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How to Choose the Best Infant Car Seat What do you want from your seat? “If you want a car seat that can grow with your child, think about an all-in-one model like the Graco 4Ever DLX,” Saxton suggests. It has a lengthy rear-facing weight limit and is able to convert to both an incline-back booster and a backless one. The soft cushioning that is machine washable is a plus. Other useful features include load legs that absorb shock on the base or car seat that limit movement in a crash. Safety Dedicated infant car seats are designed to fit small babies best, so they usually have more padding and cushioning than convertible carseats. They are also lighter and easier to take from your car or attach to a stroller frame which is crucial because you will need to transport your child in the seat outside of your vehicle frequently. The infant car seat is also designed to last your child for the first year. This means you won't need to worry about your child exceeding its weight or height limits. It's a good idea to conduct some research before you make a purchase. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has strict guidelines for car seats. Take a look at reviews written by other parents and looking at car seat safety guides from organizations such as Consumer Reports or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both have crash test data that can be shared with families. You should also examine whether a seat has features that can be particularly helpful for your family, like the strap release that is one-handed, a no-rethread harness or a spring-loaded leveling foot. These kinds of features can help you buckle your child faster and more convenient, but keep in mind that even the most secure seats can be a waste when you don't use them correctly. The weight and the width of the car seat are equally crucial. Many infant seats are designed to fit alongside older car seats in the back of your vehicle, while others can grow with your child and transition to an adult seat at the same time. If you plan to use your car seat to travel or to take taxis, a baby car seat that can be installed with only the seatbelt of your vehicle is a convenient option. In general, it is recommended to buy the most safe seat you can afford. The cheapest models may not always meet the most stringent standards of crash safety. Beware of models that don't have side impact crash tests and allow manufacturers to self-certify. Convenience The best car seats for infants are those that fit in your family vehicle and are simple to install, and include useful features such as a built-in jogging stroller or the ability to rotate. It should also be affordable. Infant seats can range in price from around $180 to $500. They may cost more if they are convertible and used as a toddler and infant seat. The convenience features include whether the seat can be positioned with the LATCH system or a seatbelt. Also it is possible to adjust the harness and headrest without removing the baby from the seat. Installing and taking it off is not difficult, particularly when your child rides in Ubers or you frequently switch between cars. The seat must also be lightweight and come with clearly labeled installation guidelines and bubble levels so that you can swiftly get the car seat correctly installed. You should be able easily to adjust the harness and buckles and move the seat when not in use. When you purchase an infant car seat, be sure to verify the weight and height limits. Also, consider whether your child will outgrow the seat by the time they turn one. As a rule, choose a car seat for your child that grows with them until they reach the 90 percentile. Some manufacturers go above and beyond federal safety standards to include additional features like crash-testing, comfort and convenience in their car seats. The Clek Liing, a top pick among our gear editors and Consumer Reports, is an excellent example of a highly rated infant seat that offers more than just great crash protection. It also has load legs, which helps stabilize the seat in a crash and reduces forces on the body of the child by 40%. This feature alone could save a child's life, so it's worth the extra cost 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 lot of time in their car seats. The most comfortable ones are made of large, breathable fabrics as well as plenty of padding in the harness and headrest. They also offer easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms, like strap covers, buckles and headrest adjustments that don't require rethreading. The weight and size of the infant car seat can also impact comfort particularly if it's being used in multiple vehicles or for frequent travel. Some models are tinier which makes it easier to fit in the backseat alongside other car seats or siblings seats. While all models come with height and weight restrictions, some are lighter. This will help you from having sore biceps when you move it between cars. Certain infant car seats come with extra features that make them more flexible including rotational options or the capability to connect to strollers without the need for extra adapters. Other models include premium features like an adjustable no-rethread harness or anti-rebound bars to add extra safety in the case of an accident. These features aren't required to ensure safety, but they can improve the overall experience. Parents want their babies to have a comfortable, clean car seat. They also care about safety and convenience. Choose a model which is machine washable, stain resistant and easy to remove to clean. Some seats are dishwasher safe, which makes it easier to keep them looking clean. Certain models go above and beyond to ensure their customers have an enjoyable and safe experience. For instance the Graco SnugRide ™ Elite has an anti-rebounding bar, and is compatible with Graco ProtectPlus Engineered™ which is designed to withstand front and rear collisions. The seat has a Silent Shade canopy to keep your baby calm and comfortable, as well an indicator to let you know that the seat is securely attached. The seat's adjustable carry handle as well as harness tightener indicator will let you know whether it's securely attached to the base. Design Car seat manufacturers design infant car seats with safety and comfort in mind, but the dizzying array of features available makes it difficult to decide what's best for your family. Consider factors like the weight and height limits, the number of belt paths and buckles. Other features such as anti-rebound bars load legs, harnesses with no-rethread straps can increase the cost but could also increase the comfort of babies. Consider features that make it easier to get your child into and out of the car seat, like rotating mechanisms. Be sure to be aware of the dimensions and weight of the seat, since not all seats can be used in all cars. The ease of attaching and detaching the base is one feature that is important. This is affected by the quality of the LATCH connectors and whether they're strong or flexible. You should also consider whether the straps can be easily tightened and loosened and if they have a one-hand release mechanism to install and remove the seat. Some models let you use the seat without a footrest, which can be useful when you plan to switch cars or take taxis often. Find models with a built-in lock and bubble level indicators to help ensure that your seat is set properly. Some features may be worth the extra cost like a headrest which grows with your child, a five-position reclining feature, or the canopy that expands and secures in the position. Our product testers also noted that having a seat which can be used for highback boosters with belt positioning or a backless booster after the baby is no longer using it is an additional benefit. Doona is an infant car seat that will pamper parents. car seat newborn 's packed with features that address nearly every issue families have with infant car seats, which is why our test participants gave it top marks across every category. It's approved for travel on air, has an anti-rebound handle and can be converted into a stroller. The crash test results are impressive and it's GREENGUARD Gold Certified.