How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant

Car seats for infants are available in a variety of prices, based on the materials, styles, and accessories. There is no need to spend a fortune on an infant car seat that is of high quality.

Our product testers top rated infant car seats the best car seat for newborn-performing infant car seats across five main categories: safety, user-friendliness, reliability, convenience and adjustability.

Safety Ratings

The best infant car seats are thoroughly tested for safety. The most secure infant car seats come with clear instructions, and features like bubble levels or padded seating to provide good support for the infant. We also loved seats that were simple to adjust and didn't require the baby to be removed from the car. If the procedure is quick and simple, parents will be more likely to keep their correctly fitted harnesses.

We searched for seats that are machine washable, and models that can be used in conjunction with the base to reduce the chance of a buckle falling off or lost in washing. If you intend to use your car seat frequently particularly on public transport, you should consider buying a model that has self-retracting belts and a recline feature. This will help ease the strain on your spine.

The choice of a baby car seat is among the most important purchases you'll make as a parent, and we recommend taking the time to research thoroughly prior to buying. Read reviews from parents and child safety advocacy organizations. It's an excellent idea to check the manufacturer's website and look over recall notices prior to you buy a car seat.

Infant car seats are small, lightweight car seats specifically designed for newborns or babies until their one year old. They are generally used with a with a rear-facing. The majority of infants outgrow the car seat they were in before they turn one. In the case of convertible and all-in-one seats the child will be transitioned into a toddler seat. Infant-only car seats should be used rearward-facing until your child reaches the weight and height limits set by the manufacturer. Then, they should be switched to a car seat that faces forward. A convertible or all-in one car seat can be used in both ways, but it's safer for your baby to remain in an rear-facing car seat until they are big enough for a front-facing seat.

Easy of Use

While the safety of car seats is crucial however, it's equally important to find one that is easy for parents to use. We test the car seat's buckles, handles, and harness adjustments in addition to its ease of installation into a vehicle. If a car-seat is difficult to use, you could end up using it incorrectly. This could compromise the safety of your baby.

Take a look at scheduling a consultation with a certified child safety technician (CPST) prior to when you bring your child home if you're concerned about installing your infant car seat. They can show you how to use the seat and give you an example of a crash test. Make sure to read the instructions that comes with your car seat, as it will help you avoid common installation mistakes.

Infant car seats are not convertible and should only be used until your child outgrows it or reaches the weight or height limit that is set by the manufacturer. It's a great idea to choose a seat that can be used as long as possible before switching your little one into a big kid car seat.

Some infant car seats can be converted into strollers, which will provide more value for your money. It's important to remember that seats that can double as a stroller are heavier than those that work only as an infant car.

Another factor to keep in mind is how wide your infant car seat is. This can impact the ease of it to fit in your car and if it's compatible other seats you might have in the back row. You'll also want to think about how heavy the seat is, as lighter seats are easier to lift in and out of the car. This is especially true if you intend to use your infant seat frequently and transport it between vehicles. In our best infant car seats review, we suggest models that are smaller and lighter.

Reliability

Your child's safety is your most important concern. While every car seat available must meet the federal safety standards, some surpass. Clek's Liing is one of the winners of the best car seat for newborn of the Bump award. It comes with two-stage body support system which helps keep babies comfortable and cozy. It also earned a dazzling crash test score from Consumer Reports.

Be aware that even the most secure infant car seat can only be as safe depending on how it is put in place and used. Unsafely installed or mishandled car seats are a major security risk for infants and children of all ages. This is why Vybiralova Stanton suggests studying the manual of the manufacturer and searching for installation videos on the internet. "You'll find that manufacturers are more focused on making sure that you have the right seat for your vehicle and baby," she says.

The most reliable infant cars seats have features that make them easy to install and use, including 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 strong materials and feature several adjustable mechanisms that work seamlessly.

A base that can be used without or with the LATCH system in the vehicle or shoulder belt is an additional feature to consider. This can be useful for parents who regularly take taxis or will be using their seat in multiple vehicles.

Finally, it's worth considering how much the infant car seat weighs and if you can easily carry it around. Certain models weigh more than others, and they could put strain on your arms and shoulders when you're transporting other children or going long distances.

In the end, a baby car seat with a lower price tag will save you money and time. Don't buy a cheap car seat just because it's cheap. A lower price could indicate that the manufacturer has compromised on safety features or material quality. It's always recommended to review reviews and get suggestions from other parents prior to making your final purchase.

Convenience

The best car seats for infants make it simple to keep your baby safe. They are easy to install and feature features that make buckling and unbuckling simpler and come with other convenience features such as soft fabrics and a non-rethread harness. They also have features that make them more protective in the event of a collision like load legs, which are shock absorbing components on the base of the car seat inserts for newborns seat that reduce movement and thus impact forces on your child.

If you have a smaller car, or if you intend to switch between multiple vehicles frequently, look for an infant car seat that is small and slim. This kind of seat can fit well in smaller vehicles and most have a handle that makes them easy to carry. These seats are often lighter than convertible car seats and are therefore easier to lift into and out of vehicles.

This infant car seat also can be converted into a stroller for a baby without needing an additional attachment. This is ideal for families who are always in motion or living in cities that have public transport. It is a little heavier than a standard infant car seat, but not nearly as big as a convertible model.

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

As a new parent, choosing the right car seat for your infant is one of the biggest choices you'll make. It's crucial to do your research and read reviews prior to making a choice. You must ensure that the car seat that you select is designed with the safety of your child in mind, and that it conforms to all safety standards in the country.