Best Car Seats For Infants and Babies
While convertible car seats work well for growing children but an infant seat is best for infants. They're also smaller and easier to snap into strollers than their larger counterparts.
Kecia Healy Instructor at CPST Kecia Healy liked the recline leg that is spring-loaded and also the bubble indicator on the bottom of the Chicco KeyFit, as well as the user-friendliness. (The more user-friendly the car seat is, the more likely that parents will install it correctly. The model also fits three across in many midsize vehicles.
1. Clek Liing Car Seat for Infants
The Canadian manufacturer Clek is renowned for its top-rated convertible car seats and the infant Liing is one of their top infant seats. It is fitted with best-in class safety features like a metal load-leg and a simple installation. It also has seven different recline positions that can be adjusted to match the slope of your car's seat. A bubble indicator allows you determine if the seat is at the right angle before your child rides in it.
The base for the Liing is simple to set up with the help of LATCH connectors that slide into the lower anchors, making the seat easy to anchor. The Liing is a great choice for families who are planning to change cars frequently or need a simple, reliable way to install car seats for their infants. If you prefer, you can also use the included belt-tensioning system to buckle your child in.
One of the features that sets the Liing apart from other infant car seats is its 2 piece Newborn Support System. This includes an insert for the lower that slides over the crotch buckle and a head support that is attached to the harness to help prevent newborns from slumbering or bending their heads forward when they're in the seat. It's a game changer for tiny babies and preemies and is one of the few rear facing infant car seats that offer this type of support.
The Liing's metal crash-test framework reduces the force of a crash by up to 40% when compared to other infant seat. The shell of the seat is reinforced with EPP foam, which protects your child's head and body in an accident. The base of the seat is constructed with a metal load leg that absorbs energy and helps diminish crashes, as well.
2. Chicco KeyFit
This is the top-rated infant seat. It is easy to install and use, and it can grow with your child. It also pairs well with strollers as a travel system.
The KeyFit is a great choice for parents who want an easy-to-use, safe and versatile seat. It scored a high score in crash tests, is lightweight and comfortable to carry. It also has a good range of weight and height limits. It was also made with babies' comfort in mind. The click-in point is surrounded by soft materials to prevent your baby from being burnt by the metal. The insert for newborns includes a head cover that protects their tiny heads. And the seat pad, which your baby sits on, is able to nestle them in foam cushions.
It's also one of the easiest infant seats to install correctly, every time. It is crucial to install the seat correctly as a wrong installation can increase the danger of injury. The KeyFit's premium LATCH connectors with a SuperCinch tightener ensure a secure fit with minimal effort. Additionally, the base comes with a ReclineSure leveling foot as well as two RideRight bubble level indicators to ensure the correct angle of the vehicle and quick installation. In addition, for a different installation using the belt on the vehicle clear belt routing and lock-offs make it easy to install, position and tighten the car seat belt.
However, it isn't as good in the user-friendliness category due to the rethread-style harness height adjustment, which is a standard feature on many Chicco seats (and also on their OG Keyfit model). This means that you need to manually re-thread the straps to change from one level to the next. But this is still an acceptable trade-off for the convenience this seat provides.
3. Joie i-Snug 2
The lightweight Joie i-Snug 2 infant car seat meets the most stringent safety standards. It features a no-rethread belt and is compatible with Joie strollers that accept Maxi Cosi style adapters. It's simple to use, with clearly labeled installation guides and built-in bubble levels to help in alignment. The car seat is full of padding and is very comfortable. It has a nice canopy that protects your child from the sunlight.
The i-Snug has an ISOFIX vehicle base that permits a secure vehicle attachment. It can also be used with an appropriate stroller to create an entire travel system. It's a rear-facing infant car seat that provides maximum neck and head protection for babies and newborns. The exclusive Tri-Protect Headrest is equipped with a layer of Intelli-Fit Memory Foam to shield your child from side impact crashes.
Like any infant car seat you'll need to replace it when your child outgrows the height and weight limits or when they turn one. You can then upgrade to convertible car seats or an all-in-one car seat. This will allow your child to travel rearwards for longer and is more secure.
A convertible car seat has a higher rear-facing weight and height limit than an infant seat, and generally has a bigger and more spacious interior. To stop your child from getting out of the seat too quickly, it's recommended to change to a car seat that converts as quickly as you can. In certain instances, parents can even transition their child into an all-in-one car seat without ever having to purchase another new car seat for their infant. This is why it is crucial to select the best convertible car seat for your family. Read our complete guide for all the info you need to make an informed choice.
4. Nuna Pipa Aire RX
The Nuna Pipa Aire RX is one of the top-rated infant car seats due to its safety, light weight design and its versatility. It is installed with strong lower anchors on outboard seats of most cars and also with a seat belt for the vehicle that utilizes Euro routing (which uses the entire length of the vehicle's seat belt for a secure installation). It also comes with a GOTS organic cotton infant insert, making it an option for parents who prioritize organic choices for their child.
The Pipa Aire RX weighs only 6 lbs. without the canopy or inserts. It is one of the lightest infant car seats on the market. This is thanks to the innovative Aeroflex foam that's incredibly lightweight yet incredibly strong, reducing force transferred to your baby during a crash. Other safety features include the 5 second steel-reinforced True Lock base installation, side-impact protection, and a multi-position steel stability leg that features an area of crumple to limit forward rotation for enhanced rearward-facing security.
The ergonomic aluminum handle is light and luxurious with leatherette accents to provide an ergonomic grip and an ideal option to carry the bag. Magnetic buckle holders keep straps off the way while buckling up your child and color-coded indicators to ensure proper connections. The low-profile base makes it fast, effortless loading. the belt's open path with locks that secure shoulder and lap belts.
Parenting is messy Cleaning up doesn't have to be. The inserts and fabrics of the Pipa Aire RX are machine washable so you can keep your car seat looking as like new after every use.
5. Nuna Pipa Urbn
Nuna's PIPA air Rx and PIPA Rx car seats are excellent choices. However, the recently launched Pipa Urbn is a step above. The ultralight infant seat is lightweight and easy to carry, and weighs less than 7 pounds once the canopy and insert are attached. It is user-friendly and luxurious design with features such as magnetic buckle holders that keep straps out from the way when buckled in your baby, and a green/red indicator to tell you whether the installation is secure. ).
Unlike the Pipa RX and the other base-compatible PIPA models that require a car base to install it, this model can be used without a base thanks to its pipaFIX-inspired latch system. This makes it a great option for parents who frequently take taxis, rideshare services, or travel.
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 eco-friendly materials include a Merino Wool and Tencel blended lyocell fibres headrest as well as an machine washable, water-resistant cover.
The Pipa Urbn comes with the weight limit of 30 to 35 pounds when rear-facing. This means that you might need to upgrade to a convertible model sooner than other brands. It is still a top choice for the majority of infants. infant car seat uk is also equipped for travel and can be used with all Nuna strollers. You just need to click it on or attach with the rings adapter.