Each infant seat has a specific purpose and profile. Without these purchase criteria, you can buy a model unsuited to the morphology or age of your child. Designed specifically for cars, the size of the back seat also matters a lot. On a city car, it will be very narrow, while for an SUV or minivan, the installation of two seats remains entirely possible. It would also be necessary to learn about its assembly and the errors to avoid. This is good because at the end of this article, we will explain how to install your seat correctly. Designed to standards, Uppababy Mesa Infant Car Seat is renowned for its high level of safety. Comfortable, the seat of Safety 1st Onboard 35 Air 360 Napswill be height adjustable.
Buying Guide – How To Choose A Good Baby Car Seat?
Where to buy a new baby car seat? Apart from specialist shops and supermarkets, all models are available on the internet. Ordering online will save you time. On top of that, delivery is often included in the sale price, so why not take advantage of that.
The type of seat
Basically, a baby car seat is mounted rear-facing. It is intended for newborns only. This variant often incorporates a carrying handle. It consists of a base that attaches to the rear seat and a nacelle. Equipped with an insert, this seat will support babies born prematurely.
As advantages, we note the simplicity of the installation. It is quite possible to remove the bassinet without waking the child. By way of comparison, its structure remains lighter. To top it off, it can be transferred from one car to another without the slightest difficulty. However, these seats do not offer enough legroom.
The so-called convertible models can be oriented forwards and backwards. This versatility explains the mention 2 in 1. Some models also play the role of booster seat. To say that a convertible model is the best performing of all infant car seats makes perfect sense. However, as a rule, they take up more space. Heavy, their transport poses a problem.
Third, there are booster seats with a combined booster and backless variant. They are as practical as the traditional models. The absence of a backrest can be a problem, especially during long journeys.
Morphology
Which baby car seat to choose? To give an answer to this question, take into account the weight and age of your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published a guide called NHTSA Child Car Safety. In this article, it is specified that the majority of car seats support a maximum weight of 35 lbs. Convertible models are suitable for children weighing less than 50 lbs.
If his age is between 1 and 7 years old, nothing will stop you from ordering a 5-point harness and forward-facing seat. Before its 10 years, the best choice remains the extra models. At 12, it would be wiser to use the seat belt rather than a cheap seat.
The accessories
Present in vehicles dating from 2002, the LATCH system will speed up the installation of the seat. If the model you ordered has this device, the seat belt will not be mandatory. However, be aware that this technique should only be used on children weighing less than 40 lbs.
Also keep in mind that the size of the back seat will vary depending on the type of vehicle. If you make the wrong choice, the base may touch the driver’s seat. In terms of accessories, the trend is for cup holders.
Although the 5-point harness is very practical and secure, its height must adapt to the child’s shoulders. This adjustment is made manually and at the back of the seat. Recent models have a no-rethread harness that adjusts to the headrest.
As a buying guide for the best baby car seats, we recommend this mechanism. Side impact protection comes in a single or double layer. In the event of an accident, this device will keep the head and torso upright. On some models, it is adjustable. Therefore, it is important to compare the design of the seats offered on the market.
The 5 Best Baby Car Seats (Reviews & Tests) of 2022
The price comparator was designed for the one and only purpose of making life easier for users, especially when it comes to ordering on the internet. Its effectiveness is no longer to be proven. If you are wondering where to buy the best baby car seat, this tool will redirect you to the right addresses.
1. Uppababy Mesa Infant Car Seat
How to choose the best baby car seats of 2022? Easy to use, the UPPAbaby MESA has been designed to make life easier for parents. Equipped with the SmartSecure system, this model incorporates a watertightness indicator and self-retracting LATCH connectors. Such a device will simplify installation.
Unlike a traditional connector, they will be more precise. In addition to this, an indicator will change from red to green when the seat is ready for use. Rated 5 stars, the MESA remains the best baby car seat on the market. Equipped with a profiled base and a flat bottom, its installation will not damage the rear seat.
In the event of an accident, you can count on the side impact protection. For information, the headrest is covered with EPP foam. The threadless five-point harness adjusts effortlessly.
Boasting UPF 25+ protection, the canopy filters out ultraviolet rays. Made essentially with merino wool, this seat does not contain chemicals.
Thanks to the LATCH connectors, assembly becomes child’s play. Note that this seat is compatible with the Vista stroller.
MESA protects your child from possible accidents. The 5-point harness and headrest provide excellent support.
Merino wool remains very pleasant to the touch.
Given the dimensions of the insert, it will not be suitable for tall children.
Weighing more than 10.7 kg, this seat is relatively heavy.
With no ventilation system, your child may sweat and become grumpy. Walking around in the middle of summer is therefore not a good idea.
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2. Safety 1st Onboard 35 Air 360 Naps
For the safety of our children, sooner or later we will have to buy a car seat. Protecting your baby from every angle, Onboard 35 Air 360 has 5 layers of Air Protect safety. In addition, the patented GCell HX ™ foam is suitable for all body types. Its flexibility will guarantee an optimal level of comfort.
The depth of the seat will wedge the baby. Given its design, this car seat will support a weight of 4 to 15.6 kg. If your child is growing, Safety 1st has thought of some wiggle room.
Having undergone several tests, it benefits from an ECE r44 supplement 7 certification. Equipped with an ergonomic handle, transport will not be a problem.
For a seat measuring 41.91 x 48.26 x 80.01 cm, its weight of 8.38 kg is within the category average. Regarding its maintenance, Onboard 35 Air 360 is machine washable.
In all, this seat has 4 distinct height settings. The Air Protect padding immediately puts you in confidence.
Even if this is your first infant car seat, it will only take a few minutes to install it.
The weight of the Onboard 35 Air 360 is far from handicapping. On the contrary, it allows the structure to remain stable.
Given the thickness of the padding, the Onboard 35 Air 360 takes up a lot more than just one seat.
Unstable, the parasol will not always protect your child from the sun. This is almost the biggest flaw of this seat.
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3. Graco 4Ever All-in-One Car Seat
The Graco 4Ever infant car seat stands out from other models thanks to its durability. The manufacturer pointed out that it is suitable for newborns, but also for a 10-year-old child. To keep it in place, use the 5-point harness.
In the reclined position, the backrest will support a weight of 1.8 to 18.1 kg. The strap has been designated for a child from 9.97 to 29.4 kg. If it weighs between 13.6 to 45 kg, put the backrest in place. If not, i.e. weight 18.1 to 54.4 kg, remove it.
The backrest has six inclination settings. The adjustment of the inserts becomes less constraining. Remember that the head restraint has 10 positions.
The UAS attachment located on the right side of the seat will simplify its installation. A click will indicate that everything is in place. To remove it, simply press the push button.
Being an excellent investment, Graco 4Ever will last for ten years. Also note that this model can be used as a booster seat.
The first thing you will notice is the beauty and quality of its design. It is far more beautiful than the Britax Marathon.
The adjustable backrest and headrest will prevent your child from being incorrectly positioned. Therefore, you can adopt a setting adapted to its morphology.
Considering the weight of the seat, it would be better not to move it often.
Adjusting the harness requires strength.
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4.Cosco Scenera Next
What is the best baby car seat on the market? With its side guards and headrest, the Cosco Scenera Next offers all-round protection. The 5-point harness can be adjusted according to the child’s morphology.
In total, the number of loop slots is three. For a growing child, it will be difficult to find better. Apart from cars, this seat also fits airplanes.
Thus, baby will be properly installed during the flight. Light, its transport will not pose any problem even in the airport. Remember that this model measures 43.18 x 44.95 x 68.58 cm for a weight of 4.09 kg.
Robust, its structure will support a maximum load of 18.1 kg. If unfortunately the cushion is stained, Cosco has made sure that it is sold separately with a design and colors to choose from. However, this part remains easy to clean. Just put it in the washing machine and then in the dryer.
Given the dimensions of the seat, its transport will not be at all inconvenient. The Cosco Scenera Next is often recommended for both cars and airplanes.
With or without a luggage cart, you will manage to transport it. Its light weight also simplifies assembly.
Considering its design, the installation will not take much time. This seat was designed for family travel.
Despite the fact that it does not have any specific padding, your child will immediately feel comfortable.
The length of the harness limits its use.
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5. Evenflo EveryStage DLX
By opting for EveryStage DLX, your children will be safe. The materials used by Evenflo guarantee a high level of protection. Until proven otherwise, it remains the best brand of baby car seats.
Equipped with the EasyClick LATCH system, this model is much more sophisticated than its competitors. The harness can be attached at the front, back or as a belt. The positioning booster will support a load of 120 pounds. Evenflo recommends a minimum weight of 4 lbs. Adjustable in several positions, baby can lie down or sit comfortably.
The cushion and the two cup holders are washable. The EveryStage DLX will be suitable for children under 10 years old. Well thought out, the anti-rebound bar will limit jolts.
This justifies the mention all-in-one. Regarding its dimensions, this seat measures 55.88 x 48.26 x 67.31 cm for a weight of 9.98 kg. The finish in Highlands Green is anything but ordinary. For an all-in-one seat, it will be hard to find cheaper.
The name of the EasyClick LATCH system was not chosen at random. With a simple click, this device will hold the seat in place.
The padding that Evenflo has chosen is similar to that found on high-end seats, hence the origin of its level of comfort.
Depending on your wishes and those of your child, it is quite possible to put the backrest flat. The EveryStage DLX doubles as a booster seat.
Some parents did not fail to point out that this model is heavy. Nevertheless, it adapts to small benches.
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frequently asked Questions
Q1: How to install a baby car seat?
First of all, know that all the steps of the installation will be marked in the instructions. Moreover, it is important to keep it. First, choose the orientation of the seat. The best thing is to install it facing the rear seat, that is to say facing the road. Before proceeding with the assembly, consult your car manual and more particularly the locking of the seat belts. Once this is done, place the base of the seat on the back seat and check that its inclination is between 30 and 45°.
Pass the seat belt through the two side buckles of the baby seat. If the bench seat has an ISOFIX mounting, pull the tabs then install them. Make sure the strap is tight. The next step will consist of installing the nacelle. Whether or not it is a group 1 car seat, the maneuver remains the same.
Q2: When to change the baby car seat?
Change the seat when your child exceeds the maximum weight and age recommended by the manufacturer. Apart from the backrest and the seat, it often happens that the harness becomes too small and is subsequently difficult or even impossible to put on. In this case, opt for a convertible model.
If you own an expired car seat, give it to someone else. On the other hand, if its structure shows a defect or wear, it would be wiser to throw it away. Remove the defective parts and put them in a garbage bag so that no one can reuse them. Whether in Canada, Europe, Asia or the United States, the use of a seat that does not comply with safety standards is strictly prohibited.
Q3: How do you properly secure the baby in the car seat?
To properly secure your child, you will need to adjust the height of the straps. Its adjustment will be explained in the user manual. Some models incorporate a slit while others do not require rethreading. The straps must pass under the child’s shoulders. Also check the positioning of the buckles.
The seat may have one or more positions for the crotch strap. If it is adjustable in height, this would mean that the harness will be able to adapt to all morphologies. The crotch strap should hug the child’s body.
Q4: How long can a baby stay in a car seat?
2 hours a day is the time limit recommended by baby car seat manufacturers. Going beyond it, we will observe a tension of the spine. If he falls asleep during the journey with his head tilted forward, the amount of air absorbed by the lungs will be less.
Remember that these seats are not intended for sleeping. They will never replace a crib with a firm mattress. If you travel by car, take regular breaks. While knowing how to buy a better value infant car seat is helpful, knowing the 2 hour rule is essential.
Q5: When to turn the baby car seat?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics or AAP, there is no rush to change the orientation of a car seat. When your child has not yet reached the maximum weight or age recommended by the manufacturer, keep the backrest against that of the driver or passenger. These tips also apply to newborns.
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