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How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best Car seats are a must-have for parents. But what makes one better than another? A dedicated infant seat fits the smallest of babies and is lighter for easy transportation outside of the vehicle. Consider features that are convenient, like premium lower-anchor connectors, non-rethreading harness pads, and single button handles. Also, think about safety features like load legs and body/head cushions. Safety As every parent will tell you, choosing the right car seat for your child is among the most crucial decisions that you can make. The right seat will ensure that your child is in a position properly and is adequately secured 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), not all car seats are created equally. Some models have features that are designed to safeguard infants. For instance, load legs reduce movement in crashes, by absorbing impact forces on the car seat and base. Some include bubble levels that make installing easy and adjustable headrests for your growing baby. Car seats for infants are also designed to fit tiny babies best, and typically include extra crash-tested inserts to aid in this, according to Choi. They're also lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily converted to a stroller. This makes them ideal for drop-offs at daycares, rides and pickups. You can buy an used one for only a fraction of the cost, since they only last for your baby's first 12 months. Another thing to consider is that even though an excellent NHTSA rating and excellent crash test results are important but the method you use your car seat is more critical to the safety of your child. In fact, a study done by Portland's leading children's hospital revealed that 95 percent of parents have made at least one critical mistake when installing or positioning their car seat. This is why it's a great idea to take a few moments to get familiar with the correct car seat usage guidelines before your little one arrives. We suggest you look for a car seat that has clear and concise instructions, is light enough to be able to carry your baby in it, and that has easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. Make sure that the infant car seat that you're thinking about purchasing meets the requirements of the vehicle's size. If infant car seat newborn worried about your capability to set up and operate the car seat correctly by yourself, you may consider taking 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 come with extra features that make it easier to use. For instance, they could have a base that the seat snaps into and out of, or they might have easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms. These features make it easier to install and remove the car seat – especially if there is another child in your care. It is also important to take into consideration the limits on height and weight for an infant car seat. If your baby is growing quickly, it might be worth investing in a car seat with greater limits to ensure that you can use it for as long as you'd like. Apart from the safety features, a baby car seat should be comfortable for your baby. Look for padded straps which will not rub or pinch their shoulders, and for plush fabric which feels comfortable underneath them. It's also an excellent idea to select an infant seat that has the option of lying flat which allows your infant to be in a reclined position that helps keep their airways open and oxygen saturation levels high. There are a number of accessories available for infant car seats, but Dr. Segura warns against buying anything that is not included with the seat as it has not been crash tested and could be unsafe. Avoid buying used infant car seat because they may have been in an accident and may be damaged or worn. The best infant car seats range in price between $100 and $600. However they all have some characteristics. They're all lightweight, easy to install and detach, and comfortable for babies. Some have extra features that make them more adaptable. For example they can swivel, or clip into strollers without the need for adapters. Check out our review of the top infant car seats for more information about the various options on the market. Comfort The best infant car seats have comfort features that make it easier to get the baby in and out of the seat. This includes a one-handed latch system that eliminates the need to grip both straps at the same time, and cushioned padding that makes it less painful to lift the seat. It is also important to consider the weight of the seat. Since you'll be using it with no base, a lighter one is better. This Baby Trend Secure Lift is a good example. It weighs less than 13 pounds. The weight and height limits of the infant car seats is also important. If you intend to keep the car seat for a period of time you should look for one that will expand with your child and fit them into the toddler years. You can use it longer and save money by not purchasing another seat. You should also think about the seat's dimensions and if it's smaller or larger than other models. This could be beneficial for cars with smaller sizes, and the latter may be helpful when you have two kids in back-to-back car seats or need to drive with three children in the back seat at some point. If you're planning to use a car seat along with a pram, choose one that is compatible with the most popular strollers and comes with detachable seats. Brands such as Graco or Nuna have options that will meet your needs. Review the rating of a car seat to determine its the ease of use. Clear guides and indicators, like bubble levels or color codes which indicate whether the seat is secured and level can ease stress for parents who are new. Some seats come with unique features, like load legs. They are shock-absorbing components that extend from the base or underneath the seat to the vehicle's floor and absorb some force in the event of a crash. You'll also find some accessories that claim to improve the comfort and convenience, but remember that any accessory not included in conjunction with the car seat hasn't yet been tested or approved for safety. “Anything you buy that's not directly from the manufacturer, such as a blanket or harness, you should not put in the car seat,” Segura says. Style For new parents trying to figure out how to select the best car seat for your infant can be a bit of an exercise. It's essential to know your budget and the features you want. There are a lot of options for special features, stroller compatibility, and fabrics but a lot depends on what's most suitable for your baby. It is important to know that convertible car seats aren't suitable for babies and are only suitable until one year. Some may even come with extension kits that have been tested for safety, which will help them last longer. They also offer more recline options to ensure proper positioning for smaller children, and are generally lighter, making it easier to carry around. They are more likely to work when used in conjunction 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 important thing to remember is that car seat weight and width are crucial elements for families with a large number of children. For example, some infant car seats are designed to be smaller than others to allow a better fit in the back of your vehicle or to be used in conjunction with siblings seats. Others are enough weighty to test your biceps by lifting and transfer from stroller to car. When it comes to convenience, many parents prefer infant car seats that have the capability to move from the base to the carrier and then snap into a stroller, without the need for extra attachments. This can save a ton of time, particularly on busy days when you're running errands your kids. Other features that are useful include the magnetic buckle holder and a strap that is not rethread, and a streamlined installation procedure. Finally, you should look for a head and body support insert, which can help prevent infants from slumping in the seat or carrier when they fall asleep. Most car seats use flexible straps to secure the lower anchor connectors, however, some come with latches that can be flipped out of the base and turn green once installed. This kind of installation is more secure and can limit the amount of time a car seat moves in the event of a crash.