How to Choose the Best Infant Carrier Car Seat
Parents should take into consideration a variety of factors when selecting the best infant car seat. Some parents concentrate on safety features like the impact test results, while others are more concerned with convenience and ease of use.
A flexible 3-in-1 design that converts from a car seat to a 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 a number of risks, such as falling and suffocation. Use your baby carrier according to the directions and adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations on weight and height for your child. Check the CPSC website before purchasing to find out if there's any recalls of safety. If your baby carrier is recalled, do not use it and immediately contact the manufacturer to get it replaced.
In addition to ensuring your infant car seat is in compliance with the necessary safety standards You'll also want to look for one that is comfortable and user-friendly. The best infant car seats will have adjustable waist belts to accommodate different body types and a design which supports hip development. You'll want to make sure the carrier can be used in a forward-facing inward or outward position, and a rear carry.
Certain infant car seats include features such as a plush insert for infants, an auto-retracting latch system and bubble level indicators to make installation and adjustments quick. A lot of models have additional features like an extended canopy or stroller compatibility.
Take a look at the Graco KeyFit35 when you are in search of a safe infant car seat that is affordable. It has superior crash test results and includes an infant insert that is soft to hold newborns. The model is also GreenGuard Gold certified for chemical emissions and JPMA certified to meet industry's most stringent safety standards. The seat base that reclines has an anti-rebounding bar to reduce movement in rear-end crashes and seven different headrest positions.
Whatever features you pick, keep in mind that infant car seats are intended to be used for transport only and are not meant to substitute for a crib or bassinet. Babies can and often die from falls or drowning when infant car seats are left unattended on soft surfaces or furniture such as beds. In fact, a study has found that more than 8,000 infants a year are treated for injuries when baby carriers tip over or roll over. Also, you should not leave a baby in the car seat for longer than 15 minutes as they are at risk of overheating and death.
Simple to Use
In addition to safety features, parents should look for a car seat that is easy to use. This includes a base that's easy to install in your car and a handle that is easy to lift out of the base, and straps that are easily adjustable without the need to rethread or move the harness. Additionally, parents should look for a seat that has clearly labeled installation instructions and an base that has built-in bubble levels that show whether it's secured in the vehicle.
Infants should also be comfortable, so search for a seat that offers plenty of padding and support for the back and head. This includes seats with soft fabrics and straps that aren't stiff or rough against the skin. Additionally, the more comfortable your child feels in the car seat the less likely they are to cry and, therefore, they'll be safer during the ride.
Some infant seats come with extra features that make them more convenient. For example they come with a rotation feature which allows you to rotate the baby in your direction when putting them in or out of the seat. Certain infant car seats can be plugged directly into strollers. This is great for families that frequently change vehicles or use public transport.
It's also worth looking for an infant car seat that has a simple cleaning process. Babies spit up, have diaper blowouts, and smear their sticky hands all over everything, so it's important to choose a car seat that can be quickly wiped down or tossed in the washer with no fuss.
An infant carrier is generally a rear-facing car seat that's suitable for babies and newborns up to 13kg or approximately four months old. It is possible to opt for an all-in-one or convertible car seat, which can expand with your child as they grow older and can be used forward-facing once they reach nine months older or older (9-18kg). This kind of car seat is larger and may not fit in certain vehicles without an adapter. You can also purchase an infant car seat attachment to your existing stroller, which is a more flexible option.
Convenience
A rear-facing infant carrier car seat is able to be inserted into the vehicle's base. These seats are designed to keep children secure and comfortable until they reach their weight and height limits. It is typically around 18kg. Some models can also be used as a travel system making them into a stroller for use on the go. These car seats all-in-one are perfect for families that need to change vehicles or travel frequently.
Choose a car seat that is simple to install and adjust. Buckles, installation straps and the handle must be simple to reach and operate. The adjusters for the harness and headrest must be easy to tighten or loosen, particularly for children growing rapidly. Find a model that is easy to use and has numerous safety features, like bubble levels that are built-in to help you achieve the ideal size.
Some models allow you to rotate the seat 360 degrees, which is handy if your baby is asleep in the car, or when you're trying to get them in and out of the seat. You should look for an infant car seat that has a flat position. This will give more support for your baby and decrease the risk of sudden deaths.
A handy handle and canopy are also features that can make a significant difference to your day-to-day routine. Some of the best infant car seats come with handles that require just one push, which simultaneously raises and lower. forward facing infant car seat are simple to use even if you've got your hands full or your baby is asleep in the seat. Some seats have a canopy that can be pulled down easily from the bottom.
If you plan to travel frequently with your child the infant car seat with ISOFIX connectors is a good choice. They make it easier to install a seat using the vehicle seat belt. This is a more secure option. They are also ideal for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays, and trips in hire cars or grandparents' vehicles.
Value
A quality infant car seat isn't cheap however, you don't have to spend a fortune either. The Baby Trend Secure Lift is an excellent example of a budget-friendly alternative that doesn't compromise safety for cost-savings. This seat is GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low chemical emissions and JPMA-certified, which means it meets the highest standards of safety. The Keepsafe(tm) Side-impact protection and adjustable base ensure that the seat can grow with your child.
Other features that save money include simple removal and installation, and machine-washable fabric covers. Some infant car seats come with convenient extras such as an integrated stroller or the ability to rotate. These features can help you save money if you plan to use the seat for many years or frequently change between cars.
Another factor to consider is the height and weight limits of the seat. If you want to use the car seat for a longer period of time, you should look for one that goes up to at least the 90th percentile for your baby's height and weight. This can safeguard your child from spinal injuries if you are involved in an accident.
If you're shopping on a budget consider one with a smaller width, which makes it easier to fit the seat in small cars and vehicles. You can also find budget-friendly models that come with practical features, such as an expansive canopy and multiple carrying positions.
You'll also need to select an item that will last for a few years of use. The Axkid One iSize is suitable for babies all the way up to seven years, which makes it a fantastic value. Mom Rachael says "It is a great investment, and I'm saving money on convertible car seats since it fits my babies from birth."
Many parents look for an all-in-one solution in regards to their baby's gear. This Nuna car seat is an excellent choice for families who are on an extremely tight budget. Its safety and convenience features, including a load leg and anti-rebound bar, provide peace of mind. Moreover, its top-quality fabrics and useful accessories, like a stroller base lock and cup holder will surely delight.