use taxis or if you are planning on changing cars frequently. Find models that come with a built-in lock as well as bubble level indicators to help make sure that the seat is placed properly.
Other features that may be worth the cost include a headrest that expands with the baby or a recline with five positions, as well as an extendable canopy that locks into the position. Our product testers have observed that a seat that can be used as a highback belt-positioning booster, or a backless one after the infant is done using it is a benefit.
The Doona is an infant car seat that spoils parents. It has many features that solve almost every complaint families have regarding infant car seats. This is why our test participants have rated it highly all over the spectrum. It’s approved for travel on air and has an anti-rebound handle and can be converted into a stroller. The crash test results are impressive and it’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified.