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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 the other? A specially designed infant seat is ideal for the smallest of babies and is lighter for easy transport outside the vehicle. Look for convenience extras such as premium lower anchor connectors, no-rethread harness pads, and one-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 correct car seat is among the most important decisions you'll make for your child. The best seat will ensure that they're placed properly in the car and ensure they're protected in the event of a crash. While every car seat sold in the US must conform to strict standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) However, not all car seats are created equally. Certain models come with special features to safeguard infants, like load legs that limit movement in crashes by absorbing the force of impact on the car seat and base and others have built-in bubble levels that make for easy installation and adjustable headrests that expand with your baby. Car seats specifically designed for infants are also designed to fit babies at their best and often include crash-tested seats to accomplish this, according to Choi. They're also lighter than a convertible car seat and can be easily converted to a stroller. This makes them perfect for ride-shares, daycare drop-offs and pickups. They're also durable. through the first year of your baby's life and beyond, you can always purchase a second-hand one for a fraction of the cost. A high NHTSA score and impressive crash test results are crucial however, the method you use to install your child's car seat is more important. A study by Portland's most renowned children's hospital showed that 95% of parents have made a mistake at least once when installing or adjusting their car seat. It's essential 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 a car seat with clear and concise instructions. It must also be light so it's easy to carry around your child. You should also determine if the infant car seat you're thinking of purchasing meets the size requirements for your vehicle. If you're worried about your ability to install and operate the car seat correctly yourself, you might be able to bring it to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your baby is even born for a hands-on tutorial. Convenience Some infant car seats have extra features that make it simpler to use. Certain infant car seats have features that make them simpler to use. For instance, they may have a base into which the seat can be pushed into and out, or they could feature an easy-to-use adjustment mechanism. These features can help make it easier to set up and remove the car seat, particularly when you have other children to look after. It is also important to think about the weight and height limits for an infant car seat. If you have a child who is growing rapidly it could be worth the cost to purchase an infant car seat with higher limits so that you can use it for as long as possible. In addition to safety features, your baby's car seat should also be comfortable. Look for padded straps which will not rub or pinch their shoulders, and for soft fabrics that feel at ease under them. It's also recommended to choose an infant seat that has an option to lie flat that allows your baby to be in a relaxed position that keeps their airways open and their oxygen levels high. Dr. Segura warns that you should avoid buying any accessories for infant car seats that aren't included in the seat, because they haven't been tested for crash safety and could be dangerous. It is also recommended to avoid purchasing used infant car seats because they could have been in a crash and can be damaged or worn out. While the top infant car seats can cost anywhere from $100 to $600 There are a few features that the top choices have in common. They're all light easy to put in and remove, and comfortable for the child. Some come with additional features that make them even more versatile. For instance they can swivel, or clip into strollers without adapters. For more details on the various choices available, read our list of the top infant car seats . Comfort The best infant car seats have comfort features that make it easy to get your baby in and out of the seat. The top infant car seats feature one-handed clasps that eliminates having to grip both sides at the same time. They also come with cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. In addition, you'll need to think about the weight of the seat—you'll be using it without a base, after all, so a lighter one is more suitable. This Baby Trend Secure-Lift for instance, weighs less than 13 pounds. Other important aspects include the weight and height limits of the infant car seat. If you plan on keeping the car seat for a period of time choose a model that can adapt to your baby's needs and will allow them to transition into toddlerhood. You can keep it for longer and save money by not buying an additional seat. You should also take into consideration the dimensions of the seat and if it is wider or narrower than other models. This could be a boon for vehicles with smaller dimensions, while the latter could be beneficial when you have two kids in car seats that are back-to-back or require driving with three children in the back seat at some time. If you intend to use the car seat with a stroller, look for one that has detachable car seats and is compatible with most popular strollers. Car seat brands like Graco and Nuna offer options that meet this need. To make it easier to use, look up the ratings a car seat receives for installation. Guides and indicators clearly labeled that indicate the seat is level and securely fastened—like bubble levels or color coding—can assist in easing the burden on the new parents. Some seats also have innovative features like load legs, which are shock-absorbing parts that are located under the seat or base that extend out to the floor of the vehicle to absorb some of the force in a crash. There are accessories that claim to increase the convenience and comfort of your car seat. However, remember that anything not sold with the seat hasn't passed safety testing. “Anything you purchase that isn't from the manufacturer, even the harness or blanket you shouldn't put in the car seat,” Segura says. Style For new parents trying to figure out how to choose the most suitable infant car seat is a bit of an issue. It's crucial to understand your budget and what features you'd like to have. There are a variety of options for special features, stroller compatibility and even fabrics. However, it all comes down to comfort. It's important to note that convertible car seats are not suitable for infants and are only suitable up to the age of one year. Some may even come with extended kits that have been tested in a crash that will allow them to last longer. They also tend to include more recline settings for proper positioning of small children and are generally lighter, making it easier to carry. They are more likely to work when used with an existing travel system. This is beneficial for new parents looking to save money and time by purchasing seats that serve two purposes. Car seat weight and width are also important aspects to take into consideration for most families. Certain infant car seats, like, are narrower to be able to fit in the back of your vehicle or in the vicinity of other seats. Some are also heavy enough to test your biceps by lifting and move from car to stroller. Many parents choose an infant car seat that can be transformed from base to carrier, and then click into a stroller, without any additional attachments. This can save you a lot of time, especially on days when you have to run errands. Other convenient features include an adjustable buckle holder that is magnetic as well as a strap that does not need to be rethread and a simple installation process. Finally, you should look for an head and body support insert, which will aid in preventing infants from slumbering in their seats or carriers when they are asleep. Most car seats use flexible straps to secure the lower anchor connectors, but there are some that feature rigid latches that flip out of the base and turn green when properly installed. This kind of installation is more secure and limits the amount a seat can move in a crash.