Top 10 Best Infant Car Seats

 

Infant car seats are for babies less than twenty pounds and under one year old, and are always rear facing.  This position protects them from possible injury during an impact due to underdeveloped neck and spine muscles. 

 

There are two types of infant car seats; one that has a base where the seat snaps into, and one that needs to be harnessed to the seat each and every time you remove it.  Infant car seats that snap into a base are usually called a Travel System.  This means you can easily take the car seat in and out of the car without disturbing the baby and having to unbuckle them.  The best infant car seats also accommodate a stroller and similarly snap into the stroller for easy transition from car to stroller.  It's super convenient, especially when the baby is sleeping.  Infant car seats that are part of a Travel System have a handle for easy holding.  The car seat can also serve other purposes such as a place for a sleeping baby, a place to rock the baby (since the car seat is curved on the bottom), and a place to feed the baby on the go.  Infant car seats that are not part of a Travel System have to be buckled in and harnessed to the car's seat each time you remove it.  Some parents find this to be time consuming and somewhat frustrating, however, the infant car seats without the base tend to be slightly safer in crash testing.

 

When shopping for the best infant car seat, or any car seat, its good to consider the following suggestions.  Look for safety first.  Five point harness restraints are recommended and proven most safe and are more widely available.  In a five point harness there are two shoulder belts, two thigh belts and one between the legs.  Next look for belt adjustments.  The belts that adjust in the front are easier and also proven to be more safe.  Some adjust in the back and are more difficult to reach and fit properly.  All car seats made after 2002 are required to have the LATCH system.  This stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.  These are hooks that clip onto a metal piece deep within the car's seat. The straps can be adjusted and pulled tight to prevent moving and swaying of the car seat.  Lastly, consider comfort and washability.  Obviously, you will want your child to be comfortable.  Look for padded wings on the headrest.  This is great for extra support and protection during an impact or for the baby resting their head on while sleeping.  Baby's are messy and ease of washing is another great feature.  Look for removable pads and covers that are machine washable.

 

With all the safety and comfort options, its no wonder its a tough decision!  Be sure to check out the top 10 best infant car seats to find one that's right for you and your baby!  You'll see the car seats with the best ratings and you can read user reviews to see what other parents are saying!  It's a great way to shop around and find the best infant car seat!