There are so many different brands and then each brand seems to have so many models. Where do you start? So which is the best baby car seat ?
Does It Fit ?
Ask some simple questions?
- Does it fit your car
- Does it fit your child – for a newborn this means it has low harness slots
- Will it be used correctly 100% of the time – this is where convenience features really do make a difference, the easier the seat is to use the more likely you are to use it correctly.
Infant Carrier
You’ll probably start with an infant carrier for newborns, because its supposed to be easier to be able to click the carrier into the base and take it out with you. However – that baby is growing !! and gets heavier !! not so easy after a while. Babies aren’t supposed to sit in carriers as often as we see them. Even manuals say it is only for use in the car or on a stroller. So a sling is a much better bet for when you’re out and about – pouch slings are best and easiest to use, you can even nurse while baby is in one – with no hands, lol!
How long will they last?
Every baby is different but most grow at a similar rate. As for picking an infant carrier – they are all very similar. Most go to 20-22lbs, and will only last your baby about 4-6 months. The only exception is the pricier Graco SafeSeat1, goes to 30lbs, and claims it will last 99% of kids to 1 year. Just be sure to pick one with a 5 point harness and NOT a 3 point harness. All seats currently on the market must pass the same regulations – so all seats are safe as long as they are used correctly.
CPST
Did you know that 80% of car seats are installed incorrectly !! – call your police station and get an appointment with a CPST, usually free, who will help you install your seat.
Convertible
You could start right off with a convertible car seat. More expensive to start with but you save later on when you don’t need to change the whole seat as your baby growst. Just make sure it has low enough shoulder slots to fit a newborn. Cosco Scenera is a low cost good way to go – rear faces to a whopping 35lbs, really important because babies should stay rear facing AS LONG AS POSSIBLE! Preferably for their first 2 years of life. Turning your baby forward facing at 20lbs/1year is outdated advice that could cost you your child. An Evenflo Triumph Advance is a great convertible car seat that easily fits both a rear facing new born and will go up to fit your average forward facing 4-5 year old. $130 at Walmart, plusher version with infant insert $150 at Babies R Us. GREAT SEAT! Easy to use, all harness height adjustments are made without having to remove the seat, and no tugging on straps! Just turn the knobs.
A few things for you to think about when choosing the best baby car seat.
Read more: Which Is the Best Baby Car Seat?