How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant

The price of infant car seats can run all over the place, based on the materials, styles and other add-ons. There is no need to spend a lot on an infant car seat that is of high quality.

Our product testers rated top-performing infant car seats in five main categories: Safety user-friendliness, convenience of use, reliability, convenience, and adjustability.

Safety Ratings

The best infant car seats are thoroughly crash tested. The most secure infant car seats have clear instructions, and features like bubble levels or padded seating to provide adequate support for the infant. We also found it helpful when a seat has easy-to-use adjustments that don't require taking the infant out of the car to loosen or tighten them, or utilize hooks and clips that allow for quick adjustments. Parents are more likely to use correctly fitted harnesses when the process is easy and fast.

A seat that is machine washable is a plus We looked for models that allow the seat to be placed with the base, reducing the possibility of a lost or lost buckle during washing. If you'll be using your car seat often especially in public transport it might be worth the extra expense for a model that has self-retracting straps and a reclining mechanism to ease the strain on your back.

Selecting a car seat for your infant is one of the most important purchases you'll make as a parent, so we recommend researching it thoroughly before purchasing. Read reviews from parents and child safety advocacy groups. Before you buy a new car seat it is recommended to check the website of the manufacturer and read any recalls.

Infant car seats are small, portable car seats that are designed for infants or babies up to the one year old. They are generally used with a rear-facing. The majority of children 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, are transitioned to a toddler car seat. Infant-only seats are designed to be used rearward-facing until your child reaches the maximum weight and height limits established by the manufacturer. Then, they can be changed to an forward-facing car seat. A convertible or all-in-one car seat can be used in both ways, but it's more secure for your baby to be in a rear-facing car seat until they are large enough to fit in an front-facing car seat.

Easy of Use

It is essential to select the right car seat that is easy to use for parents, even though safety is the most important aspect. This is why we consider things like buckles, harness adjustments and handles during our tests, as well as how easy it is to set up the car seat in the vehicle. If a car seat is difficult to use, it could end up being used incorrectly, which could impact the safety of your child.

You should consider scheduling a consultation with a certified child safety technician (CPST) prior to you bring your infant home if you're concerned about installing your infant car seat. They can show you how to use the seat, and also show you a video of a crash test. Don't forget to read the manual that comes with your car seat, as it will assist you in avoiding common mistakes in installation.

Unlike convertible car seats, which can be used for older children and toddlers infant car seats will only last until your child outgrows them or is at the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. This is why it's a good infant car seats choice to select a seat that can be used for as long as possible before switching your little one into a larger car seat.

Some infant car seats can be converted into strollers, so you get more for your money. It's important to note that car seats that can double as a stroller are heavier than those designed to function as an infant car.

A large infant car seat will make it easier to fit into your vehicle, and it may also be compatible with other rear-facing seats. Also, you should be aware of the weight of the seat as a lighter seat is more easy to move into and out of a car. This is a crucial aspect to consider if you're planning to use the infant seat frequently and will be transporting it between vehicles. For these reasons, we prefer lightweight baby car seat, narrower models in our best infant car seat review.

Reliability

Your child's safety is your top priority. And while every car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards, a few surpass. Best of the Bump winner Clek's Liing, for example is two-stage body supports that keeps babies comfortable and cozy and is compatible with a variety of popular strollers. Consumer Reports also gave it an excellent score in the crash test.

Remember, however, even the most reliable infant car seat will only be as safe as how it is installed and used. A poorly installed or used car seat can be a major risk for infants and children of all ages. That's why Vybiralova Stanton recommends reading the manufacturer's manual and looking for videos of installation online. "You'll find that manufacturers are much more invested in ensuring you have the correct car seat and baby," she says.

The most reliable infant car seats come with features that make it simple to set up and use, such as an easy-to-use harness buckle release and magnetic strap holders that won't get caught on clothing, and a non-rethread harness. These seats are constructed of sturdy materials and have a variety of adjustment mechanisms which work seamlessly.

A base that can be used with or without the vehicle's LATCH system or shoulder belt is an additional feature to consider. This is a benefit for parents who travel infant car seat by taxi frequently or use their seat in more than one vehicle.

Finally, it's worth considering how the car seat for infants weighs and if you can easily transport it around. Some models weigh more than others, and can put a strain on your arms and shoulders if you are carrying children around or traveling long distances.

In the end, a lower-cost infant car seat can save you time and money. But, be wary to buy one just because it's inexpensive. A lower price could indicate that the manufacturer has cut corners on the quality of the material or safety features. Before making a decision, it's a good idea review reviews and seek out suggestions from other parents.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats allow you to keep baby secure. They are simple to install and feature features that make buckling and unbuckling easier and come with other features such as soft fabrics and a no-rethread harness. These car seats also have design features that make them safer in a crash. For example they have load legs that absorb shock. They are parts on the base of the seat. This helps reduce movement and thus the impact force on your baby.

If you have a smaller car, or if you plan to change between multiple vehicles frequently you should consider a child car seat that is small and slim. This kind of seat can fit easily in smaller cars and most come with a handle, making them easy to carry. They're also generally lighter than convertible car seats, so they are easier to lift into and out of vehicles.

Another advantage of this car seat for infants is that it can be converted into a stroller with no necessity of an additional attachment. This is ideal for families who are always on the move or those living in cities with public transportation. It's slightly larger than a standard car seat for infants however, it's not as big as a convertible.

This top-rated infant car seat is simple to use, and our product testers liked it for its harness that is not rethread and buckle holders with magnetic buckles that make it super fast to get the baby in and out. It also has a lot of features that make it more convenient, such as a four-position recline with a button that is operated by a button, and steel-reinforced LATCH connectors which flip out from the base and turn green when secure.

The choice of the right infant car seat is among the most important decisions you'll have to make as a new parent. It's important to do research and read reviews prior to making a choice. You should make sure that the car seat you select is specifically designed with your child's safety in mind, and that it conforms to the standards set by the national safety council.