Introduction – Best Infant Car Seats
Having a baby changes your life. You can feel your epicenter shifting. Now, the only thing that matters is the safety and well-being of your little one. For this reason, you wish to provide your baby with everything they need.
While you might think that as soon as you have a baby, you need to purchase baby clothes and feeders, the truth is that one of the first things you will require is the best infant car seat you can find. After all, such seats are the only way you will be able to take your little one safely home after they are born.
What Is an Infant Car Seat?
Since babies are too small to wear car seat belts, car seats are used to secure them in place when you go for a ride. An infant car seat is one that is used by a newborn till the time they overgrow the height of the seat or surpasses the weight limit of 35 pounds.
These car seats tend to face the rear of the car and differ in placement and structure.
Why You Need an Infant Car Seat?
There is only one reason why you need an infant car seat, and this reason is substantial enough to make this purchase the most important one for your baby.
You need an infant car seat for the protection of your child against harm in the car. When you are driving, things are bound to get bumpy. Since a baby’s inertia is less, they are more likely to feel the effects of the various turns and bumps.
If you don’t secure them in place, the chances are that your child might get hurt. Since newborns and toddlers are too small to use seat belts, a car seat works by providing a haven where your kids can be strapped in place and protected from harm.
1. Graco SnugRide Click Connect
Easy to install and secure, Graco has managed to provide all the required features.
Main Features
We found this car seat to be very lightweight which made transporting it to and from the car to be a piece of cake.
The Click Connect technology included in the product is unheard of in other car seats. This addition allows for a secure and convenient attachment of the seat to Graco strollers.
Verdict
All in all, this car seat succeeds in being a safe and comfortable way for your kid to travel in a car.
PROS
- It features enhanced safety features.
- The design of the car seat is exemplary.
- The thick padding makes it comfortable for the baby.
CONS
- The canopy’s placement is awkward since it comes in the way of the handle.
2. Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Seat
This car seat is ideal for children whose height is below 32 inches. It is equipped with an array of safety add-ons and characteristics.
Main Features
The first thing we noticed about the car seat was that it was accompanied by a steel frame. This component is ideal to absorb impact in case of a collision.
Moreover, the fact that you can attach this car seat to any Britax stroller is an added bonus. The product is quite compact which makes it usable in small cars as well.
Verdict
Those of you who are not looking for a long-term purchase but wish for a product that will provide enhanced security to their kids will be satisfied with this car seat.
PROS
- Secure installation of the seat is simple.
- The base can compress to absorb impact.
- The product is durable.
CONS
- Children tend to outgrow this compact seat quickly.
3. Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat, Lilla
Chicco has been known to produce quality car seats and this product is no different. You might be satisfied with the quality of the seat as well as the convenience that it provides.
Main Features
During our review, we found that the car seat is by far the easiest to install as compared to other products on the list, thereby making it the best infant car seat in this respect.
The interior of the product is equipped with an energy-absorbing foam which plays an integral role in protecting your child from harm in case of impact. When this feature is added to the five-point harness system, you are bound to be satisfied with the safety of the infant car seat.
Verdict
When used as a car seat, the product is pretty much perfect.
PROS
- The harness system can be adjusted single-handedly.
- The carry handle of the car seat features a comfortable grip.
- The canopy can be adjusted to various positions.
CONS
- The sunshade included does not stay in place and, hence, is useless.
4. Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30 Infant Car Seat
Are you looking for a car seat that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing? Well, Maxi-Cosi might be it.
Main Features
The best thing about this product is the fact that its padded seating is removable and washable. Therefore, you can ensure that the product features no stain and is presentable for the long run.
Moreover, we found the lightness and comfortable handle of the product to be a source of convenience for parents who might find this car seat easier to work with than many other products available.
Verdict
While this product is on the pricey side, we find its various value-adding features make the investment worth it.
PROS
- The design is compact and compatible with all sorts of vehicles.
- The car seat can be easily adjusted.
- The installation process is marked by ease.
CONS
- The canopy was flimsy and made out of poor material.
5. Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Infant Car Seat
This product is both comfortable and safe. This combination is likely to be appreciated by parents and kids alike.
Main Features
Normally, rear-facing seats tend to last for a few months to a little more than a year. This is because babies tend to outgrow them. However, since the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that babies travel in a rear-facing seat for two years, this product can carry children with a weight of up to 40 pounds.
We found that this product can be adjusted to eight different positions, which ensures the comfort of your growing child.
Verdict
Those of you who don’t mind working with a heavy car seat will find this product to be a worthy option.
PROS
- It is highly durable.
- It is well-padded.
- The added removable heat support enhances the comfort offered.
CONS
- We found it to be too heavy.
6. Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat – 1 Layer Impact Protection, Ashton
It is hard to find a car seat that takes up less space and still manages to deliver optimum performance.
Main Features
This compact product is equipped with the SafeCell Impact Protection system which includes various safety features ranging from a base that compresses and absorbs impact to a steel frame that stabilizes the impact.
Additionally, we found the latch system of the product to be exemplary as it makes securing the child quite easy.
Verdict
This product manages to deliver the required safety features along with comfort and convenience and, therefore, is a satisfactory option.
PROS
- It can be attached to a stroller.
- It limits the side movements of the baby.
- The car seat is highly durable.
CONS
- The price is a little high.
7. Maxi-Cosi Mico AP Infant Car Seat
This plush material and components used in this car seat make it worth every penny charged.
Main Features
The first thing we noticed about this car seat was how luxurious the padding looked and felt. The inclusion of such premium material is bound to make your child feel comfortable and satisfied.
Moreover, just like many other Maxi-Cosi car seats, this product succeeded in being lightweight and, therefore, easy to transport.
Verdict
While the product has a tendency to get dirty with time, the black exterior and the plush design make up for it, rendering it the ideal choice for those who look for aesthetics along with quality.
PROS
- The canopy included provides protection against the sun.
- The design is quite stylish.
- It is easy to install.
CONS
- The cover is not removable and, hence, cannot be washed.
8. RECARO 2015 Performance Coupe Infant Seat
RECARO has been successful in manufacturing a car seat that is safe and convenient to use.
Main Features
We found the memory foam of the padding to be an excellent addition as it ensured the satisfaction of the little ones. The fact that the cover is easily removable and, hence, cleanable will not be lost on parents.
Moreover, the five height and two buckle positions make this infant car seat a viable option for growing kids.
Verdict
If you own a car that is big enough to place this car seat in, there isn’t anything else that will stop this product from delivering optimum quality and performance.
PROS
- It is easy to install.
- It renders single-hand adjustments of the harness possible.
- It can be attached to a RECARO stroller.
CONS
- The car seat is too long and might not fit in small cars.
9. Baby Trend EZ Flex Loc Infant Car Seat
This car seat has taken it upon itself to provide its users with maximum comfort and has succeeded in doing so.
Main Features
A distinct feature of this car seat is the inclusion of a boot. We found this addition to be excellent since it paved the way for greater comfort and warmth to be experienced by the baby than before.
Moreover, the height of the product can be adjusted to four positions which makes this car seat a viable option for growing infants. The handle of the car seat also features a smooth grip, which makes carrying it an easy feat.
Verdict
When it comes to securing your child and ensuring that they are comfortable, this product excels.
PROS
- It features quality padding.
- The weight of the product is light.
- The cover is wipeable.
CONS
- The car seat is too long and might not fit in small cars.
10. Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat, Lyra
This car seat manufactured by Chicco can be used in various vehicles. This compatibility has been appreciated by many.
Main Features
This product is equipped with a spring-loaded foot. This leveling system lets you set the base angle of the car seat to whatever is required by the vehicle.
Furthermore, even if your car does not feature a latch, this product remains usable. This is achieved with the inclusion of a belt routing and a lock-off system that is built into the product. Such features, when added to the fact that the car seat complies with the safety standard, might make this car seat a likely choice for many.
Verdict
Considering the various advantages offered by the product, it is easy to overlook its minor flaw.
PROS
- The newborn insert can be removed to allow the seat to cater to toddlers.
- The installation process is marked by ease.
CONS
- The corner of the cover is thin and tends to get loose with time.
Buying Guide for Infant Car Seat
Not all the users like all features in the same way. And there are some extra features to any products you may avoid. There are some things that may differ in every product that is accepted by diverse types of users. We are evaluating several things to help you choose the infant car seat
as per your choice and necessity.
Types of Infant Car Seats
There are three types of car seats available in the market. This includes the following:
- An infant car seat is only equipped to face the rear end of the car and has a weight limit of 35 pounds and a height limit of 35 inches.
- A convertible seat can be transformed from an infant car seat to a product that faces forward. Therefore, it can be used by newborns, toddlers, and children with a height of at least 57 inches.
3-in-1 car seats are the solution for those who wish to avoid looking for new car seats as their children grow. This product is designed in a way to provide its service from the time a child is born to the day they no longer require a booster. This product can be used as a rear-facing or forward-facing seat or as a backless booster.
DID YOU KNOW?
You need an infant car seat for the protection of your child against harm in the car. When you are driving, things are bound to get bumpy. Since a baby’s inertia is less, they are more likely to feel the effects of the various turns and bumps.
Things to Consider When Getting an Infant Car Seat
There are various factors that you need to pay heed to when purchasing the best infant car seat for your child. Here are a few things you need to look out for.
Ease of Use
The best thing about the infant car seats available in the market is that almost all of them are made to meet the safety standards of the country. Hence, safety is usually not an issue. However, you need to pick a product that is convenient to use.
Since a car seat will have to be installed by you, ensure that you pick a product that is marked by the ease in the installation process. Observe how swiftly you can buckle, unbuckle, tighten and loosen the harness. You wouldn’t want to get stuck with a product that takes too much of your time.
Compatibility with the Vehicle
There have been various instances where people realize after buying an infant car seat that it does not fit in their cars. This might arise because such seats are deep and, therefore, if your car is small, the chances are that it is not equipped with the needed amount of space.
Since different products have varying dimensions, the best way to approach this issue is by trying your chosen car seat on your car before you pay for it.
Enhanced Comfort
At the end of the day, your baby needs to be comfortable and satisfied. If this is not the case, the chances are that a given car seat will not last long. Therefore, when looking for the best infant car seat, make sure that you select products that are well-padded and do not have any sharp hooks protruding out. This will guarantee the comfort of your little one.
Moreover, you need to take into account your comfort as well. You probably don’t want to carry a heavy car seat or install one every other day. Hence, always hold a given car seat and analyze whether or not you can comfortably work with the weight of the product.
Testing infant car seats
After researching many modules of infant car seats over 48 hours, we chose the best ten options, reviewed it in detail and compare all the metrics in our lab.
Verdict
Considering the various advantages offered by the product, it is easy to overlook its minor flaw.
Conclusion
While all the products are excellent in one way or another, we found the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 40 Infant Car Seat to be the best infant car seat. This is because not only is it a quality product, but the fact that it included additional safety features also makes it the best option for the lot.
Regardless of which car seat you choose, make sure you pick a product that protects your child at all costs. Your little one deserves the best.
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