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How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best Car seats are a must-have for parents. What is it that makes one car seat better than the other? A specially designed infant seat is ideal for the smallest of babies and is lighter for easier transportation outside of the vehicle. Look for features that make life easier like premium connectors for lower anchors, non-rethreading harness pads, and single button handles. Also, think about security features like load legs and body cushions for the head and neck. Safety As any parent will tell you, choosing the most appropriate car seat for your child is one of the most crucial decisions that you could make. The best seat will ensure that they're placed properly in the car and ensure they're protected in the event of an accident. While every car seat sold in the US must meet the strict standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), not all car seats are created equally. Certain models come with special features to protect infants, such as load legs that reduce the impact of crashes by absorbing the impact forces on the base of the car seat and others have built-in bubble levels for easy installation and adjustable headrests that grow with your child. Choi says that infant car seats are designed to provide the perfect fit for babies. They often have crash-tested inserts which aid in this. Additionally, infant car seat for travel pushchairsandprams.uk than convertible car seats and can be easily transferred to a stroller making them ideal for ride shares and daycare pickups and drop-offs. Since they'll only last through the first year of your baby's life and beyond, you can always purchase a second-hand one for less than the price. Another point to keep in mind is that while a high NHTSA rating and excellent crash test results are important but the manner you use your car seat is more crucial for your child's safety. A study by Portland's leading children's hospital revealed that 95% parents made at least one error when installing or changing their car seat. That's why it's a good idea to spend a few minutes to get familiar with the correct car seat usage guidelines before your little one arrives. We suggest looking for a car seat with clear and concise instructions, is light enough to be able to carry your baby in it, and comes with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. Check to see if the infant car seat that you are considering fits the car's dimensions. If you're concerned about your ability to set up and operate the car seat properly yourself, you might want to take it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your baby is born for a hands on instruction. Convenience Some infant car seats have extra features that make them more user-friendly. Some infant car seats have features that make them easier to use. For instance, they might have a base on which the seat can be clicked into and out, or they might have an easy-to-use adjusting mechanism. These features can make it easier to attach and remove the car seat, particularly if you have another child to attend to. It is also essential to take into consideration the limits on height and weight for an infant car seat. If your child is growing rapidly it may be worthwhile to invest in a car-seat with higher limits to ensure you can utilize it for as long as you'd like. In addition to safety features, your child's car seat should also be comfortable. Find comfortable straps that don't rub or pinch their shoulders, and a soft fabric that feels soft beneath them for extended periods of time. Choose a seat that has an upright 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 a number of accessories available for infant car seats, but Dr. Segura cautions against buying any item that isn't included in the seat because it has not been tested for crash and could be dangerous. Avoid purchasing a used infant car seat as they could be involved in an accident and could be damaged or worn. While the top infant car seats cost anywhere from $100 to $600 There are a few characteristics that all of the top options have in common. All are lightweight and easy to install and remove, and comfortable for the baby. Some even come with special features that make them more flexible including the ability to pivot and clip into strollers, without the need for additional adapters. Check out our review of the best infant car seats for more information on the various options on the market. Comfort The top infant car seats have comfort features that make it easier to get baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch that eliminates the need to hold both straps simultaneously, as well as cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. In addition, you'll need to consider the weight of the seat—you'll be using it without a base in the end, so a lighter one is better. The Baby Trend Secure Lift, for instance, weighs less that 13 pounds. Other important aspects include the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If you intend to keep the car seat, pick one that can grow with your child and fit them into toddlerhood. You can keep it for longer and save money by not purchasing a second seat. You should also consider the dimensions of the seat and if it's smaller or wider than other models. The first can be useful for smaller vehicles. The second could be helpful when you have three kids in the rear seat or two children in back-to-back car seats. If you're planning to use a car seat with a pram, choose one that is compatible with most popular strollers and has removable seats. Car seat brands like Graco and Nuna offer options that can meet this need. For ease of use, take a look at the ratings the car seat is given for installation. Clearly labeled guides and indicators that let you know the seat is level and securely fastened — like bubble levels or color coding—can help reduce stress on new parents. Some seats have innovative features, like load legs. These are parts that absorb shock that extend from the seat base or underneath the seat to the vehicle's floor and absorb some force during a crash. There are also a few accessories that claim to enhance your car seat's comfort and ease of use, but remember that any device not sold in conjunction with the car seat hasn't been evaluated or approved for safety. Segura suggests that you don't put anything else in your car seat, such as a blanket or harness you bought elsewhere. Style For new parents trying to figure out how to select the best infant car seat can be a bit of an issue. It's crucial to know your budget and the features you'd like. There are many options for special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics. But it all boils down to comfort. For example it's worth noting that infant-specific seats fit small babies better 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 ensure they last longer). They also tend to have more recline modes for proper positioning of smaller children and are generally lighter, which makes it easier to carry. They are also more likely to be compatible with a travel system which can be helpful for parents who are trying to save time and money by purchasing one seat that can perform double duty. Car seat weight and width are also important to consider for the majority of families. For instance, certain infant car seats are designed to be a bit narrower than others for a better fit in the back of your car or for use with siblings in their seats. Some are so heavy that they will test your biceps as you lift them and then transfer them from the car to the stroller. Many parents prefer infant car seat that can be converted from a base to a carrier and then click into a stroller without any extra attachments. This can save a ton of time, particularly during busy times when you're running errands your kids. Other features that are useful include an adjustable buckle holder that is magnetic as well as a strap that does not need to be rethread and a streamlined installation procedure. Find a head-and-body-support insert to prevent infants from slumping into the carrier or seat as they fall asleep. Some car seats feature rigid latches which flip out from the base when installed correctly. This type of install is more secure and can restrict the amount that a seat can move during a crash.