How to Choose the Best and Safest Infant Car Seat for Babies

From the time you got out of your hospital room with your newborn, you are required by law to have an infant car seat. Find out how to get the best one for you and your family.

Essential Things You Must Know Before Going On The Market For An Infant Safety Seat 

Finding the perfect infant car safety seat for your newborn is not an easy task, especially if you're a new parent. You can't help but get overwhelmed with so many choices available out there. There are also many factors you need to take into consideration including car seat laws.

Infant seats come in different types, from convertible car seats to lightweight and portable ones for smaller vehicles. Moreover, once your child is a toddler or older, you have another task of finding the right booster seat that also comes in several types including high-back and backless booster.

Car seats are not created equally. Knowing your requirements will help in choosing the right one for you and your baby. Reading reviews and articles online on top-rated infant safety seats such as Mother How TOP List can help you with your decisions as well.

What Is An Infant Safety Seat?

An Infant car seat is specially designed to cater to a child weighing up to 35 pounds. These seats are also always positioned facing the rear of your vehicles. It comes with several features that provide comfort for both you and your adorable newborn.

However, one of the main reasons why you need to get one is that car seat law across the country requires your infant to be in the rear-face mode until he or she have reached its height and weight limitations, which is typically by the age of two.

Today, there are convertible car seats you can buy with extended capacity for the rear-face mode and can grow with your child.

Difference Between Infant and Convertible Car Seats

Infant Safety Seat 

• Its weight limit is up to 40 lbs. 
• You can only use it on rear-face position. 
• Majority of brands come with a handle making it easy to carry and transport. 
• You will not disturb your baby's sleep when you're getting him in and out of your vehicles.

Convertible Car Seat 

• Offers a weight range of up to 50 lbs. 
• There are also some brands that offer a greater weight capacity. 
• You can use it as rear-facing if your infant is smaller. 
• You can use it as front-facing when your child is older and has reached the maximum limitations of the rear-face mode.

What You Need To Consider When On The Market For A Car Seat

Rest assured that all car safety seats you will find on the market today are obligated to satisfy the safety regulations and standards of the government. So keep in mind that a lower price tag does not necessarily mean that the seat is not as safe as those expensive ones. The difference lies in the extra features for more costly seats such as straightforward installation and additional safety measures not obligated by law.

Nevertheless, there are several things you need to take into consideration. Getting a car seat is just like purchasing a new vehicle wherein you have to see it as whole.

• How it will fit your car. How it will fit your car. Make sure to select an infant car seat that correctly fits your car. You also need to consider how comfortable it will be to switch the seat from one car to another if you'll be using more than one vehicle. Choose a portable one if you have a smaller car.

• Buying second hand. If you're on a tight budget, you may be considering getting a used seat. But it may have some damage to it not visible to the naked eye. Also, it may not be up to the current safety standards. If you can't afford a new one, make sure to buy from someone you truly trust. Furthermore, check its expiration date or if it has been recalled.

• Cleaning. Babies can create a lot of mess. So when shopping for an infant seat, look for one with a removable and machine washable cover. Comfort. A crying infant on a long road trip is a headache waiting to happen. Choose a padded seat that offers enough head support to keep your baby comfortable no matter how long or short the drive is.

• Check for recalls. Your baby's safety should always be your top priority. Always check if a brand or model is a part of a recall. You can check online or call the seat's manufacturer. The best way to know is by visiting the website of The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Best Baby Infant Car Seat

When it comes to reliability and safety, the best choice out there is the Peg Perego ® - Primo Viaggio 4/35. This infant car seat packed with superb features to keep your infant safe and secure during the ride. It combines aesthetics and functionality as what you can expect from Peg Perego.

This rear-facing seat passed the government safety regulations and crash tests with flying colors. It also provides further protection to your infant by adding an anti-rebound bar to its base reducing the impact of both rear or front collision. For side impact protection, it comes with head support and energy-absorbing foam. You can also recline it on different angles so your baby will be very safe and comfortable.

However, it does come with some drawbacks. You cannot wash the seat's Italian-made cushion in the washing machine. Also, the anti-rebound bar is not adjustable, so it may not be suitable on some vehicles. Overall, its extra safety features and durability makes up for some of its shortcomings.

Pros

• Easy-to-install base with LATCH connectors. 
• Designed with your baby's comfort and safety in mind. 
• You can use it easily when traveling without the seat's base. 
• Offers additional protection in the event of a crash. 
• Comes with a two-year warranty.

Cons

• Not many stroller brands are compatible with it. 
• The cushion is not machine washable. 
• You may find the handle a little bit uncomfortable when extending the canopy.

Related Facebook Group for Q&A: CarSeats