How to Choose the Best Infant Carrier Car Seat
When selecting the ideal infant car seat parents must take into consideration a variety of aspects. Some parents are focused on safety features, such as the results of impact tests, while others are more concerned with user-friendliness and convenience.
The 3-in-1 design is versatile and can be used as a car seat, stroller or baby carrier. Our product testers are impressed by the ease of being able to switch modes.
Safety
Baby carriers are useful, but they also pose a number risks such as suffocation and falling. Use your baby carrier according to the directions, and adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the weight and height of your child. Visit the CPSC website prior to purchasing to determine if there are any recalls of safety. If your baby carrier is recall, don’t use it. Contact the manufacturer to get an alternative.
You’ll also need to make sure that your infant car seat is comfortable and easy-to-use. For example, the best infant car seat should have waist belts that are able to 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 is forward-facing inward or outward position, and a rear carry.
Certain infant car seats come with features such as a plush infant car seats best insert along with an auto-retracting LATCH system, as well as bubble level indicators to speed up installation and adjustments. There are other unique features, such as an extended canopy and stroller compatibility, in numerous models.
If you’re looking for an affordable infant car seat with robust safety features, you should consider the Graco KeyFit 35. It has impressive crash test results, and comes with a soft insert for babies. It is also GREENGUARD Gold certified for chemical emissions, and JPMA certified to meet industry’s highest safety standards. The base that reclines is fitted with an anti-rebound bar in order to limit movement in rear-end collisions and offers seven different headrest positions.
No matter what features you choose regardless of the features you choose, remember that infant car seats are intended only for transportation and not to be used as a substitute for a bassinet or crib. Car seats for infants that are left unsupervised in furniture or on soft surfaces like beds can cause babies to fall over or even suffocate. In fact, a study revealed that more than 8,000 infants a year are treated for injuries suffered when baby carriers tip or roll over. Don’t leave a sleeping baby in a car for more than 15 minute, as it can lead to overheating or even death.
Simple to use
Parents should also search for car seat newborn seats that are easy to use. This includes a base that is easy to put in your vehicle and a handle that’s simple to remove from the base and straps that can be adjusted without the need to rethread or move the harness. Additionally, parents should choose seats that have clearly labeled installation guides and a base with built-in bubble levels that show whether it’s secured in the vehicle.
Infants also need to be comfortable, so look for a seat with plenty of padding and support for the head and back. Seats made of soft fabrics and straps are ideal. Also, the more comfortable your child is in the car seat the less likely they are to cry and, therefore, they’ll be safer during journeys.
Certain infant seats have additional features that make them more convenient for parents, like the ability to rotate the baby to look at you when they get in and out of the seat. Certain infant car seats can be turned directly into strollers. This is ideal for families who frequently switch vehicles or use public transport.
It’s also worth looking for a seat that’s easy to clean. Babies vomit, suffer diaper blowouts, and smear their sticky hands on everything, so it’s best car seats for newborns to choose an automobile seat that can be quickly wiped down or tossed into the washer with no hassle.
Infant carriers are rear-facing car seats designed for babies and newborns up to 13kg, or 4 months old. Based on your needs you may want to consider an all-in-one or convertible car seat that is designed to grow with your child as they reach toddlerhood and can also be used as a forward-facing car seat when they’re nine months old or older (9 to 18kg). However, this type of car seat will take up more space in the car and isn’t able to fit in certain vehicles without a special adapter. You can also purchase an infant car attachment to your stroller. This is a more adaptable option.
Convenience
A rear-facing infant carrier car seat is one that is able to be inserted into 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. Some models can be transformed into a travel set-up that you can use when you travel. These car seats all-in-one are perfect for families who require changing vehicles or travel frequently.
Look for a car seat that is simple to install and adjust. The straps for installation, buckles, and the handle should be easy to access and operate. Similarly, the adjustable straps for the headrest and harness should be simple to tighten and loosen, especially for children who grow rapidly. Look for a design that is simple and comes with many security features, including bubble levels that are built-in to help you achieve the perfect fit.
Some models allow you to rotate the seat in 360 degrees. This can be useful when your child gets sleepy in the car, or if you are putting them in and out of the seat. You should look for an infant car seat with an upright position. This will give more support to your baby and decrease the chance of sudden deaths.
A handy handle and canopy are two additional features that can make a significant difference in your daily routine. The best infant seat car seats for infants have handles that can be lowered and raised with a single press. They are simple to use even if you’ve got hands full or your baby is asleep in the seat. Some seats also come with a canopy that can be removed from the bottom to safeguard your child.
If you are planning to travel frequently with your child then a car seat for infants with ISOFIX connectors is a fantastic option. They make it easier to install a seat by using the car seat belt. This is a safer option. They are also ideal for taxi rides, fly-drive holiday and trips in rental cars or grandparent’s vehicles.
Value
A quality infant car seat isn’t cheap, but you don’t need to break the bank either. The Baby Trend Secure Lift is an excellent example of a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice safety for cost-savings. This seat is certified by GreenGuard for low emissions of chemicals, 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 grows 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 the ability to rotate. These features can help you save money if you intend to use the seat for a number of years or frequently change between cars.
Another thing to take into consideration is the height and weight limits of the seat. If you intend to use the car seat for longer periods of time, look for one that goes up to at least the 90th percentile for 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 shopping on a budget consider one with a smaller width, which can make it easier to install the seat in small cars and vehicles. There are also affordable models that have practical features, such as an enormous canopy and numerous carrying positions.
It is also important to select a seat that will last for several years of usage. The Axkid One i-Size is suitable for babies to seven years old, making it a great investment. Mum Rachael says, “It’s a good investment and will save me money on convertible carseats because it will fit my kids from the time they are born.”
Many parents are looking for an all-in-one solution in regards to their baby’s equipment. A car seat that doubles as a stroller is ideal and this model from Nuna is a great choice for families with a tight budget. Its safety and convenience features, like the load leg and anti-rebound bar, give peace of mind while its premium fabrics and convenient extras, such as a stroller base lock as well as a cup holder will surely delight.
