Baby car seat - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023 बेबी कार सीट
Car safety is very important to babies, and an infant car seat is one of the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival.
You shouldn't leave it to chance, selecting the first one you like just for its looks—this is an item you should fully research and consider before purchasing.
The good news: At Real Indian we've done extensive research for you, and our buying guide has everything you need to know on one page, so you'll be choosing your new infant car seat before you know it. Tested the products in our lab, analyzed the data, talked to existing customers, and consulted with our child development expert, Ram Shinde, all so we can give you a fair and comprehensive review to help you make an informed purchase.
The product list above includes our top five infant car seat picks, and the guide below gives you all the information you'll need to choose the right car seat for you and your growing family.
Read on to learn about child car seat features, and when you're ready to buy, check out our recommendations.
Anatomy of a Child Car Seat
What Exactly is an infant car seat and how is it Different from other types of Car Seats?
The main feature of a child car seat is that it is rear-facing. In the event of a car accident, children under the age of two are 75% less likely to be killed or injured in a rear-facing seat than in a forward-facing one.
Most infant car seats have a base that...is anchored to the car, and the main body of the car seat simply clips onto the base. This means that two-car families only need a second base, rather than a second car seat.
Baby car seats have a handle, so you can get your baby in and out of the car without disturbing him...
Avoid buying a used car seat as it could be a recalled product, it could be damaged so its safety features don't work, and it certainly won't come with any company warranty.
Be careful with the toys. Toys can hurt your child in an accident, so be very careful when choosing ones that are soft and won't hurt your child. Secure loose objects and toys to protect everyone in the car.
About the LATCH System
The Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system is designed to help you safely adjust your child's car seat. Most infant car seats only use the lower anchors located in the crease where the seat cushions meet' These anchors should be found in almost all cars (and other passenger vehicles) made after 1 September 2002. You will discover two lower anchors and two lower anchor connectors on the infant car seat or base—one on each side—both must be attached to the anchors.
Although this is a basic explanation of how the LATCH system works, always refer to the manual that came with your infant car seat to learn exactly how it fits your chosen model.
If your car is LATCH-compatible, you do not need to use a seat belt to secure the infant seat. However, it is still possible to use the seat belt instead of the LATCH system if you have an older vehicle that does not have anchor points.
Considerations for Selecting an Infant Car Seat
Adjustable Harness
It's pretty standard for infant car seats to come with adjustable harnesses, so you can keep your baby secure in her seat as she grows older.
Most seats come with harnesses placed in three different positions at the shoulders and between the legs to fit your baby from newborn to the maximum height limit.
Padded
A good amount of padding is ideal in a car seat, both for comfort and to provide cushioning in an accident.
We recommend a seat with breathable padding, so your baby does not... 39; don't get too hot or sweat too much in hot weather or when layering winter clothing.
Most infant car seats have extra padding for newborns and small babies that can be removed as the child grows.
Also, consider whether the padding and cover are removable for easy cleaning.
Weight
Infant car seats weigh between 5 and 16 pounds. Pick one that you can carry comfortably, and don't forget to take your child's weight into account. Our expert, Jonas Sicker, suggests, "If your stroller is too heavy, look for stroller-compatible models to lighten the load on longer rides."
Recline Indicator
It is important to recline the infant car seat at the correct angle, especially for a newborn or small baby who is not yet able to support their own head. If you are seated too upright, your head may tilt forward, which could block your airway. Many infant car seats have recline indicators, a bit like alcohol levels, on the side to help you adjust them to the proper degree of recline.
Safety Tips for Car Seats
Individual state laws may differ, but the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that a child remains in an infant car seat until at least two years of age or until they outgrow infant seats.
When adjusting the harness position, the shoulder straps should be at or below your baby's shoulders, never above them, to keep your baby safe in a crash.
If the car seat is damaged or the vehicle is in an accident, replace the seat immediately, even if there is no obvious damage.
All infant car seats have an expiration date—usually about six years after being manufactured—which must be on a label or molded into the plastic.
A properly installed car seat should not move more than an inch when secured.
FAQ
Q. How long should my child use an infant car seat?
Ans. Although the connotations of the word "infant" may suggest that this type of car seat is only for small infants, it is recommended that your child use a rear-facing seat for as long as possible. Rear-facing car seats are much safer in a collision, so it's best to keep your child in one until they outgrow it. Most infant car seats can accommodate children up to 35 pounds, so ideally, you should use a rear-facing car seat until they reach this weight limit or outgrow.
Q. Is my child too tall for an infant car seat?
Ans. Your child can stay in an infant car seat until he is tall enough that the crown of his head is one inch below the top of the seat shell. Before he reaches this height, he will probably have to bend his knees or cross his legs to fit into the seat. Many parents worry that their child will feel uncomfortable or cramp in this position, but the increased safety of a rear-facing car seat is worth it.
Q. How will I know if my car seat has been recalled?
Ans. When you purchase your car seat, you will find a card attached asking you to register your purchase with the manufacturer. You must do so, as this is how the manufacturer will know how to contact you in the event of a recall.
