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How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best Car seats are a must-have for parents. What makes one car seat better than another? A dedicated infant seat is the ideal choice for infants who aren't big enough. It is also lighter, which makes it easier to transport outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience extras such as premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one-button handles. Also, consider security features like load legs and head/body cushions. Safety As any parent knows choosing the correct car seat is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make for your child. The correct seat will ensure they're positioned correctly in the car, and ensure they're secured in the event of a crash. While every car seat sold in the US must meet the strict standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), not all seats are created equal. Certain models come with special features to protect infants, like load legs that reduce movement in crashes by absorbing the force of impact on the base and car seat and others have built-in bubble levels that make for easy installation and adjustable headrests that grow with your baby. Choi says that infant car seats are designed to provide the perfect fit for babies. They usually include crash-tested inserts which help to achieve this. Additionally, they're generally lighter than convertible car seats and are easily transferred to a stroller which makes them perfect for ride-sharing and daycare drop-offs and pick-ups. You can buy used ones at less than the cost, since they only last for the first 12 months. Another factor to keep in mind is that, while a high NHTSA rating and excellent crash test results are important however, the method you use your car seat is more important to your child's safety. A study conducted by Portland's top children's hospital revealed that 95% of parents made at least one error when installing or altering their car seat. This is why it's a great idea to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the proper car seat usage guidelines before your baby arrives. We suggest that you select an infant car seat that comes with clear and concise instructions. It must also be light so it's easy to carry around with your baby. You should also verify that the infant car seat you're considering fits the dimensions required for your vehicle. If you're concerned about your ability to set up and use the car seat properly, consider taking it to a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) to receive an in-person tutorial prior to when your baby's birth. Convenience Certain infant car seats come with extra features that make them easier to use. For instance, they could come with a base that the seat clicks into and out of, or they could feature easy-to-use adjustments. These features can help make it more convenient to install and detach the car seat, particularly when you have a child to attend to. It is also essential to take into consideration the limits on height and weight for the infant car seat. If you have a baby who is growing quickly it could be worth the extra cost to purchase a car seat with higher limits so that you can utilize it for as long as you can. In addition to safety features, your infant's car seat should also be comfortable. Look for padded straps which will not rub or pinch their shoulders, and for plush fabric which feels at ease under them. Select a seat with a lie-flat position. This allows your baby to sit in an upright position, which helps keep their airways wide open and oxygen saturation levels high. There are many accessories for infant car seats however Dr. Segura warns against buying anything that is not included with the seat as it has not been tested for crash and could be dangerous. Avoid purchasing a used infant car seats because they may be involved in an accident and may be damaged or worn. The best infant car seats cost between $100 and $600, there are a few characteristics that all of the top options have in common. They are all lightweight and easy to install and remove, and are comfortable for the infant. Some have extra features that make them more versatile. For example, they can swivel or clip onto strollers without the need for adapters. Check out our comparison of the best infant car seats to get more details on the different choices available. Comfort The top infant car seats have comfort features that make it easy to get the baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch system that eliminates the need to hold both straps simultaneously, as well as cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. It is also important to consider the weight of the seat. Because you'll be using it with no base, a lighter one is preferred. This Baby Trend Secure Lift is a good example. It weighs less that 13 pounds. Other important aspects include the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If you plan to keep the car seat, choose a model that will grow with your child and allow them to transition into the stage of toddlerhood. You can use it longer and save money by not purchasing another seat. You should also take into consideration the dimensions of the seat and if it is narrower or wider than other models. This can be beneficial for vehicles with smaller dimensions, while the latter is a benefit if you have two kids in back-to-back car seats, or need to drive with three children in the back seat at some moment in the future. If you are planning to use a car seat in conjunction with a pram, choose one that is compatible with most popular strollers, and includes detachable seats. Brands such as Graco or Nuna have options that will satisfy your requirements. For ease of use, look up the score that a car seat gets for installation. Clearly labeled guides and indicators that inform you that the seat is level and securely fastened — like bubble levels or color-coded markings—can aid in reducing stress on the new parents. Some seats also have innovative features such as load legs, which are shock-absorbing parts found under the seat or base that extend to the vehicle floor and absorb some of the force during a crash. You'll also find some accessories that claim to improve your car seat's comfort and convenience, but keep in mind that any product not included with the car seat hasn't been evaluated or approved for safety. “Anything you purchase that's not from the manufacturer, even a blanket or harness is not recommended to put in the car seat,” Segura says. Style For new parents trying to figure out how to pick the most suitable infant car seat is a bit of an issue. It's crucial to know what your budget is and what features you want. There are a variety of options for special features, stroller compatibility and even fabrics. However, it all boils down to comfort. For instance, it's worth noting that infant seats designed specifically for babies are more suitable for babies than convertible car seats and can be used for the first year of their lives (though some may come with crash-tested extension kits to make them last longer). They usually offer more recline settings to facilitate the proper positioning of tiny children. They are also lighter and more convenient to carry. They are also more likely to work with a travel system which can be helpful for new parents who are trying to save time and money by purchasing one seat that can serve two purposes. Car seat weight and width are important to consider for families with a large number of children. infant car seats that swivel , for instance are narrower, which allows them to fit better in the back of your vehicle or next to other seats. Some are also heavy enough to test your biceps by lifting and transfer from car to stroller. Many parents opt for an baby car seats that can be converted from base to carrier and then transform into a stroller without needing any extra attachments. This will save you a lot of time, especially on busy days where you are running around for errands. Other useful features include an adjustable buckle holder that is magnetic, a no-rethread strap, and a simple installation process. Finally, you should look for an head and body support insert that can assist infants in avoiding slumping in their seats or carriers when they fall asleep. The majority of car seats utilize flexible straps for the lower anchor connectors, but there are some that have latches that are rigid and flip out of the base and turn green when correctly installed. This type of installation is more secure and restricts the amount that a seat can move in a crash.