How to Choose the Best Infant Carrier Car Seat
When choosing the best infant carrier car seat parents must consider a variety of aspects. Some parents are focused on safety features such as the impact test results, while others are more concerned with user-friendliness and convenience.
A flexible 3-in-1 design that converts from a car seat to a stroller and baby carrier. Our product testers appreciate how easy it is to switch modes.
Safety
While baby carriers are convenient but they also come with several risks, like falling and suffocation. Be sure to use your infant carrier as directed, following the manufacturer's guidelines on appropriate positioning, as well as weight and height guidelines for your child. Check the CPSC website before purchasing to find out if there's any recalls of safety. If your infant carrier is subject to recall don't use it and contact the manufacturer immediately to request a replacement.
In addition, to ensure that your infant car seat meets the safety standards required, you'll want to look for one that is comfortable and easy to use. The best infant carriers will have adjustable waist belts to accommodate different body types, and a design which supports hip development. It is important to ensure that the carrier has a forward-facing inward or outward position, as well as an incline rear carry.
Some infant car seats have features like a soft insert for infants as well as an auto-retracting latch mechanism, and bubble indicators for the level to make adjustments and installation easy. You can find other special features, like an extended canopy and stroller compatibility, in many models.
Think about the Graco KeyFit35 if you're looking for a safe infant car seat that is affordable. It is a top crash test results and includes an infant insert with a plush material to hold newborns. It is also GREENGUARD Gold certified for chemical emissions, and JPMA certified to meet industry's most stringent safety standards. The seat base that reclines has an anti-rebounding bar, which helps reduce the risk of rear-end collisions and seven different headrest positions.
No matter what features you choose, keep in mind that infant car seats are meant to be used for transport only and not to be used as a substitute for a crib or bassinet. Car seats for infants that are left unsupervised in furniture or on soft surfaces like beds could cause babies to fall or suffocate. A study revealed that more than 88,000 babies are treated every year for injuries caused by baby carriers that tip or roll. Never leave a sleeping baby in a car longer than 15 minutes as it can lead to overheating or death.
Ease of Use
In addition to safety features, parents should look for a car seat that is easy to use. This includes a base that's easy to put in your vehicle, a handle that's easy to lift out of the base and straps that are easily adjustable without the need to rethread or move the harness. Additionally, parents should consider a seat that has clearly labeled installation instructions and bases with built-in bubble levels that show that it's secure in the vehicle.
Infants also need to be comfortable, so look for a seat that has plenty of padding and support for the head and back. 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 more likely that your child will cry. This means they'll be safer during the journey.
Some infant seats have extra features that make them more comfortable for parents, like the ability to rotate the baby to look at you when getting them in and out of the seat. Additionally certain infant car seats can be plugged directly into strollers, which is perfect for families who often change cars or use public transport.
Finally, it's worth looking for a car seat that is easy to clean. Babies spit up, experience diaper blowouts, and spread their sticky hands on everything, so it's important to find car seats that can be quickly wiped down or tossed into the washer without much fuss.
Infant carriers are rear-facing car seats designed for babies and infants up to 13kg, or 4 months old. You might want to consider a convertible or all-in-one car seat, which will be adapted to your child's needs as they grow older. They can be used forward-facing when they're nine months older or older (9-18kg). However, this type of car seat will take up more space in the car and won't fit in some vehicles without a specific adapter. You can also purchase an infant car accessory for your stroller. This is a more adaptable option.
Convenience
An infant carrier car seat is a rear-facing car seat that clicks into the base of your vehicle. These seats are designed to keep infants safe and comfortable until they reach the weight and height limits. This is usually around 18kg. Some models can also be used as a travel system allowing you to convert them into a stroller for use while on the move. These car seats all-in-one are perfect for families who need to change cars frequently or travel frequently.
When you are choosing an infant car seat, you should look for one that is easy to install and adjust. Buckles, straps for installation and the handle must be simple to reach and operate. The adjusters for the harness and headrest should be easy to tighten and loosen particularly for children who grow rapidly. Choose a design that offers plenty of safety features such as built-in bubble levels to ensure a perfect fitting.
Some models allow you to rotate the seat 360 degrees, which is handy if your baby falls asleep while in the car, or when you're putting them in and out of it. Ideally, you should choose a car seat for infants that has a lie-flat position, which gives babies more support and decreases the chance of sudden death.
A convenient handle or canopy can make an enormous difference in your day-to-day routine. Some of the top infant car seats come with handles that require just one, simultaneous push to raise and lower. This makes them very easy to use even when your hands are stuffed or your child is sleeping in the seat. Some seats come with a canopy which can be pulled down easily from the bottom.
If you're planning to travel with your baby lot, an infant carrier car seat that comes with ISOFIX connectors is an excellent option. These make it easier to attach the seat using the vehicle's seat belt and is a more secure option. These are also perfect for taxi rides, flying holidays, and trips in rental cars or grandparents vehicles.
Value
You don't have to spend a fortune on a good infant car seat. Budget-friendly options like the Baby Trend Secure-Lift prove you don't have to sacrifice safety features in order to save money. This seat is GreenGuard Gold certified for low emissions of chemicals and JPMA-certified to meet the highest standards of safety. Its Keepsafe(tm) and side-impact protection systems give newborns the best protection and its three-position, adjustable base and four-position carry handle will ensure that it grows with your baby.
Other features that can save money include easy installation and removal and machine-washable fabric covers. Some infant car seats also provide convenient features, such as a built-in stroller or rotating capabilities. These features can help you reduce costs if you are planning on using the seat for a long time or frequently change between vehicles.
The weight and height limits are also important to be considered. If pushchairsandprams are planning to use the seat for a long time, select a seat that is able to hold your baby up to the 90th percentile of height and weight. This will help safeguard your child from spinal injuries if you are involved in an accident.
If you are on a budget, choose a model that is slimmer. This makes it easier for the seat to fit in smaller vehicles and cars. You can also find budget-friendly models with useful features, like an expansive canopy and multiple carrying positions.
Choose a seat you can keep for years. The Axkid One iSize is suitable for newborns all the way to seven years old, which makes it a great value. Mum Rachael says, "It's a good investment and saves me money on future convertible carseats since it will fit my kids right from the moment they were born."
Many parents look for an all-in-one solution with regards to their baby's toys. A car seat that can double as a stroller is perfect and this one from Nuna is an excellent choice for families with a tight budget. Its safety and convenience features, like the load leg and anti-rebound bar, provide peace of mind. Meanwhile, the premium fabrics and practical features, such as the stroller's base lock and cup holder, are sure to please.