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How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best Car seats are an essential item for parents. What makes one seat superior to another? A specially designed infant seat is ideal for the smallest of babies and is lighter for easier transportation outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience extras such as premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one-button handles. Also, think about security features like load legs and body/head cushions. Safety As any parent will tell you, choosing the best car seat for your child is one of the most crucial decisions you could make. The best seat will ensure that your child is positioned properly and is adequately secured in the event in the event of a car crash. Not all car seats are equal. While every car seat sold in the US is required to adhere to the strict safety standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Not all seats have the same features. Some models have features specifically designed to protect infants. For example load legs can reduce movement in crashes, by absorbing the impact forces on the base and car seat. Other features include bubble levels that make installing easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby. Car seats specifically designed for infants are also designed to fit babies at their most comfortably and usually include extra crash-tested inserts to help achieve this, according to Choi. They're also lighter than a convertible car seat and can be easily converted to a stroller. This makes them perfect for ride-shares, daycare drop-offs, and pickups. You can buy used ones at less than the cost because they're only good for your baby's first 12 months. Another point to consider is that, while a high NHTSA rating and excellent crash test results are important, the method you use your car seat is even more critical for your child's safety. In fact, a study by Portland's most prestigious children's hospital discovered that 95% of parents made at the very least one crucial mistake when installing or positioning their car seat. It's important to familiarize yourself before your baby is born with proper guidelines for car seats. We suggest you look for a car seat with clear and concise instructions, is light enough to easily carry with your baby in it, and has simple adjustments. Check to see if the infant car seat that you're considering fits your car's dimensions. And if you're worried about your own ability to install and use the car seat correctly take it to a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) to receive an in-person tutorial prior to when your baby is born. Convenience Some infant car seats have additional features that make it easier to use. Some infant car seats have features that make them easier to use. For instance, they might have a base on which the seat can be clicked in and out, or they might feature an easy-to-use adjustment mechanism. These features make it more convenient to set up and remove the car seat, particularly when you have a child to look after. It is also crucial to think about the weight and height limits for an infant car seat. If you have a baby who is growing rapidly it might be worth the extra money to purchase an infant car seat with higher limits to ensure that you keep it in use for as long as is possible. In addition to the safety features, a baby car seat should be comfortable for your baby. Find cushioned straps that don't squeeze or rub their shoulders and soft fabric that feels soft under them for extended periods of time. Select Read More Here that is in the ability to lie flat. This allows your child to sit upright position, which helps to keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high. Dr. Segura advises that you should not buy any accessories for infant car seats that are not included in the seat as they have not been tested for safety in a crash and could pose a risk. It is also recommended to avoid purchasing used infant car seats, as they may be involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn out. While the best infant car seats range between $100 and $600, there are a few characteristics that the top choices have in common. They are all lightweight, easy to install and take down, and are comfortable for the baby. Some have extra features that make them more adaptable. For example they can swivel, or clip onto strollers without adapters. For more information about the various options available, check out our list of the top infant car seats. Comfort The best infant car seats are fitted with features for comfort that allow you to easily get your baby in and out of the seat. The top infant car seats feature a single-handed clasp system which eliminates the need to grasp both sides at once. They also come with padding that is cushioned to make it easier to lift the seat. Additionally, you'll need to think about how much weight the seat weighs. You'll be using it without a base in the end so a lighter model is the best. The Baby Trend Secure Lift for instance, weighs less that 13 pounds. The weight limit and height of infant car seats is also important. If you plan to keep the car seat, pick one that can expand with your child and fit them into the stage of toddlerhood. You can use it longer and save money by not purchasing another seat. It is also important to consider the dimensions of the seat and if it's smaller or wider than other models. This can be an advantage for smaller vehicles, and the latter could be beneficial if you have two kids in back-to-back car seats or require driving with three children in the back seat at some time. If you are planning to use the car seat along with a stroller, look for one that has detachable car seats and is compatible with the majority of strollers. Car seat brands such as Graco and Nuna provide options that satisfy this requirement. Review the rating of a car seat for ease of use. Clearly labeled guides and indicators that let you know the seat is level and securely fastened — like bubble levels or color codes—can assist in easing the burden on new parents. Certain seats come with innovative features, such as load legs. They are shock-absorbing components that extend from the seat base or under the seat to the vehicle's floor and absorb some impact force during a crash. You'll also find some accessories that claim to enhance your car seat's comfort and ease of use, but remember that any accessory not included with the car seat hasn't been tested or vetted for safety. “Anything you buy that's not from the manufacturer, including a blanket or harness is not recommended to put in the car seat,” Segura says. Style It can be difficult for new parents to choose the right infant car seats. It's crucial to know the budget you have set and the features that you're looking for. There are a variety of options for special features, stroller compatibility and even fabrics. However, it all boils down to comfort. For example, it's worth noting that infant seats designed specifically for babies are more suitable for babies than convertible car seats and are suitable for the first year of their lives (though some may come with extended kits that have been tested and crash-tested to help them last longer). They also offer more recline options to allow proper positioning of smaller children and are generally lighter, making it easier to carry. They are more likely to work when used with an existing travel system. This is a great option for new parents wanting to save money and time by purchasing seats that can serve two functions. Car seat weight and width are important aspects to take into consideration for the majority of families. Certain infant car seats, for example are narrower and can be able to fit in the back of your car or close to other seats. Others are enough weighty to test your biceps by lifting and move from stroller to car. In terms of convenience, many parents prefer infant car seats with the capability to move from base to carrier and then click into a stroller, without the need for additional attachments. This can save a ton of time, especially on busy days when you're running errands with your little ones. Other features that are useful include a harness that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and an easy-to-install process. Also, look for an arm and head support insert, which can aid in preventing infants from slumbering in the carrier or seat when they are asleep. The majority of car seats utilize flexible straps for their lower anchor connectors, but there are some that have latches that are rigid and flip out of the base and turn green when properly installed. This type of installation is more secure and can limit the amount a seat moves in the event of a crash.