Best Car Seats For Infants and Babies
While convertible car seats are great for growing kids, an infant seat is the best choice for newborns and babies. They're also lighter and easier to clip into strollers than their larger counterparts.
Kecia Healy, CPST instructor, liked the recline leg that is spring-loaded and also the bubble indicator at the base of the Chicco KeyFit, as well as the ease of use. (The more user-friendly the car seat is, the more likely that parents will install it correctly. The model also fits three across in most mid-sized cars.
1. Clek Liing infant car seat
Clek, an Canadian manufacturer, is known for its top-rated convertible car seats. The infant Liing is among their best infant seats. The seat comes with the best safety features available including a steel load-leg and a simple installation. It also has 7 different recline positions that can be adjusted to fit the slope of your vehicle's seat. A bubble indicator enables you ensure that the seat is set at the right angle before your child rides in it.
The base for the Liing is easy to install by using LATCH connections that are rigid and slide into the lower anchors, making the seat more secure. The Liing is a great option for families who are planning to change cars frequently or want a simple, reliable way to install a baby's car seats. If you prefer, you can also 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 system includes a lower insert which can be placed over the crotch strap, and an attached headrest to the harnesses to stop newborns from slumbering forward or pushing their heads backwards while in the seat. This is a game changer for tiny babies and preemies. It's also one of the few rear-facing infant car seats that offers this level of support.
car seat inserts for newborns Liing's crash-testing framework made of steel reduces crash forces up to 40% when compared to other infant seats. The shell of the seat is bolstered with EPP foam, which shields your child's head and body from a crash. The seat's base has a load leg made of metal that absorbs energy, and also assists in reducing the risk of the risk of collisions.
2. Chicco KeyFit
This is a consistent top-rated infant car seat. It's quick to put in place, easy to use and will grow with your child. It can also be used with strollers for a travel system.
The KeyFit is a great choice for parents who want an easy-to-use, safe and flexible seat. It scored high in crash tests and is lightweight and easy to carry. It also offers an extensive range of height and weight limits. It is also designed with babies' comfort in mind. The click-in point is made of soft material around it to ensure that your baby won't be burned by the metal. The newborn insert also has an enclosed head-skirt to shield their heads and the seat pad your baby sits on has cushioned foam that absorbs energy to ensure comfort.
The process of installing it correctly is simple. It is essential to install the seat correctly, as incorrect installation can increase your child's chance of getting injured. The KeyFit's top LATCH connectors with a SuperCinch tightener provide an extremely secure fit with little effort. The base also has a ReclineSure leveling foot and two RideRight bubble level indicators to ensure the correct angle of the vehicle and quick installation. For alternative installation clear belt routing, locks-offs, and the car seatbelt allow for easy positioning and tighten.
The harness height adjustment rethread feature is a feature that is found on a variety of Chicco seats, including the original Keyfit model. This means you have to remove the harness and manually re-thread straps from one level to another which is longer than non-rethread adjustments. However, this is a relatively minor tradeoff for the convenience this seat provides.
3. Joie i-Snug 2
The light Joie i-Snug 2 infant car seat is built to the highest safety standards. It features a no-rethread harness, and is compatible with Joie strollers that can accept Maxi-Cosi style adapters. The installation guide is clearly labeled and bubble levels are built-in to aid in aligning the seat. The car seat is comfortable with plenty of padding. It comes with a canopy that shields your baby from direct sunlight.
The i-Snug 2 comes with an ISOFIX base for secure attachment to vehicles and can be used in tandem with a compatible stroller for an entire travel system. This rear-facing infant car seat provides maximum head and cervical protection for newborns. The exclusive Tri-Protect headrest comes with an additional layer of Intelli-Fit memory foam to protect your baby from side-impact collisions.
Like any infant car seat, you'll need to replace it once your child outgrows the weight and height limits, or when they reach their first birthday. In the meantime you can upgrade to a convertible or an all-in-one car seats, which allows children to ride rear-facing longer and is more secure for them.
A convertible car seat is more spacious and has a higher rear-facing weight and height limit than an infant seat, and generally has a bigger space inside. To avoid your child growing out of the seat too quickly, it's recommended to change to a car seat that converts as quickly as you are able to. In some instances, parents can make the transition to an all-in-one car seat without having to buy another infant car seat. For that reason, it is crucial to select the most suitable convertible car seat for your family. Check out our comprehensive guide for all the info you require to make the best decision.
4. Nuna Pipa Aire RX
Nuna Pipa RX is a top-rated infant seat due to its safety features, lightweight design, and the versatility. It installs with rigid lower anchors on outboard seats in most vehicles and with vehicle seat belt that utilizes Euro routing (which makes use of the entire length of a vehicle's seat belt for a secure installation). It also includes an organic cotton infant insert, making it an alternative for parents who are looking for organic options for their child.
At only 6 lbs without the canopy and inserts the Pipa Aire RX is among the lightest infant car seats available on the market. Aeroflex foam, which is lightweight and robust, but also extremely light helps reduce the force transferred to your child in the event of a crash. Other security features include a five-second steel-reinforced True lock base installation, side impact protection and a multi-position steel stability leg with a crumple zone that reduces forward rotation to provide greater rear-facing security.
Other highlights include an ergonomic aluminum carry handle that's light and luxurious with leatherette accents for comfortable toting and superb grip. A buckle holder with a magnetic buckle keeps straps from getting in the way when buckling your child in and color-coded indicator for installation ensures correct connections. The low-profile base makes it easy, super-fast loading and the open belt path with lock-off secures lap and shoulder belts.
Cleaning up after a messy child should not be a hassle. The inserts and fabrics in the Pipa Aire RX are machine washable, which means you can keep your car seat looking fresh as new 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 above. The ultralight infant car seat is extremely easy to carry and weighs less than 7 pounds with the canopy and insert. It has a user-friendly, elegant design and features such as magnetic buckle holders that keep straps out of the way when you are buckling in baby and a green/red indication to inform you if the installation is secure. ).
Unlike the Pipa RX and the other base-compatible PIPA models that require an automobile base to be installed it, this model 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. Those green-friendly materials also include a Merino wool and Tencel branded lyocell blend headrest, as well as a water-resistant, machine washable body cover and cover.
The main issue with the Pipa Urbn is that it only has a rear-facing weight limit of 30 to 35 pounds, so you might have to upgrade to a convertible seat sooner than other brands. It is still a top option for the majority of infants. This car seat is also compatible with Nuna's travel systems and can be attached to all strollers with the rings adapter.