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How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best Parents should have car seats. What makes one seat superior to another? A dedicated infant seat fits the most tiny babies, and is lighter for easier transport outside the vehicle. Look for features that make life easier like premium lower-anchor connectors and harness pads that are not rethreading, and single button handles. Also, look out for safety features like load legs and body/head cushions. Safety As every parent knows choosing the correct car seat is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your child. The correct seat will ensure they're positioned correctly in the car, and that they're adequately secured in the event of a crash. While every car seat sold in the US must meet the strict standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) However, not all car seats are created equally. Certain models have features specifically designed to safeguard infants, like load legs that reduce movement in 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 child. Choi says that infant car seats are designed to provide the perfect fit for babies. They often include crash-tested inserts which help to achieve this. They're also lighter than a convertible car seats and can easily be transformed into a stroller. This makes them suitable for ride-shares, daycare drop-offs, and pickups. You can buy used ones at only a fraction of the cost because they're only good for the first 12 months. Another thing to keep in mind is that while having a high NHTSA rating and great crash test results are crucial but the manner you use your car seat is even more important for your child's safety. In fact, a study done by Portland's top children's hospital found that 95 percent of parents made at least one serious mistake when installing or positioning their car seat. This is why it's a great idea to spend a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the proper car seat usage guidelines before your little one arrives. We suggest you look for a car seat with clear and concise instructions, is lightweight enough to be easy to carry your child, and has simple adjustments. You should also determine if the infant car seat you're considering fits the dimensions required for your vehicle. If you're concerned about your own ability to install and operate the car seat properly, consider taking it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) for a hands-on tutorial before the baby is born. Convenience Some infant car seats come with additional features that make it easier to use. For example, they may come with a base that the seat can be clicked into and out of, or they could feature easy-to-use adjustments. These features can help make it more convenient to install and detach the car seat, particularly when you have a child to look after. The weight and height limits of an infant car seat are also important factors to consider. If your child is growing quickly it may be worthwhile to invest in an infant car seat with higher limits to ensure that you can use it for as long as you like. In addition to safety features, your infant's car seat should also be comfortable. Look for padded straps which don't rub or pinch their shoulders, and for soft fabrics that feel comfortable under them. Select a seat with the ability to lie flat. This allows your child to sit in an upright position, which helps to keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high. Dr. Segura warns you that you should not purchase any accessories for infant car seats that aren't included in the seat since they are not tested for safety in a crash and could pose a risk. Avoid buying used infant car seats because they might be involved in an accident and may be damaged or worn. While the best infant car seats range anywhere from $100 to $600 There are a few features that the top choices have in common. All are lightweight and easy to install and take down, and are comfortable for the baby. Some come with additional features that make them even more adaptable. For example they can swivel, or clip onto strollers without adapters. For more information about the different options available, take a look at our review of the top infant car seats. Comfort Top infant car seats are equipped with features for comfort that make it easy to get your baby into and out of the seat. This features a single-handed latch system that eliminates the need to hold both straps simultaneously, as well as cushioned padding that makes it less painful to lift the seat. Additionally, you'll need to think about how much weight the seat weighs. You'll be using it without a base, in the end, so a lighter one is better. This Baby Trend Secure Lift, for example, weighs less than 13 pounds. Other important factors include the height and weight limits of the infant car seat. If you plan on keeping the car seat for a period of time you should look for a model that can grow with your baby and fit them into toddlerhood. You'll be in a position to use it for a longer period of time and save money on a second car seat. It is also important to consider the dimensions of the seat, and whether it is wider or narrower than other models. The former can be an advantage for cars with smaller sizes, and the latter could be beneficial for families with two children in back-to-back car seats, or have to drive with three children in the back seat at some time. If you plan to use a car seat along with a pram, choose one that is compatible with the most popular strollers, and includes removable seats. Brands such as Graco or Nuna offer options to meet your needs. Check the rating of a car seat to determine its ease of use. Clear guides and indicators, like bubble levels or color coding which indicate whether the seat is securely fastened and level can ease the stress of new parents. Some seats come with unique features, such as load legs. They are shock-absorbing components that extend from the seat base or beneath the seat to the vehicle's floor and absorb the force of impact in the event of a crash. There are also some accessories that claim to increase your car seat's comfort and convenience, but remember that any device not sold in conjunction with the car seat hasn't been tested or vetted for safety. pushchairsandprams.uk recommends that you don't place anything in your car seat, such as a blanket or harness you bought from a different source. Style It can be a challenge for parents with young children to figure out the best infant car seats. It's essential to understand your budget and what features you'd like. There are plenty of different options for special features, stroller compatibility and fabrics, but it all comes down to what's suitable for your baby. It is important to remember that convertible car seats are not as suitable for small babies and can only be used until the age of one year. Some have crash-tested extensions kits that will allow them to last longer. They also tend to include more recline settings for proper positioning of smaller children and are generally lighter to make it easier to carry. They are more likely to be compatible when used with the travel system. This is beneficial for parents who are new and want to save money and time by buying seats that can serve two purposes. Another thing to keep in mind is that car seat weight and width are crucial factors for most families. Certain infant car seats, for instance, are narrower to fit better in the back of your car or next to other seats. Some are so heavy that they test your biceps when you lift them up and transfer them from the car to the stroller. In terms of convenience, many parents prefer infant car seats with the ability to move from base to carrier and then snap into a stroller, without the need for additional attachments. This can help you save a lot of time, particularly on days when you have to run errands. Other convenient features include a harness that doesn't need to be rethread, magnetic buckle holders and an easy installation process. Finally, you should look for an head and body support insert that can help prevent infants from slumping in the carrier or seat in the event of a nap. Most car seats use flexible straps to secure their lower anchor connectors, but there are some that have latches that are rigid and flip out of the base and turn green once installed. This type of installation is more secure and may limit the amount of time a car seat can move during the event of a crash.