How to Choose the Best Infant Carrier Car Seat
Parents should take into consideration a variety of aspects when selecting the most suitable infant car seat. Some concentrate on safety features such as impact testing results, while others are more concerned with ease of use and convenience.
A flexible 3-in-1 design that transforms from a car seat to a stroller and baby carrier. Our product testers are impressed by how simple it is to change between modes.
Safety
While baby carriers are useful but they also come with many dangers, including falling and suffocation. Make sure you use your infant carrier in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions on proper position and weight and height guidelines for your child. Check the CPSC website prior to buying to see if there are any recalls for safety. If your infant carrier has been recalled, don't use it. Contact the manufacturer for a replacement.
In addition to ensuring your infant car seat meets the necessary safety standards, you'll want to look for one that is comfortable and user-friendly. The best infant carriers feature adjustable waist belts to accommodate different body types, and a design that aids the development of the hip. The carrier should also be able to be front-facing with an inward and outward pointing and a back carry.
Some infant car seats include features like a plush infant insert, auto-retracting LATCH system and bubble level indicators for quick installation and adjustments. There are also other unique features, such as an extended canopy and stroller compatibility, in many models.
Think about the Graco KeyFit35 if you are looking for a safe infant car seat that is affordable. It has impressive crash test results, and comes with a plush insert for babies. This model is also GREENGUARD Gold certified for chemical emission and JPMA-certified to meet the highest standards of safety. The reclining seat base comes with an anti-rebounding bar to reduce movement in rear-end collisions. It also has seven different headrest positions.
Whatever features you select, keep in mind that infant car seats should only be used for transportation. They are not intended to replace a crib or bassinet. Babies do die from falls or drowning when infant car seats are left on soft or hard surfaces such as beds. In fact, a study has found that more than 8,000 infants each year are treated for injuries suffered when baby carriers tip over or roll over. Don't leave a sleeping baby in a car for more than 15 minutes, because it could cause overheating or death.
Simple to use
Parents should also look for car seats that are simple to use. This includes a base that is easy to install into your vehicle, a handle that is easy to lift from the base, and straps which are easily adjustable without having to change the harness or rethread it. Parents should also consider an item with clearly marked instructions and a base with bubble levels built-in to let you know when the seat is secure in the car.
Comfort is also important for infants, which is why it's helpful to find seats that are well-padded and provides ample support for their back and head. Seats made of soft fabrics and straps are ideal. Additionally the more comfortable your child feels in the car seat the less likely they'll be to cry, which means they will be more secure during their the ride.
Some infant seats have extra features that make them more comfortable for parents, like a rotating feature that allows the baby to look at you when they get in and out of the seat. Additionally certain infant car seats snap directly into strollers, which is great for families that frequently change cars or use public transportation.
Finally, it's worth looking for a car seat that is easy to clean. The spit-up of a baby, diaper blowouts, and sticky hands can make it difficult to clean the seat.
Infant carriers are rear-facing car seats that are suitable for infants and newborns up to 13kg or four months of age. It is possible to opt for an all-in one or convertible car seat, which can be adapted to your child's needs as they grow older and can be used forward-facing once they are nine months older or older (9-18kg). This type of car seat is bigger and might not fit into certain vehicles without an adapter. Alternately, you can purchase an infant car seat attachment to your existing stroller and is a more flexible option.
Convenience
A rear-facing infant car seat is one that connects to the vehicle's base. These seats are designed to keep infants secure and comfortable until they reach the limits of weight and height. This is usually around 18kg. Certain models can be converted into a travel set-up that can be used while on the move. These all-in-one car seats are ideal for families who need to switch cars frequently or travel often.
Choose a car seat that is simple to adjust and install. Buckles, installation straps and the handle should be easy to reach and operate. The adjustable straps for the headrest and harness must be easy to tighten and loosen particularly for children who grow rapidly. Look for an intuitive design that includes a variety of safety features like built-in bubble levels that will aid in achieving a good fitting.
Certain models let you rotate the seat 360 degrees, which is beneficial if your baby sleeps in the car or if you're putting them in or out of the seat. It is recommended to select a car seat for infants that has a lie-flat position, which gives babies more support and reduces their risk of sudden death.
A comfortable handle or canopy can make an enormous difference in your day-to-day routine. The best infant car seats have handles that require a single push that simultaneously raises and lower. This makes them very easy to use even when your hands are full or your child is sleeping in the seat. Some seats come with a canopy which can be easily pulled down from the bottom.
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 alternative. They are also ideal for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays, and trips in hire cars or grandparents' vehicles.
Value
A high-quality infant car seat isn't expensive however, you don't have to break the bank also. Budget-friendly options like the Baby Trend Secure-Lift prove that you don't need to sacrifice safety features in order to save money. The seat is GREENGUARD certified for low emissions of chemicals, and JPMA certified to meet the highest standards of safety. Its Keepsafe(tm) and side-impact protection systems give newborns the best possible protection, while its three-position adjustable base and four-position carry handle ensure it will grow with your baby.
Other features that save money are simple installation and removal, and machine-washable fabrics covers. Some infant car seats also provide convenient features like an integrated stroller or a rotation capabilities. These features can save you money if you intend to use the seat for many years or frequently switch between vehicles.
Another thing to take into consideration is the height and weight limits of the seat. If you want to use the car seat for a longer period of time, look for one that goes up to at minimum the 90th percentile of your baby's weight and height. This can protect your child from spinal cord injuries if you're involved in an accident.
If you're on a budget, choose one that is smaller. This will allow the seat to fit into smaller vehicles and cars. There are also budget-friendly models that come with convenient features, such as a large canopy and multiple carrying positions.
Choose best car seats infant can use for several years. The Axkid One i-Size is suitable for babies up to seven-year-olds, making it a good investment. Mum Rachael says "It is a great investment and I can save money on future convertible car seats as it fits my children from the time they are born."
Many parents seek an all-in-one solution in regards to their baby's gear. This Nuna car seat is a great option for families on the tightest budget. Its safety features and conveniences such as a load-leg and an anti-rebound bar, give you peace of mind, and the premium fabrics, as well as convenient extras like the stroller lock and cup holder will surely delight.