How to Choose the Best Infant Carrier Car Seat
When choosing the best infant car seat, parents should consider several factors. Some concentrate on safety features such as the impact test results, whereas others prioritize user-friendliness and convenience.
A flexible 3-in-1 design that can be converted from a car seat to stroller and baby carrier. Our product testers appreciate the ease of being able to change between modes.
Safety
While baby carriers are useful however, they also carry many risks, like falling and suffocation. Be sure you use your infant carrier in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions on proper position and weight and height recommendations for your child. Go to the CPSC website before purchasing to find out if there's any recalls for safety. If your baby carrier is recalled not to use it and contact the manufacturer immediately to get it replaced.
It is also important to make sure that the infant car seat you choose to use is comfortable and easy-to-use. For instance, the most comfortable infant carrier will include waist belts that can expand to accommodate various body types and the design will support your child's growth in the hips. You'll want to make sure the carrier has a forward-facing outward or inward-facing position, and an incline rear carry.
Certain infant car seats include features like a soft insert for infants, an auto-retracting latch system and bubble indicators for the level to make adjustments and installation quick. Many models come with other features such as an extended canopy or stroller compatibility.
If you're looking for a low-cost infant car seat with robust safety features, you should consider the Graco KeyFit 35. It has excellent crash test results, and comes with a plush infant insert to hold newborns. The model is also GREENGUARD gold-certified for chemical emissions and JPMA certified to meet the highest safety standards. Its reclining base comes with an anti-rebound bar to limit movement in rear-end collisions. It includes seven different headrests.
Whatever features you pick, keep in mind that infant car seats are intended to be used for transport only and not to be used as a substitute for a crib or bassinet. Car seats for infants that are left unsupervised in furniture or on soft surfaces like beds can cause infants to fall or to suffocate. A study found that over 88,000 babies receive treatment each year for injuries caused by baby carriers that tip or roll. Never leave a sleeping baby in a car for longer than 15 minute, as it can lead to overheating or death.
Ease of Use
In addition to safety features, parents should search for a car seat that is easy to use. This includes a base that is easy to fit into your vehicle, a handle which is easy to lift from the base, and straps that can be easily adjusted without the need to change the harness or rethread it. Additionally, parents should look for a seat that has clearly labeled installation guides and a base with built-in bubble levels that show whether it's secured in the vehicle.
The comfort factor is also crucial for infants, which is why it's helpful to find an infant seat that is cushioned and provides plenty of support for their head and back. This includes seats with soft fabrics and straps that aren't stiff or rough against the skin. Also, the more comfortable your child feels in the car seat the less likely they are to cry, which means they will be safer during the ride.
Some infant seats have additional features that make them more comfortable. For instance, they have a rotating feature that lets you turn your baby toward you when putting them in or out of the seat. Certain infant car seats can be turned directly into strollers. This is great for families who often switch vehicles or use public transportation.
Finally, it's worth looking for a seat that is easy to clean. Babies vomit, suffer blowouts from diapers, and rub their sticky hands all over everything, so it's best to choose a car seat that can be easily cleaned down or tossed in the washer with no fuss.
Infant carriers are rear-facing car seats that are suitable for infants and newborns up to 13kg, or 4 months of age. Depending on your preferences you may want to consider an all-in-one or convertible seat that is designed to adapt with your child into toddlerhood and can be used as a forward-facing vehicle when they're 9 months or older (9 to 18kg). This kind of car seat is more bulky and may not fit in certain vehicles without an adapter. Alternately, you can purchase an infant car seat attachment to your existing stroller that is a more flexible option.
Convenience
A car seat for infants is a rear-facing vehicle seat that connects to the base of your vehicle. They keep babies in a safe and comfortable environment from birth until they reach their weight and height limits, which is usually around 18kg. Certain models can be converted into a travel set-up that can be used when you travel. These car seats all-in-one are ideal for families who require frequent switching between cars or travel often.
Look for a car seat that is simple to adjust and install. Buckles, installation straps and the handle must be simple to access and operate. The adjustable straps for the headrest and harness should be simple to tighten and loosen, particularly for children who grow rapidly. Look for a design that is intuitive and offers many safety features, such as bubble levels built in to help you achieve the right size.
Some models allow you to rotate the seat in 360 degrees. This is useful when your child gets sleepy in the car, or you are putting them in and out of the seat. You should look for an infant car seat that is in an upright position. This will provide better support for your baby and decrease the chance of sudden deaths.
A handy handle and canopy are additional accessories that can make a significant impact on your day-to-day routine. Some of the most effective car seats for babies have handles that can be lowered and raised by a single button. They are easy to use even if you've got hands full or your child is asleep in the seat. Some seats also have a canopy that can be pulled down from the bottom to safeguard your child.
If you plan to travel frequently with your child, an infant car seat with ISOFIX connectors is a great choice. They make it simpler to install a seat by using the seat belt of your vehicle. This is a safer option. They are also great for taxi rides, flying holidays and trips in grandparent's or rental car vehicles.
Value
A quality infant car seat isn't cheap however you don't have to break the bank also. The Baby Trend Secure Lift is an excellent example of a budget-friendly choice that doesn't sacrifice safety for cost-savings. infant car seat for travel is GREENGUARD certified for low chemical emissions, and JPMA certified to meet the highest standards of safety. The Keepsafe(tm) and side-impact protection, and the adjustable base ensure that the seat will grow with your child.
Other cost-saving features include easy-to-use removal and installation, and machine-washable fabric covers. Some infant car seats include convenient extras such as an integrated stroller or a rotation feature. These features can help cut costs if you are planning on using the seat for a long time or often switch between cars.
The seat's weight and height limits are also important to take into consideration. If you want to use the car seat for longer periods of time, you should look for one that goes up to at least the 90th percentile for your baby's weight and height. This will safeguard your child from spinal cord injuries if you're involved in an accident.
If you're on a tight budget, consider one that is smaller. This will allow the seat to fit in smaller vehicles and cars. There are also affordable models that have convenient features, such as an expansive canopy and multiple carrying positions.
It is also important to select a seat that will last through a few years of use. The Axkid One i-Size is suitable for newborns all the way up to seven years old, which makes it a great value. Mum Rachael says "It is a great investment, and I save money on convertible car seats because it will fit my children from the time they are born."
Many parents are looking for an all-in-one solution for their children when it concerns baby equipment. A car seat that can double as a stroller is perfect and this one from Nuna is a great choice for families on a budget. Its safety and convenience features, such as an anti-rebound leg and load bar, offer peace of mind. Meanwhile, the premium fabrics and practical features, such as the stroller's base lock and cup holder will surely delight.