How to Choose the Best Infant Carrier Car Seat
When choosing the best car seat for infants parents must consider a variety of factors. Some focus on safety features like the impact test results, whereas others focus on user-friendliness and convenience.
A flexible 3-in-1 design that transforms from a car seat into a stroller and baby carrier. Our product testers are impressed by how easy it is to switch between modes.
Safety
While baby carriers can be useful, they also carry many dangers, including falling and suffocation. Use your baby carrier according to the directions and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on weight and height for your child. Check the CPSC website prior to buying to determine if there are any safety recalls. If your baby’s carrier has been recalled, don’t use it. Contact the manufacturer to request a replacement.
You’ll also need to ensure that the car seat for your infant is comfortable and easy-to-use. The best car seats infant carriers will feature adjustable waist belts to fit different body types, and a design that supports the development of the hip. It is also important for the carrier to be front-facing with an inward and outward position as well as a back carry.
Some infant car seats have features such as a plush infant insert with an auto-retracting LATCH system as well as bubble level indicators to speed up installation and adjustments. A lot of models have additional features, like an extended canopy or stroller compatibility.
Take a look at the Graco KeyFit35 when you are looking for an infant car seat that is safe that is affordable. It has superior crash test results and comes with a plush infant car seat swivel insert to hold newborns. It is also GREENGUARD Gold certified for chemical emissions, and JPMA certified to meet the industry’s most stringent safety standards. Its reclining base comes with an anti-rebound bar to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions and has seven different headrest positions.
Regardless of the features you select regardless of the features you choose, remember that infant car seats are meant only for transportation and not to be used as a substitute for a bassinet or crib. Babies can and often die from falls or drowning when infant car seats are left on soft or hard surfaces like beds. In fact, a study found that more than 8,000 babies a year are treated for injuries when baby carriers tip over or roll over. Never leave a sleeping baby in a car for longer than 15 minutes as it could lead to overheating or death.
Simple to use
In addition to safety features, parents should look for a car seat that is easy to use. This includes a base that is easy to fit into your vehicle, a handle which is easy to lift from the base, and straps that can be easily adjusted without having to change the harness or rethread it. Additionally, parents should consider seats with clearly labeled installation guides as well as bases with built-in bubble levels that show that it’s secure in the vehicle.
Children also require to be comfortable, so search for a seat that offers plenty of padding and support for the back and head. Seats made of soft fabrics and straps are ideal. Also the more comfortable your child is in the car seat, the less likely they’ll to cry and, therefore, they’ll be more secure during their rides.
Some infant seats have extra features that make them more convenient for parents, like a rotating feature that allows the baby to face you when they are getting in and out of the seat. Some infant car seats can be turned directly into strollers. This is ideal for families who often change vehicles or take public transport.
It’s also worth looking for an infant car seat that has simple cleaning procedures. The spit-up of a baby spills, diaper blowouts and sticky hands can make it difficult to clean a seat.
An infant carrier is generally a rear-facing car seat suitable for infants and newborns up to 13kg or approximately four months old. You may prefer a convertible or all-in-one car seat that can be adapted to your child’s needs as they grow older and can be used forward-facing when they are nine months older or older (9-18kg). This kind of car seat is bigger and might not fit into certain vehicles without an adapter. You can also purchase an infant car seat attachment to your existing stroller and is a more flexible option.
Convenience
A rear-facing infant car seat is one that is able to be inserted into the vehicle’s base. These seats are designed to keep infants safe and comfortable until they reach their limit of their weight and height. It is typically around 18kg. Some models can also be used as a travel system, allowing you to convert them into a stroller for use on the go. These car seats all-in-one are ideal for families who need to change cars frequently or travel frequently.
Look for a car seat that is easy to install and adjust. The straps for installation, buckles, and the handle should be easy to reach and operate. In the same way, the adjustable straps for the headrest and harness must be easy to tighten or loosen, particularly for children who grow rapidly. Find a model that is easy to use and has numerous security features, including bubble levels built in to help you find the ideal fit.
Some models allow you rotate the seat in 360 degrees. This can be useful when your child gets sleepy in the car, or if you are putting them in and out of the seat. You should look for an infant car seat that is in a flat-backed position. This will give better support to your baby and decrease the risk of sudden deaths.
A comfortable handle or canopy can make a an enormous difference in your daily routine. The best infant car seats feature handles that require only one push, which simultaneously raises and lower. This makes them easy to use even when your hands are full or your baby is asleep in the seat. Some seats also have a canopy that can be removed from the bottom to protect your child.
If you’re planning to travel with your baby a often, an infant car seat in front seat car seat with integrated ISOFIX connectors is a good option. They make it simpler to install a seat using the car seat belt. This is a more secure option. They are also ideal for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays and trips in hire cars or grandparent’s vehicles.
Value
A high-quality infant car seat isn’t inexpensive however, you don’t have to break the bank also. Budget-friendly options like the Baby Trend Secure-Lift show that you don’t need to sacrifice safety features to save money. This seat is GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions and JPMA-certified, which means it meets the highest standards of safety. The Keepsafe(tm) Side-impact protection and a movable base ensure that the seat can grow with your child.
Other features that save money include simple installation and removal and machine-washable fabric covers. Some infant car seats also offer convenient extras like the built-in stroller, or the rotation capabilities. These features can help you reduce costs if you plan to use the car seat for a long period of time or often change between cars.
The weight and height limits are also important to consider. If you want to use the car seat for a longer period of time, look for one that can be used up to at least the 90th percentile for your baby’s weight and height. This will safeguard your child from spinal injuries if you are involved in an accident.
If you are on a tight budget, consider one that is smaller. This will allow the seat to be tucked away in smaller cars and vehicles. There are also budget-friendly models, with useful features like an expansive canopy or multiple carrying positions.
Choose a seat that you will keep for years. The Axkid One i-Size is suitable for infants all the way up to seven years old, which is a great value. Mum Rachael says “It is a great investment, and I save money on future convertible car seats since it fits my children from birth.”
Many parents are seeking an all-in-one solution when it concerns baby gear. This Nuna car seat is a great option for families with a tight budget. Its safety features as well as conveniences such as a load-leg and an anti-rebound bar provide peace of mind, while the premium fabrics, and convenient features such as a stroller lock and cup holder are sure to please.