How to Choose the Best Infant Carrier Car Seat
Parents should consider several factors when selecting the best infant car seat. Some focus on safety features like impact testing results, while others are more concerned with ease of use and convenience.
The 3-in-1 design is flexible and can be used as a stroller, car seat or baby carrier. Our product testers appreciate the ease with which it is possible to switch between modes.
Safety
Baby carriers are convenient, but they can also pose a number risks such as suffocation and falling. Use your baby carrier according to the instructions, and adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations on weight and height for your child. Also, prior to purchasing make sure to check the site of the CPSC for recalls and safety issues. If your baby carrier is recall, don't use it. Contact the manufacturer for a replacement.
You'll also want to ensure that the car seat for your infant is comfortable and easy to use. For instance, the most comfortable infant car seat should have waist belts that are able to expand to accommodate various body types and a design that supports your child's development of the hip. You should ensure that the carrier has a forward-facing, outward or forward-facing position, and an incline rear carry.
Some infant car seats have features like a plush insert for infants with an auto-retracting LATCH system as well as bubble level indicators for speedy installation and adjustments. Many models come with other features like an extended canopy or stroller compatibility.
If you're looking for a low-cost infant car seat with robust safety features, consider the Graco KeyFit 35. It has excellent crash test results, and comes with a comfortable insert for babies. It is also GREENGUARD Gold certified for chemical emissions and JPMA certified to meet the industry's strictest safety standards. Its reclining base is equipped with an anti-rebound bar to limit movement in rear-end collisions. It includes seven different headrests.
Whatever features you pick 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. Babies can and do die from falls or drowning when infant car seats are left on soft or hard surfaces like beds. A study found that over 8,000 babies are treated each year for injuries caused by baby carriers that tip or roll. Do not leave a baby asleep in a car for longer than 15 minute, because it could cause overheating or death.
Easy of Use
In addition to safety features, parents should search for a car seat that is simple to use. This includes a base that is simple to put in your vehicle, a handle that is easy to lift from the base, and straps that can be easily adjusted without having to change the harness or rethread it. Additionally, parents should look for seats with clearly labeled installation instructions and bases with built-in bubble levels that indicate when it's secure in the vehicle.
The comfort factor is also crucial for infants, which is why it's helpful to find a seat that is well-padded and provides ample 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 the car seat is the less likely that your child will cry. This means they'll be more secure on the ride.
Certain infant seats have additional features that make them more convenient, such as rotating features that allow the baby to look at you when they get in and out of the seat. Additionally some infant car seats snap directly into strollers, which is ideal for families who frequently change cars or use public transport.
Also, try this should look for a seat that is easy to clean. Baby's spit-up, diaper blowouts and sticky hands can make it difficult to clean the seat.
Infant carriers are rear-facing car seats that are suitable for babies and infants up to 13kg, or four months of age. You may prefer an all-in one or convertible car seat, which will grow with your child as they get older and can be used forward-facing once they're nine months older or older (9-18kg). However, this type of car seat requires more space in your car and won't fit into certain vehicles without a special adapter. You can also purchase an infant car seat attachment for your current stroller and is more flexible.
Convenience
A rear-facing infant car seat is one that is able to be inserted into the base of your vehicle. They keep babies in a safe and comfortable environment from birth until they reach their height and weight limits, usually up to around 18 kg. Some models can also be used as a travel system allowing you to convert them into a stroller for use while on the move. These all-in one car seats are ideal for families who need to change cars frequently or travel frequently.
Look for a car seat that is simple to install and adjust. The buckles, installation straps and handle should all be accessible and simple to operate. The harness and headrest adjusters should be easy to adjust or loosen, particularly for children who grow quickly. Find a simple design that has plenty of safety features, such as built-in bubble levels that will ensure a perfect fitting.
Some models allow you to rotate the seat 360 degrees, which is useful if your child sleeps in the car, or when you're putting them in and out of the seat. You should look for an infant car seat that has a flat position. This will give more support for your infant and decrease the risk of sudden deaths.
A comfortable handle or canopy can make a a huge difference in your daily routine. Some of the best car seats for babies have handles that can be raised and lowered with a single press. They are easy to use even when you have your hands full or your baby is asleep in the seat. Some seats also come with an umbrella that can be removed from the bottom to protect your child.
If you intend to travel frequently with your child, an infant car seat equipped with ISOFIX connectors is a good choice. They make it easier to install the seat using the car's seat belt and is a more secure option. They are also ideal for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays, and trips in hire cars or grandparent's vehicles.
Value
A high-quality infant car seat isn't expensive however, you don't have to spend a fortune also. The Baby Trend Secure Lift is a great example of a budget-friendly option that doesn't sacrifice safety in exchange for savings in cost. This seat is GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low chemical emissions and JPMA-certified to meet highest standards of safety. 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 cost-saving features are easy installation and removal, as well as machines-washable fabric covers. Some infant car seats include useful extras like strollers built-in or rotation capability. These features can save you money if you are planning to use the seat for several years or frequently switch between vehicles.
Another factor to consider is the height and weight limits of the seat. If you want to use the car seat for an extended period of time, you should look for one that goes up to at minimum the 90th percentile of your baby's height and weight. This will protect your child from spinal cord injuries if you're involved in an accident.
If you're shopping for a price that isn't too expensive, opt for models with a narrower width, which makes it easier to fit the seat in small cars and vehicles. There are also affordable models that have convenient features, such as an enormous canopy and numerous carrying positions.
It is also important to select a seat that can last for several years of use. The Axkid One i-Size can be used from infants until seven years old, which makes it a fantastic investment. Mum Rachael says, "It's a good investment and will save me money on convertible carseats because it's suitable for my kids from birth."
Many parents are searching for an all-in-one solution for their children when it concerns baby gear. A car seat that doubles as a stroller is ideal, and this one from Nuna is a great choice for families on a budget. Its safety features and comforts such as a load-leg and an anti-rebound bar, give you peace of mind, and its premium fabrics, as well as convenient extras like a stroller lock and cup holder will surely delight.