How to Choose the Best Infant Carrier Car Seat

Parents should take into consideration a variety of aspects when selecting the most suitable infant car seat. Some parents are focused on safety features such as impact testing results while others focus on the convenience and ease of use.

The 3-in-1 design is versatile and can be used as a car seat, stroller or baby carrier. Our product testers love the ease of being able to change between modes.

Safety

Baby carriers are useful, but they also be a risk including suffocation, falling and even suffocation. Make sure to use your baby carrier in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions on proper positioning, as well as weight and height guidelines for your child. Go to the CPSC website before purchasing to see if there are any recalls of safety. If your infant carrier is removed from the market, don't buy it. Contact the manufacturer for an exchange.

In addition to ensuring your infant car seat is in compliance with the safety standards required You'll also want to look for one that is comfortable and user-friendly. For example, the best car seat infant infant car seat will have waist belts that expand to accommodate different body types and the design will support your child's growth in the hips. It is important to ensure that the carrier has a forward-facing outward or inward-facing position, and a rear carry.

Some infant car seats include features like a plush insert for infants, auto-retracting LATCH system and bubble level indicators to speed up installation and adjustments. Many models include additional features, like an extended canopy or stroller compatibility.

If you're looking for an affordable infant car seat with strong safety features, you should consider the Graco KeyFit 35. It has superior crash test results, and comes with a plush infant insert to hold newborns. This model is also GREENGUARD Gold certified for chemical emissions and JPMA-certified to meet the highest safety standards. The base that reclines is fitted with an anti-rebound bar that helps limit movement in rear-end collisions. It also offers seven different headrest positions.

Whatever features you pick, bear in mind that infant car seats should only be used for transportation. They are not intended to replace a bassinet or crib. Babies can and do die from falls or the suffocation of infant car seats when they are left unattended on furniture or soft surfaces such as beds. A study found that over 88,000 babies are treated every year for injuries caused by baby carriers that tip or roll. You should also never let a sleeping baby in car seats for longer than 15 minutes, as they could be at the risk of heat exhaustion and death.

Easy of Use

Parents should also look for car seats that are simple to use. This includes a base that is easy to put in your vehicle and a handle that is easy to lift out of the base, and straps that can be adjusted without the need to rethread or move the harness. Parents should also consider a seat that has clearly labeled installation guides and a base with built-in bubble levels that show whether it's secured in the vehicle.

Comfort is also important for infants, which is why it's helpful to find an infant seat that is cushioned and provides ample support for their back and head. This includes seats that feature soft fabrics and straps that aren't stiff or rough against the skin. Also the more comfortable your child is in the car seat the less likely they'll be to cry and, therefore, they'll be safer during rides.

Some infant seats have extra features to make them more comfortable. For example, they have a rotating feature that lets you rotate the baby in your direction when you put them in or out of the seat. Certain infant car seats can be plugged directly into strollers. This is ideal for families that frequently switch vehicles or use public transportation.

It's also worth looking for seats that have simple cleaning procedures. Babies vomit, suffer blowouts from diapers, and rub their sticky hands all over everything, so it's best to choose a car seat that can be quickly wiped down or tossed in the washer with no fuss.

Infant carriers are rear-facing car seats that are suitable for babies and newborns weighing up to 13kg, or four months of age. Depending on your lifestyle, you might prefer an all-in-one or convertible seat that is designed to adapt with your child through toddlerhood and can also be used as a forward-facing seat when they're nine months old or older (9 to 18kg). This kind of car seat is larger and might not fit into certain vehicles without an adapter. Alternatively, you can get an infant car seat attachment for your existing stroller, which is a more flexible option.

Convenience

An infant carrier car seat is a rear-facing car seat that snaps into the base of your vehicle. These seats ensure that babies are safe and comfortable from birth until they reach their height and weight limits, usually up to around 18kg. Some models can also be used as a travel system, making them into a stroller to use on the go. These car seats that are all-in-one are perfect for families that need to change 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. Buckles, installation straps and the handle must be easy to reach and operate. In the same way, the adjustable straps for the headrest and harness should be simple to tighten or loosen, especially for children who grow quickly. Find a simple design that has plenty of safety features such as built-in bubble levels to help you achieve a proper fitting.

Some models allow you rotate the seat 360 degrees. This can be useful in the event that your child is asleep in the car, or you're putting them in and out of the seat. You should choose an infant car seat that swivels car seat with a flat position. This will provide better support for your baby and decrease the chance of sudden deaths.

A convenient handle or canopy can make a an enormous difference to your daily routine. The best car seats newborn infant car seats come with handles that require a single push that simultaneously raises and lower. This makes them easy to use even when your hands are stuffed or your child is sleeping in the seat. Some seats have a canopy that can be easily pulled down from the bottom.

If you are planning to travel with your child often then a car seat for infants with ISOFIX connectors is a fantastic option. They make it easier to install a seat by using the seat belt of your vehicle. This is a safer alternative. They are also ideal for taxi rides, flying holidays and trips in rental cars or grandparents' vehicles.

Value

You don't have to spend an arm and a leg to get a quality car seat for your infant. Budget-friendly options like the Baby Trend Secure-Lift show that you don't need to sacrifice safety features to save money. This seat is GreenGuard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and JPMA-certified to meet highest standards of safety. The Keepsafe(tm) Side-impact protection, and the adjustable base ensure that the seat can grow with your child.

Other features that save money are simple installation and removal, as well as machine-washable fabrics covers. Certain infant car seats include useful extras like an integrated stroller or a rotation capabilities. These features can help you cut costs if you intend to use the car seat for a long period of time or regularly change between cars.

Another factor to consider is the weight and height limits of the seat. If you want to use the car seat for a longer period of time, you should look for one that is at minimum the 90th percentile of your baby's weight and height. This will protect your baby from injuries to the spinal cord in an accident.

If you're shopping on a tight budget, opt for models with a narrower width, which can make it easier to fit the seat into small cars and vehicles. There are also budget-friendly models, with convenient features such as the large canopy or multiple positions for carrying.

It is also important to select the right seat that can last for a few years of use. The Axkid One can be used from newborns until seven years old, which makes it a good investment. Mum Rachael says "It is a great investment, and I save money on convertible car seats since it will fit my children from the time they are born."

Many parents are looking for an all-in-one solution with regards to their baby's equipment. A car seat that doubles as a stroller is perfect and this one from Nuna is a great choice for families with a tight budget. Its safety and convenience features, such as a load leg and anti-rebound bar, provide peace of mind while its top-quality fabrics and useful accessories, like a stroller base lock and cup holder will surely please.