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 factors. Some parents focus on safety features, such as the results of impact tests, while others focus on user-friendliness and convenience.

A versatile 3-in-1 design that converts from a car seat into stroller and baby carrier. Our product testers appreciate the ease of being able to switch between different modes.

Safety

Baby carriers are practical, but they also pose a number risks, including falling and suffocation. Make sure you adhere to the instructions, and follow the manufacturer's recommendations on height and weight for your child. Visit the CPSC website prior to purchasing to determine if there are any safety recalls. If your infant carrier is affected by a recall not to use it and immediately contact the manufacturer to replace it.

You'll also need to make sure that the infant car seat you choose to use is comfortable and user-friendly. The best car seat newborn infant carriers feature adjustable waist belts to accommodate different body types and a design that supports the development of the hip. It is also important for the carrier to be front-facing with an inward and outward position and a back carry.

Some infant car seats include features like a plush infant insert along with an auto-retracting LATCH system, as well as bubble level indicators for speedy installation and adjustments. A lot of models have additional features like an extended canopy or stroller compatibility.

If you're looking for an affordable infant car seat that has strong safety features, consider the Graco KeyFit 35. It has excellent crash test results, and comes with a soft insert for babies. This model is also GREENGUARD Gold certified for chemical emission and JPMA-certified to meet the highest standards of safety. The reclining seat base comes with an anti-rebounding bar that helps to limit movement in rear-end collisions. It also has seven different headrest positions.

No matter what features you choose, keep in mind that infant car seats should be used for transportation. They are not designed to replace a crib or bassinet. Babies can and do die from falls and drowning when infant car seats are left unsupervised on soft or hard surfaces like beds. A study has found that more than 88,000 babies receive treatment each year for injuries caused by baby carriers that tip or roll. Never leave a sleeping baby in a car for longer than 15 minutes as it can lead to overheating or death.

User-Friendliness

Parents should also look 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 remove from the base, and straps that can be adjusted without the need to rethread or move the harness. Parents should also consider a seat with clearly labeled instructions and a base with bubble levels built in to indicate whether the seat is secured in the car.

Infants should also be comfortable, so look for a seat that has plenty of padding and support for the head and back. This includes seats that have soft fabrics and straps that aren't rough or stiff against the skin. Additionally, the more comfortable your child feels in the car seat, the less likely they'll to cry, which means they will be safer during the ride.

Some infant seats have extra features that make them more comfortable. For instance, they have a rotating feature that allows you to rotate the baby in your direction when putting them in or out of the seat. Some infant car seats can be turned directly into strollers. This is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or use public transport.

It's also worthwhile to look for seats that have an easy cleaning process. Babies spit up, have diaper blowouts, and spread their sticky hands all over everything, so it's best infant car seat to find a car seat that is easy to wipe down or tossed into the washing machine without fuss.

A baby carrier is typically rear-facing car seats that are suitable for newborns and babies between 13 and 13kg, or around four months old. You might want to consider an all-in one or convertible car seat that can be adapted to your child's needs as they get older and can be used forward-facing once they're nine months older or older (9-18kg). However, this type of car seat takes up more space in the car and isn't able to fit in certain vehicles without a special adapter. It is also possible to purchase an infant car attachment to your stroller. This is a more flexible alternative.

Convenience

A rear-facing infant car seat is one that connects to the base of your vehicle. These seats ensure that babies are safe and comfortable from birth until they reach their weight and height limits, usually up to around 18kg. Some models can also be used as a travel system which allows you to convert them into a stroller to use on the go. These all-in-one car seats are perfect for families that have to change cars frequently or travel often.

Look for a car seat that is easy to adjust and install. Buckles, straps for installation, and the handle should be simple to access and operate. The adjusters for the harness and headrest should be simple to adjust or loosen, particularly for children who grow quickly. Look for a design that is intuitive and offers many security features, including bubble levels built into the design to ensure you get the right fitting.

Some models allow you to rotate the seat 360 degrees, which can be handy if your baby falls asleep while in the car, or when you're putting them in and out of the seat. It is recommended to choose an infant car seat with a flat-backed position. This will give better support for your baby and decrease the risk of sudden deaths.

A convenient handle and canopy are two additional features that can make a big difference to your daily routine. The best car seats for infants have handles that can be lowered and raised by a single press. They are easy to use even if you have your hands full or if your baby is asleep in the seat. Some seats also have a canopy that can be pulled down from the bottom to safeguard your child.

If you intend to travel with your child often, an infant car seat with ISOFIX connectors integrated is a good choice. These make it easier to install the seat by using the vehicle's seat belt and is a more secure option. They are also ideal for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays, and trips in hire cars or grandparents' vehicles.

Value

A quality infant car seat isn't inexpensive however, you don't have to spend a fortune either. The Baby Trend Secure Lift is a great example of a budget-friendly option that doesn't sacrifice safety for savings in cost. This seat is certified by GreenGuard for low chemical emissions, and JPMA certified to meet the highest safety standards. The Keepsafe(tm) and side-impact protection and adjustable base ensure that the seat can grow with your child.

Other cost-saving features are easy installation and removal, and fabric covers that can be washed. Some infant car seats provide convenient features, such as an integrated stroller or a rotating capabilities. These features can save you money if you plan to use the seat for many years or frequently change between cars.

The weight and height limits are important to be considered. If you plan to use the car seat for longer periods of time, look for one that is at least the 90th percentile of your baby's height and weight. This can safeguard your child from spinal cord injuries during the event of a collision.

If you're on a tight budget, consider one that is smaller. This will allow the seat to fit into smaller vehicles and cars. You can also find budget-friendly models that come with convenient features, such as an enormous canopy and numerous carrying positions.

Choose a seat that you will use for a long time. The Axkid One i-Size is suitable for babies until seven years old, which makes it a good investment. Mum Rachael says, "It's a good investment and saves me money on future convertible car seats because it's sized to fit my children right from the moment they were born."

Many parents look for a solution that is all-in-one with regards to their baby's equipment. A car seat that doubles as a stroller is ideal, and this one from Nuna is a great option for families on a budget. Its safety and convenience features, including the load leg and anti-rebound bar, offer peace of mind while the premium fabrics and practical features, such as the stroller's base lock and cup holder, are sure to please.