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How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best Car seats are a must-have for parents. What makes one seat better than another? A specially designed 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. Consider features that are convenient, like premium connectors for lower anchors and harness pads that are not rethreading, and single button handles. Also, think about security features like load legs and body/head cushions. Safety As any parent will tell you, choosing the right car seat for your child is among the most important decisions you can make. The right seat will ensure that they're in the right position correctly in the car, and ensure they're protected in the event of an accident. While every car seat sold in the US must adhere to strict standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) However, not all car seats are created equal. Certain models come with special features to protect infants, for instance, load legs that limit the impact of crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the base and car seat and others have built-in bubble levels for easy installation and adjustable headrests that expand with your baby. Choi says that car seats for infants are designed to be able to accommodate babies in the best way. They often include crash-tested inserts which help to achieve this. Additionally, they're generally lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily transferred to a stroller, making them ideal for ride shares and daycare drop-offs and pick-ups. You can purchase an used one for only a fraction of the cost, since they only last for your baby's first 12 months. A high NHTSA score and great crash test results are crucial, but the way you use the car seat of your child is more important. In fact, a study done by Portland's leading children's hospital revealed that 95% of parents made at least one serious mistake when installing or positioning their car seat. It's important to be familiar with your surroundings before your baby is born with proper guidelines for car seats. We suggest you look for car seats that have clear and concise instructions, is light enough to be easy to carry your baby in it, and comes with easy-to-use adjustments. You should also check to see whether the car seat for infants you're considering meets the size requirements for your vehicle. If you're worried about your capability to set up and operate the car seat properly by yourself, you may be able to bring it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your baby is born to receive a hands-on demonstration. Convenience Some infant car seats have extra features that make them more user-friendly. Certain infant car seats have features that make them easier to use. For instance, they might have a base on which the seat can be pushed in and out, or they might feature an easy-to-use adjustment mechanism. These features make it easier to attach and remove the car seat, particularly if you have another child to look after. The weight and the height limits of a baby car seat are also important to take into account. If your baby is growing quickly it may be worth investing in a car-seat with higher limits to ensure that you can utilize it for as long as you like. Apart from the safety features, an infant car seat should be comfortable for your baby. Find padded straps that won't rub or pinch their shoulders and soft fabric that feels soft beneath them for extended durations of time. Select a seat that is in an upright position. This allows your child to sit upright position, which helps keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high. There are a number of accessories available for infant car seats, however Dr. Segura advises against purchasing anything that is not included in the seat, as it is not tested in a crash and may be dangerous. Avoid buying a used infant car seat as they could have been in an accident and may be damaged or worn. The best infant car seats cost between $100 and $600. However they all have some characteristics. infant car seats that swivel 're all lightweight, easy to put in and take off and comfortable for infants. Some models have additional features that make them even more versatile. For instance they can swivel, or clip into strollers without adapters. For more details on the different options available, take a look at our list of the top infant car seats. Comfort The best infant car seats have comfort features that make it easy to get your baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch that removes the need to grasp both sides of the strap at the same time, and cushioned padding that makes it less painful to lift the seat. Additionally, you'll need to take into consideration the weight of the seat—you'll be using it without a base after all so a lighter model is more suitable. This Baby Trend Secure Lift is a good example. It weighs less than 13 pounds. The height and weight limit of infant car seats are also crucial. If you plan to keep the car seat for a while choose one that will adapt to your baby's needs and will fit them well into toddlerhood. You'll be able to use it for longer and save money on a second car seat. You'll also want to think about the seat's dimensions and whether it's wider or wider than other models. The first is a good option for smaller vehicles. The second may be beneficial if you have three children in the rear seat or two children in back-to-back car seats. If you're planning to use a car seat in conjunction with a pram, choose one that is compatible with the most popular strollers, and includes detachable seats. Brands like Graco or Nuna have options that will meet your needs. For ease of use, check out the ratings a car seat receives for installation. Clear guidelines and indicators, like bubble levels or color codes which indicate whether the seat is secure and level can ease stress for new parents. Some seats also come with innovative features like load legs, which are shock-absorbing parts that are located under the seat or base that extend to the floor of the vehicle to absorb some of the force in a crash. There are accessories that claim to enhance the convenience and comfort of your car seat. Be aware that anything that's not included in the seat hasn't undergone safety tests. “Anything you purchase that's not from the manufacturer, even an accessory like a harness or blanket is not recommended to put in the car seat,” Segura says. Style For new parents, figuring out how to choose the best car seat for your infant can be quite a puzzle. It is important to determine what your budget is and the features that you want. There are a lot of options in terms of special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics but a lot depends on what's most comfortable for baby. It's important to note that convertible car seats are not suitable for infants and are only suitable until one year. Some may even have extension kits that have been tested for safety which can help them last longer. They usually come with 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 trying to save time and money by purchasing one seat that will serve two purposes. Another aspect to be aware of is that car seat width and weight are important factors for most families. For instance, some infant car seats are designed to be a bit narrower than others to allow a better fit in the back seat of your car, or to be used in conjunction with siblings seats. Some are so heavy that they test your biceps as you lift them up and transfer them from the car to the stroller. In terms of convenience, many parents opt for infant car seats that have the capability to move from the base to the carrier and then click into a stroller without the need for additional attachments. This will save you a lot of time, especially during busy times when you're running errands with your little ones. Other convenient features include a no-rethread harness with magnetic buckle holders, as well as a streamlined installation process. Lastly, look for an head and body support insert, which can aid in preventing infants from slumbering in the carrier or seat in the event of a nap. Certain car seats come with rigid latches that open from the base when they are installed correctly. This kind of installation is more secure and limits the amount a seat can move during an accident.