How to Choose the Best Infant Carrier Car Seat
When choosing the best car seat for infants parents must take into consideration a variety of aspects. Some focus on safety features, such as impact testing results, while others are more concerned with user-friendliness and convenience.
The 3-in-1 design is versatile and can be used as a stroller, car seat or baby carrier. Our product testers love how easy it is to switch between different modes.
Safety
Baby carriers are practical, but they also pose a number risks including suffocation, falling and even suffocation. Be sure you use your infant carrier as directed, following the manufacturer's instructions on proper positioning and weight and height guidelines for your child. Check the CPSC website prior to purchasing to see if there are any recalls of safety. If your baby carrier is affected by a recall, do not use it and immediately contact the manufacturer to get it replaced.
It is also important to make sure that the car seat for your infant is comfortable and easy-to-use. The best infant carriers will feature adjustable waist belts to fit different body types, and a design which supports the development of the hip. You'll also want the carrier to have a front-facing inward and outward pointing and a back carry.
Certain infant car seats include features such as a plush insert for infants as well as an auto-retracting latch mechanism and bubble indicator for level to make adjustments and installation quick. There are other unique features, such as an extended canopy and stroller compatibility, in numerous models.
Consider the Graco KeyFit35 if you are looking for a safe infant car seat that is affordable. It is a top crash test results and comes with an infant insert that is soft to hold newborns. This model is also GREENGUARD Gold certified for chemical emissions and JPMA certified to meet the industry's most stringent safety standards. Its reclining seat base has an anti-rebounding bar to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions and seven different headrest positions.
No matter what features you pick, bear in mind that infant car seats should be used to transport children. They are not intended to replace a bassinet or crib. Infant car seats left unattended in furniture or on soft surfaces such as beds could cause babies to fall and to suffocate. In fact, a study found that more than 8,000 babies a year are treated for injuries suffered when baby carriers tip over or roll over. It is also not recommended to leave a baby in car seats for more than 15 minutes, as they could be at risk of overheating and even death.
Easy of Use
Parents should also search for car seats that are easy to use. This includes a base that's easy to install in your car and a handle that's simple to lift from the base and straps that are easily adjustable without the need to rethread or move the harness. Additionally, parents should look for seats that have clearly labeled installation guides and bases with built-in bubble levels that indicate whether it's secured in the vehicle.
It is important to be comfortable for infants, so it's helpful to find an infant seat that is cushioned and provides plenty of support for their back and head. This includes seats that feature soft fabrics and straps that aren't rough or stiff against the skin. The more comfortable the car seat is, the less likely your child will cry. This means they'll be safer during the journey.
Some infant seats have extra features that make them more practical, such as the ability to rotate the baby to face you when getting them in and out of the seat. Some infant car seats can be turned directly into strollers. This is great for families who frequently switch vehicles or use public transportation.
Finally, it's worth looking for a seat that's easy to clean. Babies vomit, suffer blowouts from diapers, and rub their sticky hands all over everything, so it's best to find a car seat that is easy to wipe down or tossed into the washing machine without fuss.
Infant carriers are rear-facing car seats designed for babies and infants up to 13kg or four months of age. Depending on your preferences, you might prefer an all-in-one or convertible seat that are designed to grow with your child as they reach toddlerhood and can be used as a forward-facing vehicle when they're nine months old or older (9 to 18kg). This kind of car seat is larger and will not fit in certain vehicles without an adapter. You can also purchase an infant car attachment to your stroller. This is a more adaptable option.
Convenience
An infant carrier car seat is a rear-facing vehicle seat that snaps into the base of your vehicle. These seats are designed to keep babies in a safe and comfortable environment until they reach the limit of their weight and height. This is usually around 18kg. Some models can also be used as a travel system, making them into a stroller to use while on the move. These all-in one car seats are perfect for families that require changing vehicles or travel frequently.
When you are choosing an infant car seat, you should look for one that is easy to set up and adjust. The buckles, installation straps and handle should be easily accessible and straightforward to operate. Similarly, the adjusters for the harness and headrest should be simple to tighten and loosen, particularly for children who grow quickly. Look for a design that is easy to use and has numerous safety features, like bubble levels built into the design to help you find the right size.
Some models allow you to rotate the seat 360 degrees, which is beneficial if your baby falls asleep while in the car or if you're putting them in and out of it. It is recommended to choose an infant car seat with an upright position. This will provide better support for your infant and reduce their risk of sudden deaths.
A well-designed handle or canopy can make a a huge difference in your day-to-day routine. The best car seats for infants have handles that can be raised or lowered by a single push. They are simple to use even when you have hands full or your baby is asleep in the seat. Some seats also come with a canopy that can be easily taken down from the bottom to protect your child.
If you plan to travel with your child frequently the infant car seat equipped with ISOFIX connectors is a fantastic option. These make it easier to install the seat using the car's seat belt and is a more secure alternative. They're also great for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays and trips in hire cars or grandparents' vehicles.
Value
You don't need to spend a fortune on a good infant car seat. The budget-friendly options such as the Baby Trend Secure-Lift demonstrate you don't have to sacrifice safety features to save money. The seat is GREENGUARD certified for low chemical emissions and JPMA certified to meet the highest safety standards. The Keepsafe(tm), side-impact protection, and the adjustable base ensure that the seat will grow with your child.
Other features that save money include simple installation and removal and machine-washable fabric covers. Some infant car seats come with handy extras, like an integrated stroller or the ability to rotate. These features can help you reduce costs if you plan to use the seat for a long duration or regularly switch between cars.
The weight and height limits are important to be considered. If you are planning to use the seat for a long period, you should choose a seat that can be able to accommodate your child up to the 90th percentile in height and weight. This will help protect your child from spinal cord injuries if you're involved in an accident.
If you're on a budget, choose a model that is narrower. This makes it easier for the seat to fit into smaller cars and vehicles. There are also budget-friendly models that come with useful features, like an expansive canopy and multiple carrying positions.
You'll also want to choose a seat that will last through several years of usage. The Axkid One i-Size can be used from infants up to seven-year-olds, making it a great investment. Mum Rachael says, "It's a good investment and saves me money on convertible carseats since it's suitable for my kids right from the moment they were born."
Many parents are searching for an all-in-one solution for their children when it is about baby equipment. A car seat that doubles as a stroller is ideal and this one from Nuna is a great option for families on a tight budget. Its safety features and conveniences, including a load-leg and an anti-rebound bar provide peace of mind, while the premium fabrics, as well as convenient extras like a stroller lock and cup holder will surely please.