How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant

The cost of infant car seats can range across the gamut, depending on the materials, styles and add-ons. It's not necessary to spend a fortune on the best car seats for newborns cheap infant car seats car seat.

Our product testers rated the best car seats newborn-performing infant car seats in five key categories safety user-friendliness, convenience of use, reliability along with adjustability and convenience.

Safety Ratings

The best infant car seats are rigorously crash tested. The best infant car seats come with clear instructions, and also features such as bubble levels or padded seats to provide adequate support for the baby. We also found it beneficial when a chair has simple adjustments that don't require taking the infant car seat that swivels out of the car to loosen or tighten them, or use a system of hooks and clips for quick adjustments. If the procedure is quick and simple, parents are more likely to maintain their properly fitted harnesses.

We looked for seats that are machine washable, and models that can be used with the base to decrease the chance of a buckle getting dropped or loosened during washing. If you'll be using your car seat often especially on public transport it could be worth spending more for one that retracts automatically straps and a reclining mechanism to ease the strain on your back.

Selecting a car seat for your infant is among the most important purchases you'll make as a parent, and we suggest taking the time to research it thoroughly before purchasing. Check out reviews from consumers and advocacy groups for children. Before you buy a new car seat, it's an excellent idea to check the manufacturer website and read any recalls.

A car seat for infants is a small, portable car seat specifically designed for newborns and babies who are up to their first birthday. They are usually used with a rear-facing. Most infants outgrow their car seats by the time they reach the age of one or, in the case of convertible or all-in-one car seats, they are moved to a toddler car seat. Infant-only seats must be used rear-facing until the child is at the maximum height and weight limit set by the manufacturer. Then they should be switched to forward-facing car seats. A convertible or all-in one car seat can be used in both ways, but it's safer for your baby to remain in the rear-facing car seat until they are big enough for an front-facing car seat.

Easy of Use

It is important to choose a car seat that is easy to use for parents and children, even though safety is the primary aspect. We test the car seat's buckles, handles, and harness adjustments in addition to its ability to be installed into a vehicle. If a car seat isn't easy to use, you could end up using it improperly. This could affect the safety of your child.

Consider meeting with a certified child safety technician (CPST), before you take your baby home if you're worried about correctly installing your infant car seats. They'll be able give you a crash test video and show you how to use your new car seat. Make sure to read the instruction manual that comes with your car seat, since this will assist you in avoiding common mistakes during installation.

Car seats for infants aren't convertible, and they can only be used until your child is outgrowing it or attains the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. It is important to select the right seat that lasts for as long as is possible before switching them into a car seat for older children.

Some infant car seats be converted into a stroller that will give you more bang for your buck. It is important to keep in mind that car seats that can be used as a stroller are heavier than those designed to function as an infant car.

A wide infant car seat can make it easier to fit into your car, and it may also be compatible with other back seats. You'll also want to think about how heavy the seat is, as a lighter seat can be easier to lift in and out of the car. This is especially true when you plan to use your infant seat often and carry it between vehicles. We prefer lighter, more narrow models in our best infant car seat review.

Reliability

Your child's safety is your top priority. While all car seats must comply with federal safety standards there are certain models that go beyond. Best of the Bump winner Clek's Liing, for example comes with a two-stage body support system that keeps babies comfortable and cozy and is compatible with a variety of popular strollers. Consumer Reports also gave it the top score in an impact test.

Remember, however, even the most secure infant car seat will only be as safe in the way it is set up and used. A poorly-installed or incorrectly-used car seat is a major risk factor for infants and children of all age groups. Vybiralova Stanton recommends that you read the instructions of the car seat manufacturer and search for online installation videos. "You'll discover that manufacturers are much more invested in ensuring you have the right seat for your vehicle and baby," she says.

The most secure infant car seats come with features that make them easy to install and use, including an easy-to-use harness buckle release and magnetic strap holders that don't catch on clothing, and a non-rethread harness. They also feature durable materials and a variety of adjustment mechanisms that work smoothly.

Another aspect to look out for is whether an infant car seat is equipped with a base that can be used with or without the use of a vehicle's shoulder belt or LATCH systems. This is a benefit for parents who use taxis frequently or use their seat in multiple vehicles.

It's also important to consider the amount that the car seat weighs, and if you're able to carry it easily. Some models are heavier than others and could burden your shoulders and arms, especially when you have kids to carry around or are traveling long distances.

In the end, a lower-cost car seat for infants will save you money and time. Don't buy a low-cost car seat simply because it is inexpensive. A low price could mean that the manufacturer has cut corners on safety features or quality. It's always recommended to read reviews and ask for recommendations from other parents before making a purchase.

Convenience

The best car seats for infants make it easy to keep your baby safe. They are easy to put in and feature features that allow for buckling and unbuckling with ease and come with other features such as soft fabrics and a no-rethread harness. They also feature design elements that make them more protective in a crash, such as load legs, which are shock absorbing parts on the base or the car seat that limit movements and therefore impact forces on your child.

If you have a smaller vehicle, or if you plan to change between multiple vehicles often, look for an infant car seat that is small and slim. This type of car seat can easily fit in narrower cars, and many of them have a unique handle that makes them easy to carry. These seats are typically lighter than convertible car seats and are therefore easier to get to and out of vehicles.

The infant car seat transforms into a stroller for babies without the need for an attachment. This is a huge advantage for families that are constantly traveling, or those who reside in areas where public transportation is more frequent. It's a bit larger than a standard car seat for infants, but not as large as a convertible one.

It is easy to use and our product testers loved its magnetic buckle holders and no-rethread harness. This makes it incredibly easy to get the baby out and in. It comes with many features that make it more convenient to use, such as a button-operated recline with four positions and steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that are able to pop out of the base when secured.

As a new parent selecting the best car seats for your baby is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. This is why it's crucial to study and read reviews of various options prior to making a decision. You want to make sure that the car seat you pick is designed with your child's safety in mind, and also that it meets national standards for safety.