How to Choose the Best Infant Car Seat

What do you want from your car seat? "If you are looking for a car seat to develop with your child think about an all-in-one model such as the Graco 4Ever DLX," Saxton suggests. It has a lengthy rear-facing weight limit and can convert to both a high-back and backless booster.

It also scores highly for comfort and quality with soft cushioning that is machine washable. Load legs are a beneficial feature. They are shock-absorbing parts which are attached to the base or car seats and limit movement during the event of a crash.

Safety

Dedicated infant car seats are made to fit small babies best, so they typically offer more cushioning and padding than convertible carseats. They are also smaller and lighter to remove from the car or connect to a stroller frame, which is crucial because you will be required to transport your child's car seat out of the vehicle often. Car seats for infants offer the benefit of being built to last for the first year of your child's life which means you don't have to worry about them exceeding their weight or height as quickly as a convertible car seat may.

It is an excellent idea, however, to conduct some research before you make a purchase. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has strict standards for car seats. You might want to read reviews from other parents, and also looking through car seat safety guides from organizations like Consumer Reports or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both have crash test results that can be shared with families.

You should also examine whether a seat has features that could be beneficial to your family, such as the strap release that is one-handed or a harness that doesn't need rethreads, or an adjustable foot with springs. These types of features can help you buckle your child faster and more convenient but remember that even the safest of seats will be useless if you don't use them properly.

The weight and width of the car seat is also important. A lot of infant seats can be placed in your car alongside older car seats. Others can expand with your child and then convert to an adult booster in the same time. If you intend to use your car seat for travel or to take taxis, an infant car seat that is installed using only the seatbelt of your vehicle is a convenient option.

In general it's a good idea to purchase the most secure seat you can afford, since the cheapest models usually do not meet the highest crash safety standards. For instance, it's best to stay clear of models that do not include side impact crash testing and allow companies to self-certify their seats.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are those that fit in the car of your family, are easy to install, and come with useful extras such as a built-in jogging stroller or the ability to rotate. It must also be affordable. Infant seats range in price between $180 and $500. If they're convertible and are intended for toddlers and infants, the price can be higher.

Convenience features include how simple it is to put in the seat with either the LATCH system or a seatbelt, and whether you are able to adjust the headrest and harness without taking the baby out of the seat. Installing and removing the seat should be easy, especially when your child rides in Ubers or you frequently switch between cars. The seat should be light and have clearly labeled instructions for installation and bubble levels to help you quickly install the car seat.

You should be able to adjust the harness and buckles, as well as move the seat when not in use. It is also essential to verify the weight and height limits of the infant car seat before you buy it, and think about whether your baby will outgrow it by its first birthday. A good rule of thumb is to choose a seat that will grow with your baby until they reach the 90th percentile.

Some manufacturers go beyond the federal safety standards to include additional features such as crash-testing, convenience and comfort in their car seats. The Clek Ling, a top choice among our gear editors and Consumer Reports is a great example of a baby seat that offers more than just good crash protection. It also has a leg that stabilizes the seat in crashes, reducing the forces on the child by 40 percent. This feature alone could save the life of a child, so it's worth the extra cost for car seats that are safe and has added convenience features.

Comfort

One of the most important factors when selecting an infant car seat is the comfort, as infants spend a lot of time in their car seats. The most comfortable ones have thick, breathable fabrics and ample padding in the headrest and harness. They also offer easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms like strap covers, buckles and headrest adjustments that don't require rethreading.

The weight and size of the car seat for infants will also affect comfort particularly if it's going to be used in multiple vehicles or for frequent travel. Some models are more narrow than others, which makes them easier to fit in the back seat with another car seat or siblings' seats. While all have minimum and maximum heights and weight restrictions, some are lighter than others, which can help save your biceps from becoming sore when carrying it between vehicles.

Some infant car seats include extra features that make them more adaptable like rotational options or the capability to connect to strollers without the need for additional adapters. Some models are equipped with top-quality features like an adjustable no-rethread strap or bar that prevents rebound to give you extra safety in case of the possibility of a crash. These features aren't necessary to ensure safety, but they can enhance the overall experience.

Parents want their babies to have a comfortable, clean car seat. They also consider safety and convenience. Choose a seat that is machine washable and stain-resistant, and also easy to remove for cleaning. Some seats can be cleaned in the dishwasher which makes it easier to keep them looking brand new.

Some models go over and beyond to ensure that their customers enjoy a safe and comfortable experience. For instance, the Graco SnugRide (tm) Elite has an anti-rebounding bar and meets Graco ProtectPlus Engineered(tm), which is designed to stand up to rear facing infant car seat and front collisions. The seat has a Silent Shade canopy to keep baby quiet and comfortable, as well an indicator that lets you know that the seat is properly attached. The adjustable harness tightener and carry handle allow for simple one-handed adjustments.

Design

The manufacturers of infant car seat cheap car seats create them with safety and convenience as their primary goals. However, the vast selection of features makes it difficult to choose which one is the best fit for your family. Consider factors like the weight and height limits and the number of belt paths and buckles. Additional features like an load legs that are not bound, anti-rebound bar, and no-rethread straps may increase the price of the seat, but will increase the comfort of your baby. Look for features that make it simple to get your child in and out of the car seat, like rotating mechanisms. Be sure to be aware of the dimensions and weight of the seat as not every seat will fit in all cars.

The ease of attaching and detaching the base is a feature that's important. The quality of the LATCH connectors, and whether or not they are flexible or rigid, could influence this. It is also important to consider whether the straps can be easily tightened or loosen and if there is an easy release mechanism that allows you to install and remove the seat.

Some models let you use the seat without a footrest, which is a great option for those who plan to change cars or take taxis frequently. To ensure that your seat is securely installed be sure to look for models that have bubble level indicators as well as a built-in locking mechanisms.

Some features may be worth the extra expense like the headrest that grows with your child, a five-position recline feature, or the canopy that expands and is locked into the position. Our product testers have observed that having a seat that can be used as a high-back belt-positioning booster, or a backless one after the infant is done using it is a plus.

Doona is an infant car seat that will delight parents. It's got many features that solve almost every complaint families have regarding infant car seats. This is the reason our product testers gave it top marks across the board. It's affixed for air travel, has an anti-rebound handle and can be converted directly into a stroller. Its crash test result is impressive and it's GREENGUARD Gold Certified.