This article will be about something that you should know from day one of your pregnancy, perhaps, even when you are trying to conceive. Childbirth is not just the nine months of pregnancy but a lifelong commitment to nurturing the child into adulthood. With a newly born come new expenses that can take a toll on your budget. You need to know the best infant car seat 2022 to ensure your child’s safety within the confines of your pocket.
Features of the best infant car seat 2022
You should never forget that no car seat can be manufactured and sold that does not adhere to the safety rules implied by the government. So, each car seat available is undoubtedly safe for your child. You have to hand-pick your favorite according to the extra features that it offers, some of which are as follows:
Material
The best infant car seat 2022 is the one that has a durable material. Spending money on cheaper material will be dangerous in the long run because you will have to get it changed again and again. Instead, invest in a long-lasting material. Also, remember, that the material should be easily removable and washable. An infant is bound to spill all kinds of fluids on the seat, so washing it will be a hassle. Make your life easier, and go for an infant car seat that can be cleaned in a minute or so.
Safety Indicators
Parents always make mistakes when adjusting the infant in the car seat. Correctly adjusting the seat will show you a green signal so that you can drive easily without any worry of an accident or slippage. A red light or color will show if the baby is loose in the seat. The best infant car seat 2022 is definitely the one that tells you when your baby is safely snuggled into the seat.
Installation
It should have an easy installation system. New parents don’t have time to learn technical skills when they also have to take care of an infant in their arms. Go for a car seat that uses the LATCH system, hence not taking more than a second or two to adjust into the car.
From Car into Stroller (Or another car!)
The baby is not supposed to stay in the same car 24/7, right? You are going to use other cars as well for travel sometimes. You will often go for a long walk or shopping in a mall with your baby cooing in a stroller. Buy a car seat that can be easily installed into one car from another and is compatible with your stroller.
Usage of an infant car seat
Can you get a used car seat to save money? Sure! But on one condition only: Find someone trustworthy! Get it from a loved one or a relative whose baby has traveled in that seat with 100& safety. Never compromise on your baby’s safety to save a couple of bucks! Buy a new and customized car seat if you do not find a trustworthy person to buy a used one.
Also read: Best toys for 6 months old babies
What to pick: Infant Car Seat vs. Convertible
You must be wondering, why use an infant car seat at all? Why not invest in a convertible? Well, we have the answer for you right here.
What is an infant car seat?
An infant car seat latches onto the seat of your car, with the baby and car seat facing the rear end of the vehicle.
What is a convertible?
A convertible is a car seat that can be used when the child grows up. It can be adjusted onto the back seat with the child facing towards the front of the car.
Why choose an infant car seat, then?
For starters, an infant car seat will help you avoid a crying baby!! When your baby is napping peacefully in their stroller and hates to travel in cars or does not like to be disturbed, you can easily take the seat off the stroller and put it onto the car without bothering the baby. Sounds great, doesn’t it? A quiet and calm baby is equal to a quiet and calm parent! You cannot keep your mind on the road when your baby is crying and yelling at the back.
Secondly, companies design infant car seats according to the needs of an infant. A convertible cannot replace a car seat designed for less than a one-year-old baby. It has foot padding and back alignment cushions that cater to the need of babies at that specific age. Children of different age groups have different needs. Who said parenting was easy!
What are the best infant car seats on the market?
These are our picks for the best infant car seats: overall and affordable.
Best Infant Car Seat Overall – Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base
Weight/height limit: 4 to 30 pounds and up to 30 inches tall
Weight: 16.6 pounds (with base)
Dimensions:27.5 x 16.5 x 24 inches
Pros: Excellent crash test scores, easy to install
Cons: Heavier than some other models
Best Affordable Infant Car Seat – Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 XT Infant Car Seat
Height/weight limit: 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches
Weight: 15 pounds
Dimensions: 18.31 x 16.02 x 28.03 inches
Pros: Affordable, machine-washable cover
Cons: LATCH installation and removal might be difficult. The seat fabric is not breathable.
Also read Best Mattress For Pregnant Women.