Finding the safest and affordable car seat for infant and toddlers can overwhelming especially if you’re a first-time mother. As a mother of three, I had the same challenge when my first born came knocking. It’s easier to get overwhelmed given the different infant car seat models available on the market today- from lightweight, convertible, car seat stroller combo, baby car seats for small cars and the list is endless.
Check out our How to Buy Car Seats For Baby Guide if this is your first time buying a car seat.
I know you might say- any seat would be perfect for my newborn- but the answer is no. Different seats are designed for kids of different ages. For example, there’s seat for newborn, seats for toddlers, and car seats for big kids.
That’s why I decided to carry the burden on your behalf and spent up to 24 hours researching and sorting the best from the rest to help you make a wise decision in your quest to find the best infant car seat.
An infant seat has a weight limit of 35 to 40 pounds and a height limitation of up to 32 to 35 inches tall. This means that the seat cannot be used by children that exceed these limitations and are only used facing the rear of the car.
| Image | Name | Best for: |
|---|---|---|
| Chicco KeyFit 30 Magic | Best Infant Car Seat | |
| Combi Coccoro Convertible Car Seat | Best Infant Car Seat for Small Cars | |
| Graco SnugRide Click Connect | Lightest Infant Car Seat | |
| Evenflo Nurture Car Seat | Best Inexpensive Infant Car Seat | |
| Chicco KeyFit 30 | Best Infant Car Seats for Twins and Preemies |
Just like buying your first vehicle, there are factors that you should consider before purchasing an infant car seat. Below are some questions that you should ask before making the decision.
The size of your vehicle: You should buy an infant seat that fits in your vehicle. If you have a small or big vehicle, you should consider this as well.
How often will you be moving the seat in and out of the vehicle? When shopping for an infant seat, first consider whether you will need to take the seat in and out of the car frequently. If so portability would be an important issue.
Comfort: the infant seat should be comfortable for your baby. Check to see if the seat is padded and offers sufficient head support.
Brand and Models: The NHTSA website is an excellent resource to check seat brands and models that have been recalled.
Cleaning? The truth is, babies can be messy. When shopping for an car seat, it’s important to buy one that’s easy to clean. Also, check if the seat cover comes off.
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The best infant seat should have all features associated with safety, reliability, and affordability. If you’re looking for a seat with such features, I would recommend Chicco KeyFit 30 Magic.
Chicco KeyFit is easy to install, fitted with premium and comfy fabric for the safety of your little one. You can use the seat from the birth right until your child weighs 30lbs. The reason why I love and recommend this set be because its compatible with most Chicco strollers and other known brands on the market.
Compatible strollers list:
How big is your vehicle? The size of the determines what will fit and what will not fit. Small cars will need small and compact seat. One of the best seats for small cars is the Combi Coccoro Convertible Seat.
It is lightweight and compact to fit small cars. This means your vehicle can accommodate up to three seats across the rear seat. The convertible seat is equipped with a layer of energy absorbing foam that absorbs energy during crash protecting your baby head, neck, and spine.
Comes with a five-point harness, an easy to remove the cover, an infant insert pillow, and harness pads to keep your child comfortable. The weight limits for this seat range from 3lbs to 33lbs when the child is rear facing and from 20-40lbs when forward facing.
If you want to buy a booster seat or a convertible seat, then the weight is not going to be a concern since they are designed to be used in your car most of the time. However, if you’re looking to buy the best seat- then weight should be a major concern in this case.
Infant seats are designed to be carried around, and their most significant selling point is the fact that they easily click in and out of the base of your seat.
If you’re looking to buy an child’s seat that’s lightweight- Graco SnugRide Click Connect Seat should serve you right. You should be able to transport your baby from home and around town and run errands without a headache. It is a rear-facing seat that helps protect kids weighing from 4-35 pounds and up to 32 inches hence making it the best first seat for baby.
The seat comes with a 5 point harness that can be adjusted from the front hence making it easy for your little one to get in and out of the seat easy. The seat has been crash tested and meets United States safety standards.
If you’re looking for a cheap seat that doesn’t compromise on quality, you will love Evenflo Nurture Infant Car Seat. It comes with a 5-point harness with two crotch buckle and three shoulder harness for better fit and durability.
As a mother, what I love about the seat is the fact that it comes with a separate stay in the base that allows for easy movement in and out of the .
It is equipped with energy absorbing foam liner that helps provide added safety to your baby. The seat can only be used rear facing and only for babies weighing 5-22 pounds.
The Shortcomings?
There’s a saying that goes, “you get what you pay for,” and the same applies when it comes to purchasing an infant seat. You will probably be getting the minimum safety standard. Some customers complained about the seat sturdiness.
There are two main features that you should look for before buying the best seats for twins and preemies. They include low harness slots and minimum weight rating.
The rule of rear-facing infant seat is that the baby’s shoulders should be at or above the nearest harness slot. Therefore it’s important that the seat you choose have harness slots that are low for smaller babies. This is because if the lowest harness slot on the seat is too tall, the seat will not work.
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Seat is America’s number one seat. It’s easy to install, comes with a five-point harness that easily adjusts with one hand and it’s ideal for newborns weighing 4-11 pounds.
The car seat comes with level indicators that will help you accurately verify base angle when installing it in your vehicle. It’s also equipped with a removable body and head support for newborns and smaller infants. It is also compatible with all Chicco stroller for on the go travel convenience.
The above infant car seats will ensure that your little one is safely secured in your car when travelling. They are not only designed with safety in mind but also comfort as well.
If you are getting a car seat for your little one, do not miss out this limited free offer of getting a carseat canopy. Remember to use the promo code PJBABY during checkout after you chose the design you liked.
You can also read this article about 27 baby items list with pictures for first time parents or reviews about the best car seat for baby with reflux in the market.
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