Best Car Seats For Infants and Babies
While convertible car seats work great for growing children but an infant seat is best for infants. They're also lighter and easier to click into strollers than their larger counterparts.
CPST instructor Kecia Healy liked the Chicco KeyFit's spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator on the base, as well as its ease of use (the more user-friendly a car seat is and the more likely parents are to set it up correctly). The model also fits three across in the majority of mid-sized cars.
1. Clek Liing infant car seat
The Canadian manufacturer Clek is known for their top-rated convertible car seats and the infant Liing is among the best infant seats. It is a top-of-the-line safety features, including a steel load leg, which is easy to install. user-friendly installation and seven different recline positions to adjust to the slope of your vehicle seat. A bubble indicator enables you determine if the seat is at the correct angle prior to your child riding in it.
The base of the Liing can be easily fitted using rigid LATCH connectors that fit into the lower anchors of your vehicle which makes it easier to secure the seat. The Liing is a great option for families that intend to frequently switch cars or who want an easy, reliable way to install car seats for babies. If you prefer, you can use the included belt-tensioning system to buckle your child.
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 slips over the crotch buckle and an attachment for the head that connects to the harness to help keep newborns from sagging or bending their heads while in the seat. This is an important feature for babies and preemies. It's also among the few rear-facing infant car seats that provide this level of support.
Another great feature of the Liing is its metal crash-test frame, which can reduce crash forces by up to 40 percent in comparison to other infant seats. The seat's shell is bolstered with EPP foam to safeguard your child's head and torso, which are the most susceptible in a collision. The seat's base has a load leg made of metal that absorbs energy, and also assists in reducing the risk of crashes.
2. Chicco KeyFit
This is a consistently top-rated infant car seat. It is easy to install and use, and it can expand with your child. It can also be used with strollers to create a travel system.
The KeyFit is a fantastic option for parents looking for a safe, versatile and easy-to-use seat. It scored a high score in crash tests, is light and comfortable to carry, and offers a wide range of weight and height limits. It was also made with babies' comfort in mind. The click-in points are made of soft materials surrounding it so that your baby won't be burnt by metal. The newborn insert also has an enclosed head-skirt to protect their heads, and the seat pad that baby sits on nestles them with energy absorbing foam cushions for comfort.
Installation is simple. It is essential to install the infant seat correctly, as incorrect installation could increase your child's chance of getting injured. The KeyFit's top connectors for LATCH and a SuperCinch tightener ensures the safety of your child's seat while requiring minimal effort. The base also comes with ReclineSure leveling feet and two RideRight bubble-level-indicators to ensure the proper angle of the vehicle. And for alternate installation with the belt on the vehicle, clear belt routing and lock-offs make it simple to position, install and tighten the seat belt of your car.
The harness height adjustment rethread feature is a feature prevalent on many Chicco seats, including the original Keyfit model. This means you have to remove the harness and manually re-thread straps from one slot level to another, which takes longer than non-rethread adjustments. However, this is an acceptable trade-off for the convenience this seat provides.
3. Joie i-Snug 2
The lightweight Joie i-Snug 2 is an infant car seat that meets the highest safety standards. It comes with a no-rethread harness and is compatible with Joie strollers that accept Maxi-Cosi style adapters. The installation guide is clearly marked and bubble levels are built-in to aid in aligning the seat. The car seat is comfortable, with plenty of padding. It also has a convenient canopy that protects your child from the sun.
The i-Snug 2 has an ISOFIX base for secure attachment to vehicles and can be used with a compatible stroller for a complete travel system. pushchairsandprams -facing infant seat provides the highest level of cervical and head protection for newborns. The exclusive Tri-Protect headrest includes a layer of Intelli-Fit memory foam to shield your baby from side impact crashes.
Like any infant car seat, you'll have to replace it when your child reaches the weight and height limits, or when they reach their first birthday. You can then upgrade to a convertible car seat or an all-in-one car seat. This will allow your child to be rear-facing 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 typically has a larger space inside. It's a good idea change to a convertible seat as soon as possible to stop your child from growing out of it too quickly. In some cases parents may be able to transition their baby to an all-in-one car seat without ever having to purchase a new infant car seat. This is why it's crucial to pick the best convertible car seat for your family. Take a look at our comprehensive guide to get all the information you require to make the best choice.
4. Nuna Pipa Aire RX
The Nuna Pipa Aire RX is among the most rated infant car seats because of its safety, light design, and flexibility. It can be installed with rigid lower anchors in the seats that are outboard of most vehicles, and with the seat belt of the vehicle using Euro Routing (which uses the entire length of the belt to anchor the seat). It also comes with a GOTS organic baby insert that is a great choice for parents who are eco conscious and prioritize organic products for their child.
The Pipa Aire RX weighs only 6 pounds. without the canopy or inserts. It's among the lightest infant car seat on the market. This is thanks to the innovative Aeroflex foam that's incredibly lightweight but incredibly durable, reducing the force transferred to your baby during a crash. Other security features include a five-second steel-reinforced True base lock installation side impact protection and a multi-position steel stability leg with a crumple zone that limits forward rotation to provide greater rear-facing security.
Other highlights include an ergonomic aluminum carry handle that's both light and luxurious with leatherette accents to ensure easy to carry and excellent grip. The magnetic buckle holders keep straps out of from the way while you buckle your child, and color-coded indicators for installation confirm correct connections. The low-profile base allows for super-fast loading, while the open belt path 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 machine washed so that your car seat appears like it did following each use.
5. Nuna Pipa Urbn
Nuna's PIPA air rx and PIPA Rx car seats are great options. However, the recently launched Pipa Urbn is a step above. The ultralight infant seat is easy to carry and weighs less than 7 pounds when the canopy and insert are attached. It also has a luxe user-friendly design, with convenient features like buckle holders with magnetic buckles to keep straps clear when you buckle your baby in, and a green/red indicator to tell you that the installation is secure (we would like to see that all car seats came with this! ).
The unique pipaFIX technology allows it to be used with or without a base, unlike the Pipa RX or other base-compatible PIPAs that require a base to be installed. This makes it the ideal option for parents who regularly use 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 green-friendly materials include a Merino wool and Tencel branded lyocell fiber blend headrest and a water-resistant, machine washable cover and body insert.
The Pipa Urbn comes with the weight limit of 30 to 35 pounds when used rear-facing. This means that you may have to upgrade to a convertible model sooner than other brands. However, it is still a top pick for most infants. The car seat is travel system-ready and pairs seamlessly with all of Nuna's strollers--just click it on or connect with the ring adapter.