Choosing the Best Car Seats Infant

The best car seats for infants conform to federal safety guidelines and have clear, labeled installation instructions. It is also beneficial to refer to this handy chart Opens in a new window to help determine if your child requires a rear-facing or forward facing infant car seat-facing seat.

Find useful accessories like load legs, which can limit movement in a crash. Consider whether you want a convertible stroller or car seat.

Simple to use

Choosing an infant car seat is important because it will be the only one you'll have for your child's first year of life. Take into consideration safety guidelines from organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. You can also use sources such as Consumer Reports as well as advice from other parents.

In addition to examining the NHTSA ratings and the vehicle fit information for your infant car seat, you should make sure it's simple to put together and install, that it's easy to take out and in, that the padding is comfortable and it comes with useful features. The best infant car seats come with self-checking mechanisms which give you a bubble or color indicator to let you know you've installed it correctly. This is incredibly helpful for tired parents.

You should also take into account the dimensions of the seat as well as weight limits. If you intend to use your car seat for a long period, you should choose a seat that can accommodate up to 90th percentiles of weight and height. It's hard to tell what your child's preference is until you've tried it, but you can look for a thick cushion and plush materials that feel comfortable against their skin.

If you're not sure the best way to narrow your choices, a certified child safety specialist can help you learn more about which seats and installation techniques are the best for your vehicle. They can also offer advice on the best fitting and comfort for your child and also assist you in understanding the crash policies of each brand.

Safety

There are many factors that can make a baby car seat more or less secure. The first step to choose the appropriate car seat for your child is to make sure that it meets your vehicle's and the manufacturer's specifications. It is also recommended to consult the manual for your car on how to install the seat using lower anchors and tethers (or seat belt, for older cars without LATCH). You should also look for features such as anti-rebound bar or load legs that help reduce the force of a crash. Finally, you'll want to look into whether convertible infant car seats that swivel car seats that eventually transforms into a toddler's seat is compatible with your budget and lifestyle.

The safety of your child is contingent on the correct installation of their car seat. It's essential to read the user's instructions and watch the installation videos online prior to attempting to install a car seat. Also, remember that it's a good idea to have a professional examine your car seat, even if you've installed it correctly.

The simplest way to make a car seat safer is to make it easier to use. A seat that's user-friendly will be more likely be used in a safe manner, so check for easy-to-read directions and useful features like handles that cinch the straps or sensor-equipped buckles that notify you when your child hasn't sat down.

Also, ensure that you purchase a car seat from a trusted store or site. It's not recommended to purchase car seats from random sellers, or sites which ship directly from China. Also, avoid purchasing used car seats as they may be expired or involved in an accident.

A car ride can be stressful, particularly for a top rated baby car seats. Look for seats that have soft fabric, padded straps, and is comfortable on the shoulders and neck. You'll also want to consider the weight of the seat -- you want to be capable of lifting it and carry it without harming yourself, especially if you plan to use it for long periods of time.

Comfort

A quality car seat isn't just a thing that protects your child; it must also be comfortable for your newborn. Look for features such as thick padding, easy-to-adjust harnesses and ventilation holes that keep your baby cool (especially if you live in a hot area). Comfort factors may be subjective, so it's important to read online reviews and try out the seat before buying.

Another factor to consider is the weight. All infant car seats conform to the safety standards of the federal government. However there are some that are heavier. This is especially important if you plan to use the car seat in multiple vehicles, or attach it to a frame for a stroller. For instance the Nuna Pipa Aire RX is the most lightweight convertible infant car seat on the market at 6.2 pounds without the canopy and base. It was recently replaced in the brand's lineup by the less expensive, yet still safe Pipa Aire.

The seat is more narrow than other models, which is great for most cars however it could be a problem if you have an extremely small trunk or a vehicle with a limited space in the back. The seat also lacks an adjustment of height on the shoulder straps, and the belt guides aren't padded enough to avoid friction with the shoulders of your baby.

Overall, the seat accommodates most newborns well and is easy to install. It has a higher limit for rear-facing than many other seats, and it is simple to switch between the reclined positions. It is priced at the middle of the range for a child's seat but has a good reputation for its quality. It also has two cup holders.

There are a variety of choices when it comes to choosing a car seat for infants. It's not necessary to be overwhelmed by the choices if you research before you purchase. Consider your car's fit with safety and comfort features, as well as price. You can determine the best car seat for your child by considering these factors. Be aware that regardless of how good the car seat is, it's not going to be as safe if it's not properly installed.

Easy Installation

Making sure that car seats are installed correctly is vital to keep your baby safe. This is why the ease of installation is one of our primary considerations when choosing the best car seat for an infant. Many of the best infant car seats cheap carseats feature self-checking indicators, such as color or bubble indicators that inform you whether the car seat is securely installed, which will prevent the risk of making dangerous mistakes. Some have self-checking features at the base, which can be particularly useful if you frequently swap the seat between vehicles.

The best infant car seats make it easy to adjust or loosen harness straps without the necessity of an instrument or manual. This feature is especially handy for newborns or preemies, who need a tight harness for proper support. A smooth, secure mechanism is also crucial to avoid any annoyances when you have a wobbly baby and need to fasten the seat swiftly.

The best infant car seats are easy to move around, and we like models that don't feel heavy with a child in them. Lugging a car seat that's too heavy could strain your arms and back So it's important to pick a seat with an appropriate weight range that feels comfortable for you.

We also consider the width and weight of the base as well as the seat itself, as you don't want to purchase one that's too big for your vehicle or require some significant juggling to get out and in. We prefer seats that are smaller and can be placed in three or two rows. They are also less likely than wider seats to rub against one another.

Our favorite model in this category is the Chicco KeyFit line, which has received high marks from a number of experts and parents we interviewed including CPST instructor Kecia Healy. The KeyFit line has features that make it easy to install, like the recline foot with a spring loaded mechanism and a bubble indicator on the base to help you get it perfectly level. Healy also praises the tightening system, which uses a SuperCinch belt-tightening system to make it easier to fix the seat to the floor.