How to Choose the best car seat infant Infant Car Seat

What do you want from your car seat? "If you're in need of an automobile seat that can grow with your child, consider an all-in-one model like the Graco 4Ever DLX," Saxton says. The seat can be converted to a high-back booster or an unbackless booster. It has a big rear-facing weight limit.

It also scores high in terms of comfort and quality, thanks to soft, machine-washable padding. Other useful features include load legs that absorb shock on the base of the car seat that reduce the movement of the car seat in a crash.

Safety

They are designed to fit smaller babies better, which is why they are more cushioned than convertible car seats. They are also lighter and easier to take out of the car or put on a stroller frame rather than convertible car seats, which is important considering you will likely be required to transport your baby in the seat frequently outside of your vehicle. Dedicated infant car seats also have the advantage of being designed to last through your child's first year, so you don't have to worry about them growing beyond their weight or height as quickly as a convertible car seat may.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's standards for car seats are extremely stringent, but it is still an excellent idea to conduct your own research before buying. Take a look at reviews from other parents as well as checking out car seat safety guides from organizations like Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, both of which have a wealth of crash testing data to provide to families.

Look for features that will benefit your family. These include an easy release of the strap, a no rethread harness or a leveling foot with a spring-loaded mechanism. These kinds of features can make buckling your child faster and more convenient, but keep in mind that even the safest seats are useless in the event that you don't utilize them correctly.

The weight and the width of the best car seat for newborn seat is also crucial. Many infant seats are designed to be small enough to fit in with older car seats in the back of your vehicle, while others can grow with your child and then transition to an adult seat at the same time. Also, if you plan to use your car seat for transportation or for taxis, an infant car seat that is installed with only the vehicle's seatbelt is a great alternative.

In general, it is recommended to buy the safest car seat you can afford. The cheapest models don't always meet the most stringent standards of crash safety. For instance, it's recommended to stay clear of models that do not include side impact testing and permit companies to self-certify their products.

Convenience

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

Convenience features include how simple it is to set up the seat using either LATCH system or a seatbelt, and whether it is possible to adjust the headrest and harness without taking the infant out of the seat. Installing and taking it off should be simple, especially if your child rides in Ubers or you often switch between cars. The seat should be lightweight and have clearly labeled instructions for installation and bubble levels to help you quickly install the car seat.

It should be easy to adjust the buckles and harness and rotate the seat when not in use. Before you buy an infant car seat, it's important to check its weight and height limits. Also, consider if your child will outgrow the seat by the time they turn one. As a rule, choose the seat for your child that grows with them until they reach 90% percentile.

Some manufacturers go beyond the federal safety standards to include other features, such as crash testing as well as comfort and convenience in their car seats. The Clek Liing is a top choice from our gear editors and Consumer Reports, is an excellent example of an infant seat that provides more than just crash protection. It also comes with a leg that stabilizes the seat during a crash, reducing forces on the child by 40%. This feature could save a child’s life. It's worth spending more on a car seat with added safety and convenience features.

Comfort

One of the most important considerations when selecting a baby car seat is comfort, as infants spend a lot of time in their car seats. The most comfortable car seats feature the thick, breathable fabric as well as generous padding on the headrest and harness. They also come with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms, like strap covers, buckles, and headrest adjustments that don't require the rethreading.

The weight and size of an infant car seat that swivels car seat can affect comfort, particularly in the event that you intend to switch cars or use the seat frequently. Some models are tinier making it easier to fit in the backseat with other car seats or siblings' seats. And, while they all have maximum and minimum heights and weight limits, some are a bit lighter than others. This can prevent your biceps from becoming sore when carrying it between vehicles.

Some infant car seats have additional features that make them more adaptable. For instance they can rotate or be clicked into a stroller without need for adapters. Some models come with high-end features, such as the adjustable no-rethread strap and anti-rebound bars to offer additional security in the event of an accident. While these extra features aren't essential to the safety of your ride, they can add to the overall experience using the seat.

In addition to safety and convenience factors, many parents want a clean, comfortable infant car seat for their infant. Look for a model that's machine washable and stain-resistant and also easy to clean. Some seats are dishwasher safe, which makes it easier to keep them looking new.

Some models go the extra mile to ensure that their customers' experiences are safe and smooth, like the Graco SnugRide(tm) Elite, which boasts an anti-rebound bar and meets Graco ProtectPlus Engineered(tm) standards to withstand front and rear collisions. The seat has a Silent Shade canopy to keep baby quiet and comfortable and has an indicator to let you know that the seat is properly attached. And, its adjustable carry handle and harness tightener allow for simple single-handed adjustments.

Design

Car seat manufacturers create infant car seats with safety and convenience in mind, but the variety of features available can make it difficult to determine which one is the best car seats for newborns fit for your family. It is important to take into account aspects like weight and height limits and the number of belt paths and buckles. Other features like load legs that are not bound, anti-rebound bar and no-rethread straps could raise the cost of the seat, but will increase the comfort of your infant. Look for features that make it simple to get your child into and out of the car seat, such as rotational mechanisms. Also, pay attention to dimensions and base weight, as not all seats will fit in every vehicle.

One of the most important aspects is the ease of installation and detaching from the base. This is influenced by the quality of the LATCH connectors and whether they're rigid or flexible. It is also important to determine whether the straps are easy to loosen and tighten, and whether there is a single-hand release mechanism to install and remove the seat.

Certain models allow you to use the seat without a footrest, which is a great option for those who plan to switch taxis or cars frequently. To ensure that your seat is securely installed be sure to look for models that have bubble level indicators and built-in locking mechanism.

Some features may be worth the extra cost for example, the headrest that grows with your child, a five-position reclining feature and an extension canopy that is locked into the position. Our product testers also mentioned that having a seat that can be used as a highback booster using belt positioning or a backless booster after the baby is no longer using it is an additional bonus.

The Doona is the kind of infant car seat that pampers parents. It's packed with features that address nearly every issue families have with infant car seats, which is why our test participants gave it top marks in every category. For example, it's approved for travel on airplanes, has an exclusive handle that doubles as an anti-rebound bar. It also transforms directly into strollers (no need to buy a separate stroller adapter). The results of its crash tests are excellent and it is GREENGUARD Gold certified.