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How to Choose Infant Car Seats Best Parents must have car seats. What makes one car seat better than another? A specially designed infant seat is ideal for the most tiny babies, and is lighter to facilitate transportation outside of the vehicle. Look for convenience extras like premium lower anchor connectors, harnesses with no-rethread pads, and one button handles. Also, look out for safety features like load legs and head/body cushions. Safety As any parent will tell you, selecting the best car seat for your child is one of the most crucial decisions that you can make. The best seat will ensure that they're placed correctly in the car and that they are adequately secured in the event of a crash. While every car seat sold in the US must meet the strict standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), not all car seats are created equal. Some seats have features that are specifically designed to protect infants. For example load legs help reduce movement in crashes, by absorbing the 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 specifically designed for infants are also designed to fit small babies best, and typically include extra crash-tested seats to accomplish this, according to Choi. They're also generally lighter than convertible car seats and can be easily transferred to a stroller, making them ideal for ride-sharing and daycare pickups and drop-offs. You can purchase an used one for less than the cost because they're only good for your baby's first 12 months. A high NHTSA score and excellent crash test results are important however the method you use to install your child's car seat is more important. A study by Portland's leading children's hospital showed that 95% of parents made at least one mistake when installing or changing their car seat. It's a good idea to spend a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the correct car seat usage guidelines before your baby arrives. We recommend that you choose an infant car seat that comes with clear and concise instructions. It should also be lightweight so that it is easy to carry around with your baby. Check to see if the infant car seat that you're thinking about purchasing meets the vehicle's size requirements. If you're concerned about your own ability to install and use the car seat properly take it to a certified child safety technician (CPST) to receive a hands-on tutorial before your baby is born. Convenience Some infant car seats have extra features that make them more user-friendly. For example, they may have a base that the seat snaps into and out of, or they may feature easy-to-use adjustments. These features make it simpler to set up and remove the car seat – especially if there is another child in your care. It is also important to take into consideration the weight and height limits for the infant car seat. If infant car seat that swivels is growing quickly it could be worth purchasing a car seat with greater limits to ensure that you are able to use it for as long as you want. In addition to the safety features, an infant car seat should be comfortable for your baby. Find padded straps that won't touch or squeeze their shoulders and plush fabric that is soft underneath them for long durations of time. It's also recommended to choose an infant seat that has the option of lying flat that allows your baby to sit in a more reclined position, which helps keep 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 since they are not tested for crash safety and could be dangerous. Avoid buying used infant car seat because they might have been in an accident and may be damaged or worn. The best infant car seats are priced between $100 and $600. However they all have some characteristics. They're all light, easy to install and detach and are comfortable for infants. Some even have special features that make them more flexible such as the ability to rotate and clip into strollers without the need for additional adapters. Check out our comparison of the best infant car seats to get more information about the various options on the market. Comfort Top infant car seats are fitted with comfort features that make it easy to take your child into and out of the seat. The best infant car seats have one-handed clasps which eliminates the need to grasp both sides at the same time. They also have cushioned padding that makes it easier to lift the seat. In addition, you'll need to take into consideration how much weight the seat weighs. You'll be using it without a base, after all and a lighter weight is more suitable. This Baby Trend Secure Lift is a good example. It weighs less than 13 pounds. The weight and height limits of infant car seats are important. If you plan on keeping the car seat for a while choose a model that can grow with your baby and will allow them to transition into the toddler years. This way, you'll be able to use it for a longer period of time and save money on a new car seat. You should also consider the dimensions of the seat and if it is narrower or wider than other models. The first can be useful for smaller vehicles. The second could be helpful when you have three kids in the rear seat or two children in back-to-back car seats. If you're planning to use a car seat with a pram, you should choose one that is compatible with most popular strollers and has removable seats. Car seat brands like Graco and Nuna offer options that meet this need. Examine the rating of a car seat to determine its the ease of use. Guides and indicators clearly labeled that indicate the seat is level and securely fastened – like bubble levels or color codes—can assist in easing the burden on parents who are new. Some seats also have innovative features like load legs, which are shock-absorbing pieces found under the seat or at the base that extend out to the vehicle floor and absorb some of the impact force during a crash. There are also a few accessories that claim to improve the comfort and ease of use, but remember that any product not included with the car seat hasn't yet been tested or vetted for safety. “Anything you purchase that isn't directly from the manufacturer, such as the harness or blanket is not recommended to put in the car seat,” Segura says. Style It can be a challenge for new parents to figure out the best infant car seats. It's important that you know your budget and the features you want. There are a lot of options for special features, stroller compatibility, and fabrics, but it all comes down to what's comfortable for babies. It's important to note that convertible car seats aren't suitable for babies and can only be used until the age of one year. Some even include extended kits that have been tested in a crash, which will help them last longer. They usually offer more recline modes to allow for the proper positioning of small children. They are also lighter and easier to carry. They are more likely to be compatible when used with an existing travel system. This is beneficial for new parents wanting to save money and time by buying a seat that will serve two purposes. Car seat weight and width are also important to consider for families with a large number of children. For instance, certain infant car seats are designed to be a bit narrower than others for a better fit in the back seat of your car, or for use with siblings' seats. Others are enough weighty to test your biceps to lift and transfer from car to stroller. Many parents prefer baby car seats that can be changed from a base to a carrier and then transform into a stroller, without any extra attachments. This can save a ton of time, particularly during busy times when you're running errands with your little ones. Other useful features include the magnetic buckle holder as well as a strap that does not need to be rethread and a simplified installation process. Lastly, look for an head and body support insert that can aid in preventing infants from slumbering in the seat or carrier in the event of a nap. Some car seats feature rigid latches that can be flipped out from the base if installed correctly. This type of installation is more secure and limits the amount a seat can move during an accident.