Best Car Seats For Infants and Babies
While convertible car seats are ideal for children who are growing, an infant seat is best for infants and newborns. They're also lighter and easier to click into a stroller than their larger counterparts.
CPST instructor Kecia Healy was impressed by the Chicco KeyFit's recline foot that is spring-loaded and bubble indicator on the base, as well as its user-friendliness (the more user-friendly a car seats is, the more likely parents are to install it correctly). This model can also fit three across in most midsize automobiles.
1. Clek Liing infant car seat
Clek, one of the Canadian manufacturer, is known for its top-rated convertible car seat. The infant Liing is among their top infant seats. It is fitted with top-of-the-line safety features including a steel load-leg, and easy installation. It also features seven different recline positions that can be adjusted to suit the slope of your vehicle's seat. A bubble indicator enables you determine if the seat is at the correct angle prior to your child riding in it.
The base for the Liing is simple to set up with the help of LATCH connectors that slide into your vehicle's lower anchors which makes the seat much more anchor. This makes the Liing an ideal choice for families that plan to switch vehicles often or for those who want a quick, secure method of installing their baby's car seat. You can also utilize the belt-tensioning system included to secure your child.
One of the features that distinguishes the Liing apart from other infant car seats is its 2 piece Newborn Support System. It includes a lower insert which can be placed over the crotch strap and an attached headrest to the harnesses to prevent infants from slumping forward or pulling their heads backwards in the seat. This is an amazing feature for tiny babies and preemies. It's also among the few rear-facing infant car seats that provide this degree of support.
Another advantage of the Liing is its metal crash-test frame, which can reduce the force of a crash by as much as 40 percent in comparison to other infant seats. The shell of the seat is reinforced with EPP foam to protect your child's head and torso which are the most susceptible in the event of a collision. The base of the seat is designed with a metal load leg that absorbs energy and helps diminish crashes, and.
2. Chicco KeyFit
This is the top-rated infant seat. It is easy to install and use, and can expand with your child. It can also be used with strollers to create a travel system.
The KeyFit is a great option for parents looking for an affordable, safe and easy-to-use seat. It scored a high score in crash tests, is light and comfortable to carry. It also offers a wide range of height and weight limits. It was also designed to ensure the safety of babies. The click-in points are made of soft materials around it so your baby doesn't get burned by the metal. The infant insert comes with a head cover to shield their heads and the seat pad your baby sits on has cushioned foam that absorbs energy for comfort.
It's also among the most simple infant seats to install correctly, every time. This is crucial because improperly installed infant seats can increase the chance of injury for your child. The KeyFit's premium LATCH connectors with a SuperCinch tightener provide a secure fit that requires minimal effort. The base also features ReclineSure leveling foot as well as two RideRight bubble-level-indicators to ensure the correct vehicle angle. And for alternate installation with the seat belt of the vehicle, clear belt routing and lock-offs make it simple to position, install and tighten the belt on the car seat.
However, it isn't as good in the user-friendliness category due to the rethread-style harness height adjustment, a feature that is common on many Chicco seats (and as well on their OG Keyfit model). This means that you must detach and manually re-thread the straps from one slot level to the next which is longer than adjustments that aren't rethread. This is a minor trade-off for the ease of use of this seat.
3. Joie i-Snug 2
The light Joie i-Snug 2 infant car seat is built to the highest safety standards. It comes with a no-rethread harness, and is compatible with Joie strollers that can accept Maxi-Cosi style adapters. It's easy to use, with clear installation guides and built-in bubble levels to help with alignment. The car seat is comfy, with plenty of padding. It has a convenient canopy that shields your baby from direct sun's rays.
The i-Snug 2 comes with an ISOFIX base for secure vehicle attachment. It can be used in tandem with a stroller that is compatible for a complete travel set-up. It's an infant car seat with a rear view that offers the best neck and head protection for babies and newborns. The exclusive Tri-Protect Headrest features a layer Intelli-Fit Memory Foam that protects your child from collisions with the side.
Like any infant car seat, you'll have to replace it when your child outgrows the height and weight limits, or when they turn one. You can then upgrade to a convertible car seat or an all-in-one car seat. This will allow your child to ride rearwards for longer and is more secure.
A convertible car seat has a greater rear-facing weight and height limit than an infant car seat and generally has a larger, more spacious interior. It's a good idea to change to a convertible seat as soon as you can to stop your child from outgrowing it too quickly. In certain situations, parents can make the transition to an all-in-one seat without the need to purchase an additional infant car seat. For that reason, it's important to choose the most suitable convertible car seat for your family. Read our complete guide to provide all the details you require to make the best decision.
4. Nuna Pipa Aire RX
The Nuna Pipa Aire RX is one of the most highly-rated infant car seats because of its safety, lightweight design and the versatility. It can be installed using rigid lower anchors on outboard seats of most cars and is also equipped with a vehicle seat belt that utilizes Euro routing (which makes use of the entire length of a car's seat belt for a secure installation). It also comes with an organic GOTS baby insert, which is a great option for parents who are eco conscious and prefer organic products for their child.
At just 6 pounds without the canopy and inserts the Pipa Aire RX is among the most lightweight infant car seats on the market. This is thanks to the revolutionary Aeroflex foam that's incredibly lightweight but incredibly durable, reducing the forces transferred to your child in the event of a crash. Other safety features include a 5 second steel-reinforced True base lock installation, side impact protection, and a multi-position steel stability leg with a crumple zone that reduces forward rotation for enhanced rear-facing security.
Other highlights include an ergonomic aluminum carry handle that's comfortable and light with leatherette accents to ensure comfortable toting and superb grip. The magnetic buckle holders keep straps out of from the way when you buckle your child and color-coded indicator lights for installation confirm correct connections. The low-profile base allows for rapid loading, and the open belt pathway with lock-off secures shoulder and lap belts.
Cleaning up after a messy family member shouldn't be a problem. The inserts and fabrics of the Pipa Aire RX can be washed by machine so that your car seat looks like it did after each use.
5. Nuna Pipa Urbn
Nuna's PIPA air rx and PIPA Rx car seats are fantastic choices. However, the new Pipa Urbn is a step beyond. This ultralight infant car seats is extremely easy to carry, weighing less than 7 pounds when the canopy and insert. It also comes with an elegant, user-friendly design that includes practical features like buckle holders that are magnetic to help keep straps out of the way when you buckle your baby in, and a green/red indicator to tell you that the installation is secure (we would like to see all car seats had this! ).
Unlike the Pipa RX and the other base-compatible PIPA models that require a car base to install, this one can be used without a base thanks to its innovative pipaFIX rigid latch system. This makes it a perfect option for parents who regularly use rideshare or taxi services, travel, or just need the ability to move their car seat between vehicles more quickly and easily.
Like other Nuna products, the Pipa Urbn is designed with environmentally-friendly materials that are free of added fire retardant chemicals, and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. These green-friendly materials include a Merino wool and Tencel branded lyocell blend headrest as well as machine washable, water-resistant body insert and cover.
car seat newborn of the Pipa Urbn is that it has a rear-facing weight limit of 30 to 35 pounds. This means you might have to upgrade to a convertible seat sooner than some other brands. It's still a top option for the majority of babies. This car seat is also compatible with Nuna's travel systems and can be connected to all strollers by using the rings adapter.