How to Choose infant car seats newborn seats best (recommended you read)

Parents should have car seats. But what makes one better than the other?

A dedicated infant seat is the best choice for infants who aren't big enough. It is also lighter, making it easier to move outside of the vehicle. Consider features that are convenient, like premium lower-anchor connectors and harness pads that are not rethreading, and single button handles. Also, look for security features like load legs or body/head cushions.

Safety

As any parent will tell you, choosing the best car seat for your child is one of the most crucial decisions that you could make. The correct seat will ensure that they're in the right position properly in the car and that they are adequately secured in the event of an accident.

Not all car seats are created equal. While every seat sold in the US is required to adhere to the strict safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, not all seats have the same features. Certain seats come with features specifically designed to protect infants. For example, load legs prevent movement in crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the car seat's base. Others include bubble levels that make installation easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.

Car seats for infants are also designed to fit small babies best, and typically come with extra crash-tested inserts to help achieve this, according to Choi. They're also lighter than a convertible car seats and can be easily transformed into a stroller. This makes them suitable for ride-shares, daycare drop-offs, and pickups. You can purchase used ones at less than the cost, since they only last for the first 12 months.

A high NHTSA score and excellent crash test results are crucial, but the way you use your child's car seat is more important. A study by Portland's leading children's hospital showed that 95% of parents made at least one mistake when installing or altering their car seat.

It's important to be familiar with your surroundings before your baby arrives with the appropriate guidelines for car seats. We suggest looking for a car seat with clear and concise instructions, is light enough to easily carry with your baby in it, and comes with easy-to-use adjustments.

It is also important to determine if the car seat for infants you're thinking of purchasing meets the size requirements for your vehicle. If you're concerned about your ability to install and operate the car seat properly yourself, you might consider taking it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before the baby is born for a hands-on tutorial.

Convenience

Some infant car seats come with additional features that make them more user-friendly. For instance, they might have a base that the seat can be clicked into and out of, or they could come with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features make it easier to install and detach the car seat, especially when you have a child to look after.

The weight and height limits of a baby car seat are also important to consider. If your child is growing rapidly, it might be worth investing in a car-seat with higher limits to ensure that you can utilize it for as long as you like.

Aside from the safety features, an infant car seat is a must for a comfortable baby. Look for padded straps which will not rub or pinch their shoulders, and for soft fabric that feels at ease under them. It's also a good idea to choose the seat with the option of lying flat that allows your baby to ride in a more reclined position that helps keep their airways open and oxygen levels high.

There are a number of accessories for infant car seats however Dr. Segura warns against buying anything that is not included in the seat, as it is not tested in a crash and may be dangerous. Avoid purchasing a used car seats for infants as they could be involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn.

The best infant car seats are priced from $100 to more than $600. However they all share some features. They are all lightweight, easy to install and remove, and are comfortable for the child. Some even have special features that make them more adaptable such as the ability to swivel and clip into strollers without the need for adapters. For more information about the different choices available, read our review of the top rated infant car seats infant car seats.

Comfort

top rated baby car seats infant car seats are fitted with features for comfort that allow you to easily get your baby in and out of the seat. The best infant car seat infant car seats have a single-handed clasp system which eliminates the need to grasp both sides simultaneously. They also come with padding that is cushioned to make it easier to lift the seat. It is also important to think about the weight of the seat. Since you'll use it without a base, a lighter seat is better. The Baby Trend Secure Lift is a good example. It weighs less than 13 pounds.

Other important factors include the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If you intend to keep the car seat, pick a model that will expand with your child and accommodate them into the toddlerhood. It is possible to use it for a longer time and save money by not buying an additional seat.

It is also important to consider the dimensions of the seat and if it's smaller or wider than other models. The former can be a boon for cars with smaller sizes, and the latter is a benefit for families with two children in back-to-back car seats or need to drive with three children in the back seat at some moment in the future. If you plan to use a car seat along with a pram, you should choose one that is compatible with the most popular strollers and has detachable seats. Brands like Graco or Nuna offer options to satisfy your requirements.

For ease of use, take a look at the score a car seat receives for installation. Clear guidelines and indicators, such as bubble levels or color codes, that indicate whether the seat is securely fastened and level can help relieve stress for parents who are new. Some seats also come with innovative features like load legs, which are shock-absorbing components located beneath the seat or at the base that extend out to the floor of the vehicle and absorb some of the impact force in a crash.

There are additional accessories that claim to increase the comfort and convenience of your car seat. Be aware that anything that's not sold with the seat hasn't undergone safety tests. "Anything you purchase that isn't from the manufacturer, including a blanket or harness is not recommended to put in the car seat," Segura says.

Style

For parents who are new trying to figure out how to choose the most suitable infant car seat can be quite a puzzle. It's important to know what your budget is and the features you're looking for. There are many options in terms of special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics but a lot depends on what's most comfortable for babies.

For example, it's worth noting that infant-specific seats are more suitable for babies than convertible car seats and are suitable for the first year of their lives (though some may come with extended kits that have been tested and crash-tested to make them last longer). They typically come with more recline settings to facilitate the proper positioning of tiny children. They are also lighter and more convenient to carry. They are also more likely to work with a travel system, which is beneficial for new parents who are trying to save time and money by purchasing one seat that can serve two purposes.

Car seat weight and width are also important aspects to take into consideration for families with a large number of children. Certain infant car seats, like, are narrower to fit better in the back of your car or close to other seats. Some are also enough weighty to test your biceps to lift and move from car to 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 snap into a stroller, without the need for extra attachments. This can save a lot of time, particularly during busy times when you're out running errands with your children.

Other useful features include the magnetic buckle holder, a no-rethread strap, and a streamlined installation procedure. Finally, you should look for a head and body support insert, which will help prevent infants from slumping in their seats or carriers when they fall asleep.

Most car seats use flexible straps for their lower anchor connectors however, some feature rigid latches that flip out of the base and turn green when correctly installed. This type of installation is more secure and reduces the amount a seat can move in a crash.