How to Choose the Best Infant Car Seat

Think about what you'd like from your car seat. "If you need a car seat that can adapt to your child's needs, consider an all-in-one model like the Graco 4Ever DLX," Saxton says. It has a lengthy rear-facing weight limit and can convert into a high-back and backless booster.

The soft, machine-washable cushioning is also a plus. Other features that are helpful include load legs, which are shock-absorbing elements on the base or in the car seat that reduce the movement of the car seat in a crash.

Safety

They are designed to fit babies with smaller sizes better, so they are more cushioned than convertible car seats. They are also smaller and lighter to remove from your car or attach to a stroller frame, which is crucial because you'll need to carry your child in the car seat outside of the vehicle frequently. The infant car seat is designed to last for your child through the first year. This means you won't have to be concerned about your child growing beyond its weight or height limit.

It is an excellent idea, however, to do some research before you make a purchase. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has strict guidelines for car seats. Consider reading reviews from other parents and checking out car seat safety guides from organizations like Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, both of which have a lot of crash test data to give to 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 a spring-loaded mechanism. These features can make it easier to buckle up your child, but remember that even the most safe seats will not be useful in the event that they aren't used properly.

The weight and the width of the car seat are also crucial. A lot of infant seats can be put in your car alongside older car seats. Some of them can be able to grow with your child and convert to an adult booster in the same time. If you intend to use your car seat for transport or to take taxis, an infant car seat that is fitted using only the seat belt of your vehicle is a great option.

In general, you should purchase the safest seat you can afford. The most affordable models don't always meet the most stringent standards of crash safety. Avoid models that do not have side impact crash tests, and allow manufacturers to self-certify.

Convenience

The best car seats for infants are those that fit inside your vehicle with your family and are simple to install, and include useful features such as a built-in running stroller or the ability to rotate. It should be affordable. Infant seats range in price between $180 and $500. If they're convertible, and are intended for toddlers and infants, the price can be higher.

The convenience features include the fact that the seat can be installed using the LATCH system or a seatbelt. Additionally it is possible to adjust the headrest and harness without removing the infant from the seat. Installing and taking it off should be simple, especially if your child rides in Ubers or you frequently switch between cars. The seat should also be lightweight and come with clearly labeled installation guides and bubble levels to ensure you can swiftly install the car seat properly installed.

You must also be able to turn the seat around and lock it when you're not using it and have easy access to the buckles and harness straps. Before purchasing an infant car seat, be sure to check the weight and height limits. Also, think about whether your child will outgrow the seat before they turn one. It is generally recommended to select a seat for your child that can grow with them until they reach 90% percentile.

Some manufacturers go beyond the federal safety standards to include additional features like crash-testing, comfort and convenience in their car seats. The Clek Liing is a top choice among our gear editors and Consumer Reports, is an excellent example of an infant seat that offers more than just excellent crash protection. It also has load legs, which helps stabilize the seat in the event of 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 safety and convenience features.

Comfort

Comfort is an important factor to consider when choosing an infant car seat, because babies spend the majority of their time in the car seat. The most comfortable ones are made of comfortable, breathable fabrics and generous padding on the harness and headrest. They also have easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms, like strap covers, buckles and headrest adjustments that do not require rethreading.

The weight and size of the car seat for infants will also affect the comfort particularly if it's going to be used in multiple vehicles or for frequent travel. Some models are narrower than others, making them more suited to be placed in the back seat alongside another car seat or your siblings seats. And, while they all have minimum and maximum heights and weight limits, some are lighter than others, which can help save your biceps from getting sore when you carry it between vehicles.

Some infant car seats offer extra features that make them more adaptable including rotational options or the ability to convert into a stroller without the need for extra adapters. Some models come with premium features such as an adjustable no-rethread strap or anti-rebound bars to offer additional security in the event of a crash. Although these features aren't essential to a safe ride, they can add to the overall experience using the seat.

In addition to convenience and safety factors, many parents also need a clean and comfortable car seat for their child. Choose a model which is machine washable, stain resistant and easy to take off to clean. Some seats are even dishwasher safe, which makes it easier to keep them looking clean.

Some models go above and beyond to ensure their customers' experience is safe and smooth, like the Graco SnugRide(tm) Elite, that comes with an anti-rebound bar and meets Graco ProtectPlus Engineered(tm) standards to withstand front and rear collisions. The seat has a Silent Shade canopy to keep baby quiet and comfortable, as well an indicator to let you know when the seat is properly secured. And, its adjustable carry handle and harness tightener allow for simple, one-handed adjustments.

Design

The manufacturers of infant car seats make them with safety and comfort as their primary goals. However, the wide range of features can make it difficult to decide which one is the best car seat newborn uk fit for your family. It is important to take into account factors like weight and height limits, as well as the number of belt paths and buckles. Other features such as anti-rebound bars load legs, harnesses that do not have a rethread can increase the cost, but they can also improve comfort for baby. You may also think about features that allow you to easily get your child in and out of the seat, for example, rotating mechanisms. You should also pay attention to dimensions and weight of the base as not all seats are suitable for every car.

One aspect that is particularly important is the ease of installing and disconnecting from the base. This is influenced by the quality of the LATCH connectors and whether they're rigid or flexible. You should also consider whether the straps can be easily adjusted and tightened and if they have a single-hand release mechanism to remove and install the seat.

Some models allow you to use the seat without a base, which can be convenient when you frequently take taxis or if you plan on switching cars frequently. To ensure that your seat is correctly installed make sure you choose models with bubble level indicators and a built-in locking mechanism.

Other features worth the cost include a headrest that grows with the growing baby as well as a recline that can be adjusted to five positions and an extendable canopy that locks in the position. Our product testers also noted the fact that a seat can be used for a highback booster using belt positioning or a backless booster once the infant has finished using it is an added benefit.

Doona is an infant car seat that will spoil parents. It's packed with features that address almost every complaint parents have about infant car seats, which is why our testers have rated it as top in every category. For instance, it's approved for airplane travel infant car seat, features an exclusive handle that doubles as an anti-rebound bar and transforms directly into strollers (no need to buy a separate stroller adapter). The crash test results are outstanding and it's GREENGUARD Gold Certified.