How to Find the Best Car Seat Infant

The price of infant car seats can run from one to the other, based on the materials, styles and accessories. But you don't have to shell out a lot of money to get a great car seat for your travel infant car seat.

Our product testers have rated the top-performing infant car seats across five major categories: Safety user-friendliness, convenience of use, reliability along with adjustability and convenience.

Safety Ratings

The best infant car seats are rigorously tested for crash safety. The most secure infant car seats have clear instructions, and also features like bubble levels or padded seats to provide adequate support for the infant. We also loved seats that were simple to adjust and didn't require the child to be removed from the car. Parents are more likely to use correctly fitted harnesses when the process is easy and fast.

A seat that's machine washable is a plus, and we looked for models that allow for the seat to be placed on the base, reducing the risk of a dropped or damaged buckle during washing. If you'll be using your car seat often especially on public transport it could be worth it to invest in one that retracts automatically straps and a recline mechanism to reduce the stress on your back.

Selecting a car seat for your infant is among the most important purchases you'll make as a parent. Therefore, we recommend taking the time to research it thoroughly before buying. Read reviews from parents and child safety advocacy groups. Before purchasing car seats it's a good idea also to visit the website of the manufacturer and look up any recalls.

An infant car seat is a small, movable car seat designed for newborns and babies until their first birthday. They are usually used rear facing infant car seat-facing. Most infants outgrow the car seat they were in when they reach the age of one. In the case of convertible and all-in-one seats, the child is then transitioned into a toddler seat. Infant-only seats must be used rear-facing until the child reaches the maximum height and weight limits set by the manufacturer. Then, they should be switched to an automobile seat that faces forward. A convertible or all-in-one seat can be used both ways, but it's better for your baby to remain in a rear-facing car seat until they're large enough to fit in an front-facing car seat.

Ease of Use

It is important to choose a car seat that's simple to use for parents, even though safety is the primary factor. That's why we examine things like buckles, harness adjusters and handles in our tests, as well as how simple it is to put the car seat into a vehicle. If a car seat is difficult to use, you could end up using it incorrectly. This could affect the safety of your child.

You should consider meeting with a certified child safety technician (CPST) prior to you take your baby home, if you are concerned about the correct installation of your infant car seats. They can guide you on how to use the seat and give you a video of a crash test. Don't forget to read your car seat's manual. This will make it easier to avoid common mistakes when installing the seat.

In contrast to convertible car seats which are designed for older children and toddlers, infant car seats only last until your baby outgrows them or is at the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. It's important to choose the best car seats newborn seat for your child that lasts as long as it can, before transitioning them to an adult car seat for older children.

Some infant car seats can even convert into a stroller and give you more bang for your buck. But it's important to note that any seat that is able to be transformed into a stroller is likely to be heavier than those that only work as an infant car seat.

A large infant car seat will help you fit it into your vehicle, and it may also be compatible with other seats in the back. You should also consider the weight of the seat, as a lighter seat is more easy to lift into and out of the car. This is an especially important consideration if you plan to use your infant seat frequently and be transporting it between vehicles. In our top infant car seats review, we recommend models that are smaller and lighter.

Reliability

Your child's safety is your most important concern. While all car seats must meet federal safety standards, there are certain models that go beyond. Best of the Bump winner Clek's Liing for instance is a two-stage body support system that helps keep small babies comfortable and cozy and is compatible with many popular strollers. Consumer Reports also gave it a high score in an impact test.

It is crucial to keep in mind that even the safest infant car seat is only as effective as how well it's installed and used. Incorrectly installed or improperly used car seats pose a serious danger to infants and children of all age groups. Vybiralova Stanton suggests you read the manual of the manufacturer and search for online installation videos. "You'll discover that manufacturers are more focused on making sure you have the right seat for your vehicle and baby," she says.

The most secure infant car seats have features that make it simple to set up and use, such as a one-handed harness buckle release, magnetic strap holders that don't catch on clothing, and a non-rethread harness. They also come with durable materials and a wide range of adjustment mechanisms that work effortlessly.

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 is useful for parents who use taxis frequently or use their seat in more than one vehicle.

It's also worth considering how the infant car seat weighs and if you can easily transport it around. Some models are heavier than others and could burden your shoulders and arms particularly when you have children to carry around or traveling long distances.

In the end, a baby car seat that is priced lower will save you money and time. Don't purchase a cheap car seat because it's inexpensive. A lower price could indicate that the manufacturer has cut corners on safety features or quality. Before making a final decision, it's a good idea review reviews and seek out suggestions from other parents.

Convenience

The best car seat infants make it easy to ensure your baby's safety. They are easy to install and feature features that allow for buckling and unbuckling with ease and include other convenient amenities such as comfortable fabrics and a no rethread harness. The car seats also come with design features that help them be safer in the event of a crash. For example they come with load legs that absorb shock. They are parts that are located at the base of the seat. This makes it easier to move and consequently the force of impact on your baby.

Choose an infant car seat if have a smaller car or plan on changing vehicles frequently. This type of seat can easily fit in smaller vehicles, and many of them come with a unique handle that makes them easy to tote. They are usually lighter than convertible car seats and are therefore easy to lift into and out of vehicles.

Another advantage of this infant car seat is that it can be converted into a stroller without the need for an additional attachment. This is great for families that are always on the move or those living in cities with public transportation. It's a bit larger than a standard car seat for an infant however, it's not as big as a convertible car seat.

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 seat out and in. It has many features that make it easier to use, such as an adjustable recline via a button that can be operated in four positions, and steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that pop out of the base after being secured.

As a new parent selecting the best car seat for your infant is among the most important choices you'll make. That's why it's so important to read reviews and research of different options before making a decision. You must make sure that the car seat you select is made with safety of your child in mind, and that it meets national standards for safety.