How to Choose portable infant car seat
What do you want from your car seat? "If you are looking for an automobile seat that will expand with your child, then consider an all-in one model such as the Graco 4Ever DLX," Saxton advises. It has a lengthy rear-facing weight limit and can convert into an incline-back booster and a backless one.
The soft, machine-washable cushioning is also an added benefit. Other useful features include load legs which are shock-absorbing components on the base of the car seat that reduce movement in a crash.
Safety
They are designed to fit smaller babies better, which is why they have more padding than convertible car seats. They are also lighter and easier to remove from the car or attach to a stroller frame, which is crucial because you will be required to transport your child in the car seat out of the vehicle frequently. Dedicated infant car seats also have the advantage of often being built to last for the first year of your child's life, so you don't need to worry about them growing beyond their weight or height as quickly as the convertible car seat might.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's standards for car seats are rigorous however it's an excellent idea to conduct your own research before making a purchase. You should consider reading reviews from other parents as well as checking out car seat safety guides from groups like Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, both of which have a wealth of crash testing information to provide to families.
It is also important to examine whether a seat has features that could be particularly helpful for your family, like a one-handed strap release and a harness with no rethread or a spring-loaded leveling foot. These kinds of features can make buckling your baby faster and easier, but keep in mind that even the most secure seats will be useless in the event that you don't utilize them in a proper manner.
Other things to keep in mind are the width and weight of the car seat. Many infant seats can be installed in your vehicle along with older car seats. Some of them can be able to grow with your child, and can be converted to an adult booster in the same time. If you intend to use your car seat to travel or to take taxis or taxis, then an infant car seat which can be installed by using only your car's seatbelt is an ideal choice.
In general it's a good idea to purchase the most secure seat you can afford, as the cheapest models usually don't meet the most rigorous safety standards for crash protection. Avoid models that do not include side impact tests and allow manufacturers to self-certify.
Convenience
The best infant car seats are those that fit in the car of your family, are easy to install, and come with useful extras such as a built-in running stroller or rotation capability. It must also be affordable. Infant seats range in price between $180 to $500. They can be more expensive when they're convertible and will be used as an infant and toddler seat.
Convenience features include how simple it is to install the seat using either LATCH system or a seatbelt, and whether you are able to adjust the harness and headrest without removing the infant out of the seat. You want to be able to install and take it out easily, especially if you switch frequently between vehicles or take Uber rides with your child. The seat should also be lightweight and have clearly labeled installation guidelines and bubble levels so that you can quickly install the car seat properly installed.
You should also be able to rotate the seat and lock it when not using it and have access to the buckles and harness straps. When you purchase an infant car seat, it's important to verify its weight and height limitations. Also, consider whether your child will outgrow the seat before they turn one. As a rule, choose the seat for your child that can grow with them until they reach the 90 percentile.
While federal safety standards are the minimum requirement, some manufacturers go beyond to include additional crash-testing and other features that are included in their car seats. The Clek Ling is a top pick of our gear editors and Consumer Reports is a great example of an infant seat that offers more than just excellent crash protection. It also comes with an extra load leg that stabilizes the seat in a crash, and reduces forces on the child's body by 40%. This alone could save the life of a child, which is why it's worth paying more for a car seat that is safe and has additional safety features.
Comfort
One of the most important factors when choosing an infant car seat is comfort, since babies spend a significant amount of time in their car seats. The most comfortable car seats feature thick, breathable fabric and ample padding on the headrest and harness. They are equipped with simple adjustments, such as strap covers, buckles, and headrest adjustment mechanisms which don't require the rethreading.
The size and weight of an infant car seat can affect the comfort of your child, particularly if you plan to change cars or take the seat with you on a regular basis. Some models are tinier making it easier to fit them in the backseat alongside other car seats or even siblings seats. And, while they all have maximum and minimum heights and weight limits, some are a bit lighter than others. This could help keep your biceps from getting sore when carrying it between vehicles.
Some infant car seats come with additional features that allow them to be more flexible. For instance they can rotate or be converted into a stroller with no need for additional adapters. Other models have premium features like an adjustable no-rethread harness or bars that prevent rebounding to provide additional security in the event of the possibility of a crash. These features aren't required for safe riding, but they can improve the overall experience.
Parents want their infants to be comfortable and have a clean car seat. They also consider safety and convenience. Find a seat that's machine washable and stain-resistant, and also easy to remove for cleaning. Some seats are even dishwasher safe, which makes it even easier to keep them looking clean.
Some models go beyond to ensure that their customers' experiences are safe and comfortable, like the Graco SnugRide(tm) Elite, which boasts an anti-rebound bar and meets Graco ProtectPlus Engineered(tm) standards to withstand rear and front collisions. The seat also includes a Silent Shade canopy that keeps baby safe and quiet and an indicator that tells you whether it's securely attached to the base. The seat's adjustable carry handle as well as harness tightener indicator indicate when it is properly attached to the base.
Design
Manufacturers of infant car seats make their products with safety and ease of use as their primary objectives. However, the wide range of features can make it difficult to decide which is best for your family. Consider factors such as the weight and height limits as well as the number of belt paths and buckles. Additional features like an load legs that are not bound, anti-rebound bar and straps that do not rethread could increase the price of the seat, but they will improve the comfort of your baby. Consider features that make it simple to get your child in and out of the car seat, for example rotating mechanisms. Be sure to be aware of the dimensions and weight of the seat as not every seat can be used in all cars.
The ease of attaching and detaching the base is an aspect that is crucial. The quality of the LATCH connectors and whether or not they are flexible or rigid, can affect this. You should also consider whether the straps are simple to tighten and loosen, and whether there's a single hand release mechanism to install and remove the seat.
Some models let you use the seat without a base, which is a great option if you take taxis often or plan to switch cars often. Make sure you choose a model that come with a built-in lock as well as bubble level indicators to help ensure your seat is installed properly.
Other features worth paying extra for include a headrest that grows with the growing baby or a recline with five positions, as well as an extended canopy that locks in the position. Our product testers also mentioned that having a seat that can be used for a highback booster with belt positioning or a backless booster when the infant has finished using it is an additional bonus.
Doona is a car seat for infants that will delight parents. It's loaded with features that address almost every complaint families have about infant car seats, which is the reason our testers have rated it as top in every category. For instance, it's approved for use on planes, and features a unique handle that doubles as an anti-rebound bar, and converts directly into strollers (no need to buy a separate stroller adapter). The results of its crash tests are excellent and it is GREENGUARD Gold certified.