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How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best Parents should have car seats. What is it that makes one car seat more effective than another? A dedicated infant seat fits small babies best, and is lighter to facilitate transport outside of the vehicle. Consider features that are convenient, like premium connectors for lower anchors with non-rethreading harness pads and single button handles. Also, look into safety features like load legs and head/body cushions. Safety As any parent will tell you choosing the correct car seat is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make for your child. The best seat will ensure that your child is in a position correctly and adequately secured in the event of a crash. Not all car seats are equal. While every car seat sold in the US must adhere to the strict safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Not all seats have the same features. Certain models have features specifically designed to protect infants, such as load legs that limit the impact of crashes by absorbing the force of impact on the base of the car seat, while others include built-in bubble levels for easy installation and adjustable headrests that increase with your baby. Car seats specifically designed for infants are also designed to fit babies at their best, and typically include crash-tested inserts to aid in this, says Choi. Additionally, they're generally lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily transferred to a stroller which makes them perfect for ride shares and daycare pickups and drop-offs. Since they'll only last through your baby's first year, you can always buy a second-hand one for a fraction of the cost. best car seat infant to be aware of is that, while a high NHTSA rating and impressive crash test results are important, the way you use your car seat is more crucial for your child's safety. In fact, a study conducted by Portland's top children's hospital found that 95% of parents made at the very least one crucial mistake when installing or positioning their car seat. It is important to familiarize yourself prior to when your baby arrives by ensuring that you know the appropriate guidelines for car seats. We recommend that you choose an infant car seat that comes with clear and concise instructions. It should also be lightweight so that it is easy to carry around with your baby. You should also check to determine if the car seat for infants you're considering meets the size requirements for your vehicle. And if you're worried about your ability to set up and use the car seat correctly you might want to bring it to a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) to receive an in-person tutorial prior to when your baby is born. Convenience Some infant car seats come with extra features that make them easier to use. Some infant car seats have features that make them simpler to use. For instance, they could have a base on which the seat can be clicked in and out, or they could include an easy-to-use adjusting mechanism. These features make it simpler to remove and install the car seat – especially if there is another child in your care. The weight and the height limits of a car seat for infants are also important factors to take into consideration. If you have a child who is growing quickly it could be worth the cost to purchase a car seat that has higher limits so that you can utilize it for as long as possible. In addition to the safety features, a baby car seat should be comfortable for your baby. Look for padded straps which don't rub or pinch their shoulders, and for soft fabric that feels at ease under them. It's also recommended to choose a seat with an option to lie flat that allows your baby to be in a reclined position, which helps keep their airways open and their oxygen saturation levels high. There are a number of accessories for infant car seats, but Dr. Segura warns against buying any item that isn't included in the seat, as it is not tested for crash and could be unsafe. Avoid buying used infant car seats because they may have been in an accident and could be damaged or worn. The top infant car seats cost from $100 to over $600. However, they all share certain features. They're all lightweight, easy to set up and remove and are comfortable for infants. Some models have additional features that make them even more adaptable. For instance they can swivel, or clip into strollers without the need for adapters. For more details on the different options available, take a look at our comparison of best infant car seats. Comfort The best infant car seats feature comfort features that make it easier to get the baby in and out of the seat. The best infant car seats have one-handed clasps that eliminates having to grip both sides at the same time. They also have cushioned padding to make it easier to lift the seat. Also, you should consider the weight of the seat. Because you'll be using it without a base, a seat that is lighter is preferable. This Baby Trend Secure Lift, for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds. The weight and height limits of the infant car seats are also crucial. If you intend to keep the car seat for a period of time choose one that will expand with your child and will allow them to transition into the toddler years. You'll be capable of using it for longer and save money on a second car seat. You'll also want to consider the dimensions of the seat and whether it's narrower or wider than other models. This could be beneficial for smaller vehicles, and the latter is a benefit if you have two kids in car seats that are back-to-back or need to drive with three children in the back seat at some time. If you plan to use a car seat with a pram, you should choose one that is compatible with the most popular strollers, and includes detachable seats. Car seat brands like Graco and Nuna offer options that can meet this need. For ease of use, check out the ratings that a car seat gets for installation. Clear guidelines and indicators, like bubble levels or color-coding which indicate whether the seat is securely fastened and level, can ease stress for parents who are new. Some seats also have unique features like load legs, which are shock-absorbing parts that are located under the seat or on the base that extend to the floor of the vehicle to absorb some of the force of a crash. There are accessories that claim to enhance the comfort and convenience of your car seat. Be aware that anything that is not sold with the seat hasn't been subjected to safety testing. Segura recommends that you don't put anything in your car seat, including a blanket or harness you bought from a different source. Style For parents who are new, figuring out how to choose the best car seat for your infant can be quite an exercise. It's important that you know your budget and the features you'd like. There are plenty of different options in terms of special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics but a lot is based on what's comfortable for babies. It's important to note that convertible car seats are not as suitable for small babies and are only suitable until the age of one year. Some may even come with extended kits that have been tested in a crash, which will help them last longer. They tend to come with more recline options to ensure 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 is beneficial for parents who are trying to save time and money by purchasing one seat that will do double duty. Another important thing to remember is that car seat size and weight are key aspects for the majority of families. For example, some infant car seats are designed to be smaller than others, allowing them to 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 when you lift them and then transfer them from the car to the stroller. Many parents choose an baby car seats that can be transformed from base to carrier, and then transform into a stroller without any extra attachments. This can help you save a lot of time, particularly on days when you are running errands. Other useful features include a no-rethread harness with magnetic buckle holders, as well as an easy-to-install process. Look for a head and body support insert to stop infants from slumping into the seat or in the car when they fall asleep. Certain car seats come with rigid latches that can be flipped out from the base when installed correctly. This kind of installation is more secure and restricts the amount a seat can move during the event of a crash.