How to Choose rear facing infant car seat car seats best (click through the up coming document)

Parents must have car seats. What makes one car seat better than another?

A dedicated infant seat fits the most tiny babies, and is lighter for easy transportation outside of the vehicle. Look for features that make life easier like premium connectors for lower anchors, non-rethreading harness pads, and single button handles. Also, consider safety features like load legs and head/body cushions.

Safety

As any parent knows that choosing the best car seat is among the most crucial decisions you'll make for your child. The best seat will make sure that your child is positioned correctly and properly protected in case of a crash.

Not all car seats are created equal. Although every seat sold in the US must adhere to strict safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Not all seats have the same features. Certain seats come with features specifically designed to protect infants. For example load legs help prevent movement in crashes by absorbing impact forces onto the car seat and base. Some include bubble levels that make installing easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby.

Choi says that car seats for infants are designed to provide the perfect fit for babies. They typically come with crash-tested inserts, which aid in this. They're also lighter than a convertible car seats and can be easily converted to a stroller. This makes them suitable for drop-offs at daycares, rides and pick-ups. And because they'll only last for the first year of your baby's life it's possible to purchase a second-hand one for a fraction of the cost.

Another thing to consider is that, while having a high NHTSA rating and excellent crash test results are important, the way you use your car seat is more important to the safety of your child. In fact, a study by Portland's leading children's hospital revealed that 95 percent of parents made at least one serious error when installing or putting in their car seat.

It's a good idea to take a few minutes to get familiar with the correct car seat usage guidelines prior to when your child arrives. We recommend that you choose a car seat with clear and concise instructions. It should also be lightweight so it's easy to carry around your child.

You should also check to determine if the car seat for infants you're thinking of purchasing meets the dimensions required for your vehicle. And if you're worried about your own abilities to set up and use the car seat properly, consider taking it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) for a hands-on tutorial before your baby's birth.

Convenience

Some infant car seats have extra features that make them easier to use. For instance, they might have a base that the seat can be clicked into and out of, or they might come with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features make it easier to install and remove the car seat, especially when there is a child in your care.

It is also crucial to think about the limits on height and weight for the rotating infant car seat car seat. If your baby is growing quickly it may be worth purchasing a car seat with greater limits to ensure that you can use it for as long as you want.

In addition to safety features, your infant's car seat should also be comfortable. Find padded straps that won't pinch or rub their shoulders, and look for soft fabrics that feel comfortable beneath them. It's also recommended to choose a seat with a lie-flat mode which allows your infant to sit in a more relaxed position that keeps their airways open and their oxygen saturation levels high.

Dr. Segura warns that you should avoid buying any accessories for cheap infant car seats car seats that are not included in the seat, because they haven't been tested for safety in a crash and could pose a risk. Also, avoid buying used infant car seats, since they may be involved in an accident and may be damaged or worn out.

While the top infant car seats range anywhere from $100 to $600, there are a few features that all the top picks have in common. They are all lightweight easy to put in and remove, and comfortable for the baby. Some have features that make them more versatile such as the ability to pivot and clip into strollers, without the need for additional adapters. Check out our comparison of the top infant car seats to get more details on the different options on the market.

Comfort

Top infant car seats are equipped with comfort features that make it easy to take your child into and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch that eliminates the need to grip both straps at the same time, and cushioned padding that makes it less painful to lift the seat. You'll also want to think about the weight of the seat. Since you'll use it without a base, a seat that is lighter is preferred. This Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less that 13 pounds.

The weight limit and height of the infant car seats are important. If you intend to keep the car seat, select one that can adapt to your child's needs and fit them into toddlerhood. It is possible to use it for a longer time and save money by not buying a second seat.

It is also important to consider the dimensions of the seat and whether it is wider or narrower than other models. This could be beneficial for vehicles with smaller dimensions, while the latter may be helpful for families with two children in back-to-back car seats, or have to drive with three children in the back seat at some time. If you're planning to use a car seat with a pram, select one that is compatible with most popular strollers, and includes detachable seats. Brands such as Graco or Nuna have options that will meet your needs.

For ease of use, look up the score a car seat receives for installation. Clear guides and indicators, like bubble levels or color codes to indicate if the seat is securely fastened and level, can ease stress for parents who are new. Some seats also come with innovative features such as load legs, which are shock-absorbing pieces found under the seat or on the base that extend out to the vehicle floor and absorb some of the impact force in a crash.

You'll also find some accessories that claim to increase your car seat's comfort and ease of use, but remember that any product not included in conjunction with the car seat hasn't yet been tested or vetted for safety. Segura suggests that you don't put anything in your car seat, such as the blanket or harness you purchased elsewhere.

Style

For new parents trying to figure out how to choose the most suitable infant car seat can be quite an issue. It's important to know the budget you have set and the features you're looking for. There are many options for special features, stroller compatibility, and fabrics. But it all comes down to comfort.

It is important to remember that convertible car seats aren't suitable for infants and are only suitable until one year. Some may even have crash-tested extensions kits that will allow them to last longer. They typically offer more recline options to ensure the correct positioning of small children. They are also lighter and more convenient to carry. They are also more likely to be compatible with a travel system, which can be helpful for parents who are trying to save time and money by purchasing one seat that can serve two purposes.

Another thing to keep in mind is that car seat width and weight are important aspects for the majority of families. Certain infant car seats, for example are narrower and can fit better in the back of your vehicle or next to other seats. Others are heavy enough to really test your biceps to lift and move from stroller to car.

In terms of convenience, many parents prefer infant car seats with the ability to go from base to carrier and click directly into a stroller, without the need for additional attachments. This will save you a lot of time, especially during busy times when you're running errands with your little ones.

Other useful features include an adjustable buckle holder that is magnetic, a no-rethread strap, and a simplified installation process. Find a head-and-body-support insert to prevent infants from collapsing into the carrier or seat as they fall asleep.

Most car seats have flexible straps for the lower anchor connectors, however some feature rigid latches that flip out of the base and turn green once installed. This kind of installation is more secure and can limit the amount a seat can move during an accident.