How to Choose infant car seats best (tianxiaputao.com)

Parents must have car seats. What is it that makes one car seat better than the other?

A special infant seat fits the most tiny babies, and is lighter for easier transportation outside of the vehicle. Consider features that are convenient, like premium lower-anchor connectors with non-rethreading harness pads and single button handles. Also, look for security features such as load legs and head and body cushions.

Safety

As every parent knows that choosing the best car seat is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make for your child. The right seat will make sure that your child is in a position properly and is adequately protected in case of a car crash.

Not all car seats are created equal. While every car seat sold in the US is required to conform to strict safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, not all seats have the same features. Some models have features that are designed to safeguard infants. For example load legs help prevent movement in crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the car seat's base. Others include bubble levels that make installation easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.

Dedicated infant car seats are also designed to fit tiny babies best, and typically come with extra crash-tested seats to accomplish this, says Choi. They're also generally lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily moved to strollers, making them ideal for ride shares and daycare pickups and drop-offs. You can buy a used one at a fraction of the price as they're only used for your baby's first 12 months.

Another thing to keep in mind is that even though an excellent NHTSA rating and great crash test results are crucial however, the way you use your car seat is even more crucial to your child's safety. A study by Portland's leading children's hospital found that 95% of parents made at least one mistake when installing or altering their car seat.

That's why it's a good idea to spend a few minutes to learn the proper car seat usage guidelines before your little one arrives. We recommend you pick a car seat that has clear and concise instructions. It should also be lightweight so that it is easy to carry around your baby.

You should also see whether the infant car seat you're thinking of purchasing meets the size requirements for your vehicle. If you're concerned about your capability to install and operate the car seat properly by yourself, you may be able to bring it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your baby is born for a hands-on tutorial.

Convenience

Certain infant car seats come with extra features that make them more user-friendly. For instance, they might have a base that the seat clicks into and out of, or they could feature easy-to-use adjustments. These features can make it more convenient to install and detach the car seat, particularly when you have other children to attend to.

The weight and height limits of a baby car seat are other important aspects to take into account. If your baby is growing quickly, it might be worth investing in a car seat with greater limits to ensure you can use it for as long as you like.

Apart from the safety features, an infant car seat is a must for a comfortable baby. Choose padded straps that won't pinch or rub their shoulders, and for soft fabric that feels comfortable beneath them. It's also a good infant car seats idea to choose the seat with the option of lying flat that allows your baby to ride in a more relaxed position that keeps their airways open and oxygen levels high.

There are a number of accessories for infant car seats, but Dr. Segura advises against purchasing anything that is not included in the seat, as it is not tested for crash and could be unsafe. Avoid purchasing a used infant car seat as they could have been involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn.

The best infant car seats cost from $100 to more than $600. However, they all share certain characteristics. They're all lightweight, easy to set up and remove and comfortable for infants. Some have extra features that make them even more adaptable. For instance they can swivel, or clip into strollers without adapters. For more details on the various choices available, read our comparison of best infant car seats.

Comfort

The top infant car seats have comfort features that make it easy to get your baby in and out of the seat. The top infant car seats come with a single-handed clasp system that eliminates having to grip both sides simultaneously. They also have cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. Additionally, you'll need to take into consideration how much weight the seat weighs. You'll be using it without a base in the end and a lighter weight is better. The Baby Trend Secure-Lift is a good example. It weighs less than 13 pounds.

Other important factors include the height and weight limits of the infant car seat. If you are planning to keep the car seat, choose one that will expand with your child and accommodate them into the stage of toddlerhood. You can use it longer and save money by not buying an additional seat.

It is also important to consider the dimensions of the seat, and whether it is narrower or wider than other models. The former can be a boon for smaller vehicles, and the latter is a benefit for families with two children in back-to-back car seats or have to drive with three kids in the back seat at some point. If you are planning to use a car seat in conjunction with a pram, choose one that is compatible with the most popular strollers and comes with removable seats. Brands like Graco or Nuna offer options to satisfy your requirements.

For ease of use, check out the ratings the car seat is given for installation. Clearly labeled guides and indicators that indicate the seat is level and securely fastened--like bubble levels or color coding--can assist in easing the burden on new parents. Some seats also have innovative features, such as load legs which are shock-absorbing pieces that are located under the seat or on the base that extend out to the floor of the vehicle and absorb some of the impact force in a crash.

There are accessories that claim to enhance the convenience and comfort of your car seat. However, remember that anything that's not included with the seat hasn't passed safety testing. Segura recommends that you don't put anything else in your car seat, such as a blanket or harness you purchased elsewhere.

Style

It can be difficult for new parents to figure out the best infant car seats. It's essential to understand your budget and what features you want. There are many options for special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics, but it all comes down to what's comfortable for baby.

For example, it's worth noting that infant-specific seats fit small babies better than convertible car seats and can be used for the first year of their lives (though some might include crash-tested extension kits to make them last longer). They typically have a greater number of recline modes to allow for the proper positioning of tiny children. They are also lighter and easier to carry. They are more likely to be compatible when used in conjunction with the travel system. This is a great option for new parents looking to save money and time by purchasing seats that serve two functions.

Another aspect to be aware of is that car seat weight and width are crucial factors for most families. Some infant car seats, for example are narrower, which allows them to fit better in the back of your car or in the vicinity of other seats. Some are so heavy that they test your biceps as you lift them and transfer them from the car to the stroller.

Many parents prefer infant car seat that can be changed from base to carrier, and then convert into a stroller without needing any extra attachments. This can save a lot of time, particularly on busy days when you're out running errands with your children.

Other convenient features include the magnetic buckle holder and a strap that is not rethread, and a simplified installation process. Look for a head-and-body support insert to prevent infants from slumping into the carrier or seat as they fall asleep.

Most car seats have flexible straps to secure their lower anchor connectors, however, some have latches that are rigid and flip out of the base and turn green once installed. This type of installation is more secure and may restrict the amount that a seat moves during a crash.