How to Choose the Best Infant Carrier Car Seat
When selecting the ideal car seat for infants parents must consider a variety of factors. Some concentrate on safety features such as impact testing results, while others prioritize user-friendliness and convenience.
The 3-in-1 design is flexible and can be used as a stroller, car seat or baby carrier. Our product testers love how easy it is to switch between modes.
Safety
While baby carriers are useful, they also carry a number of dangers, including falling and suffocation. Make sure to use your baby carrier according to the instructions, and follow the instructions of the manufacturer on proper position and height and weight recommendations for your child. Go to the CPSC website prior to buying to find out if there's any recalls for safety. If your baby carrier is recall, don't use it. Contact the manufacturer for a replacement.
It is also important to ensure that your infant car seat is comfortable and easy-to-use. The best infant carriers have adjustable waist belts to fit different body types, and a design that aids hip development. It is important to ensure that the carrier has a forward-facing, outward or forward-facing position, as well as a rear carry.
Certain infant car seats come with features like a plush infant insert with an auto-retracting LATCH system as well as bubble level indicators for speedy installation and adjustments. There are other unique features, such as an extended canopy or stroller compatibility, in numerous models.
If you're looking for an affordable infant car seat with robust safety features, look into the Graco KeyFit 35. It is a top crash test results and comes with an infant insert with a plush material to hold newborns. This model is also GREENGUARD Gold certified for chemical emissions, and JPMA certified to meet industry's strictest safety standards. Its reclining seat base has an anti-rebounding bar to reduce movement in rear-end crashes and seven different headrest positions.
Whatever features you select, keep in mind that infant car seats should only be used to transport children. They are not designed to replace a crib or bassinet. Infant car seats left unattended in furniture or on soft surfaces like beds could cause babies to fall and suffocate. In fact, a study found that more than 8,000 babies a year are treated for injuries when baby carriers tip or roll over. It is also not recommended to leave a sleeping infant in car seats for longer than 15 minutes, since they are at the risk of heat exhaustion and death.
Easy of Use
Parents should also consider car seats that are simple to use. This includes a base which is easy to fit into your vehicle, a handle that is easy to lift from the base, and straps that can be easily adjusted without the need to rethread or move the harness. Parents should also look for seats that have clearly labeled instructions and a base with bubble levels built-in to let you know whether the seat is secured in the car.
It is important to be comfortable for infants, which is why it's important to choose seats that are well-padded and provides plenty of support for their back and head. This includes seats that have soft fabrics and straps that aren't stiff or rough against the skin. The more comfortable your car seat is, the less likely your child will cry. This means that they'll be safer during the journey.
Some infant car seats come with extra features that make them more comfortable. For example, they have a rotating feature that allows you to turn the baby towards you when you take them in or out of the seat. Some infant car seats can be clicked directly into strollers. This is great for families that frequently change vehicles or take public transportation.
It's also worth looking for seats that have simple cleaning procedures. Babies spit up, experience diaper blowouts, and spread their sticky hands on everything, so it's best to find a car seat that can be quickly wiped down or tossed into the washer with no fuss.
An infant carrier is usually rear-facing car seats that are suitable for newborns and babies up to 13kg or about four months old. You might want to consider an all-in-one or convertible car seat that can grow with your child as they get older and can be used forward-facing when they are nine months old or older (9-18kg). This type of car seat is more bulky and will not fit in certain vehicles without an adapter. Alternately, car seat inserts for newborns can purchase an infant car seat attachment for your current stroller and is a more flexible option.
Convenience
A rear-facing infant car seat clicks into the vehicle's base. These seats are designed to keep babies safe and comfortable until they reach the weight and height limits. This is usually around 18kg. Some models can be converted into a travel set-up that can be used on the move. These car seats that are all-in-one are perfect for families that have to change cars frequently or travel frequently.
Look for a car seat that is simple to adjust and install. The buckles, installation straps and handle should be easily accessible and straightforward to use. The headrest and harness adjusters should be simple to tighten or loosen, especially for children who grow rapidly. Look for an intuitive design that has plenty of safety features such as built-in bubble levels that will ensure a perfect fit.
Certain models let you rotate the seat in 360 degrees. This can be useful if your child falls asleep in the car, or if you are putting them in and out of the seat. It is recommended to select an infant car seat that has the position of lying flat, which provides better support for babies and reduces their chance of sudden death.
A convenient handle and canopy are additional extras that can make a significant impact on your daily routine. Some of the best car seats for infants come with handles that can be raised or lowered by one push. This makes them simple to use, even if your hands are full or your child is sleeping in the seat. Some seats also have an umbrella that can be removed from the bottom to protect your child.
If you plan to travel with your baby a lot, an infant carrier car seat that has integrated ISOFIX connectors is a great option. They make it easier to install a seat by using the seat belt of your vehicle. This is a safer option. They're also great for taxi rides, fly-drive holiday and trips in rental cars or grandparent's vehicles.
Value
A good infant car seat isn't inexpensive however you don't have to spend a fortune also. Budget-friendly options like the Baby Trend Secure-Lift show you don't have to sacrifice safety features in order to save money. The seat is GREENGUARD certified for low chemical emissions and JPMA certified to meet the highest safety standards. Its Keepsafe(tm) and side-impact protection systems provide newborns with the best possible protection and its three-position, adjustable base and four-position carry handle ensure it grows with your baby.
Other features that save money are simple removal and installation, and machine-washable fabrics covers. Some infant car seats also offer convenient extras like the built-in stroller, or the rotation ability. These features can help you reduce costs if you intend on using the seat for a long time or frequently switch between vehicles.
Another aspect to consider is the height and weight limits of the seat. If you are planning to use the seat for a longer period, you should choose a seat that can be able to accommodate your child up to the 90th percentile of height and weight. This will help protect your baby from spinal cord injuries during a collision.
If you're on a budget consider a model with a narrower width, which can make it easier to fit the seat in smaller vehicles and cars. There are also budget-friendly models that come with convenient features such as an expansive canopy or multiple positions for carrying.
You'll also want to choose a seat that can last for several years of use. The Axkid One iSize is suitable for infants all the way up to seven years, which is a great value. Mum Rachael says, "It's a good investment and saves me money on future convertible carseats because it will fit my kids right from the moment they were born."
Many parents are looking for an all-in-one solution for their children when it is about baby equipment. A car seat that doubles as a stroller is perfect and this model from Nuna is a great choice for families with a tight budget. Its safety and convenience features, including the load leg and anti-rebound bar, provide peace of mind. Meanwhile, its top-quality fabrics and useful accessories, like a stroller base lock and cup holder, are sure to please.