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Infant Car SeatsYou are here: Family >> Infant Car SeatsUpdated October 2007Infant car seats come in two parts, the car seat itself and the base unit, which stays in the car at all times. The seat itself can snap out of the base and double as a carrier, so you don't have to wake a sleeping baby. The average infant seat ranges from nearly 6 pounds to 10 pounds in weight. While this may not sound very heavy, it makes a big difference when a 22-pound baby is nestled inside. One way to find the right seat is to go to the store and test them out. Lift the display seat and note if it is too awkward, too heavy or simply not what you had in mind. In reviews, parents are quick to note when a carrier is too heavy or too bulky. For example, while many parents at Amazon.com have excellent comments for the Britax Companion (*est. $190) , some parents comment that the seat is too heavy. The Britax weighs 10 pounds all on its own, making it one of the heaviest seats on the market. The Graco SnugRide, by contrast, weighs 7 to 8 pounds (depending on model). The Baby Trend Flex-Loc weighs 8 pounds without the base. The Britax Companion is also much more expensive than the top-rated Graco SnugRide and Baby Trend Flex Loc. It performs well in crash tests, however, passing government testing with no trouble. We found some mixed parent reviews for the Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio (*est. $200) . Many parents say this seat is just too bulky and heavy. Some don't like the fabric, saying it makes their baby too hot. Others like the seat, but complain about the high price for an item that will only be used for less than a year. The Chicco KeyFit (*est. $160) gets the top rating in one large comparison review, as well as some very good reviews from parents posting to Target.com, although several comment that it doesn't have an attachment for shopping carts -- a factor that's either a big convenience or a non-issue, depending on how you do your shopping. Chicco has recently updated its product line to include the Chicco KeyFit 30 (*est. $170) , which is rated for infants up to 30 pounds (the standard KeyFit can accommodate a baby of up to 22 pounds). A common complaint about infant car seats is that babies outgrow them quickly, and the higher weight limits of both the Chicco KeyFit 30 and the Graco SafeSeat (*est. $120) attempt to address that problem. Taller babies may exceed height limits (30 inches for the KeyFit and 32 inches for the SafeSeat) before weight becomes a factor. But either seat is a good choice for heavier babies who are still too young for a front-facing car seat. The Evenflo Embrace (*est. $80) gets mixed reviews. Some parents like the seat, but we read a lot of comments about the handle. Some parents say the handle actually broke, while others say it just feels flimsy and not very comfortable. One owner at Target.com wrote that the car seat separated from its base during an actual crash. We found few comments from parents for the Compass I410 and I420 ( *est. $130 to $170 ). In professional testing all of these seats perform well, but parent ease-of-use reviews are not as great for these car seats as for the Graco SnugRide or the Baby Trend Flex-Loc, and the Compass car seats are significantly more expensive than either of the top-rated models. While many models of the SnugRide cost nearly $150, the higher-priced versions differ by fabric and amenities like a fancier canopy, a cold-weather boot, blanket and a peek-a-boo window in the canopy, features most parents say you really don't need. The best-reviewed versions of the SnugRide are those in the $80 to $100 range. The SnugRide gets excellent scores in crash tests, and parents like that it has a bit of everything for a good price. The SnugRide is also one of the lighter infant carriers at about 7 pounds. All new SnugRide infant car seats have EPS foam for extra support and protection, but the authors of Baby Bargains warn that some discount stores might still be selling 2006 models lacking the safety-enhancing EPS foam. So check the box and make sure you're getting a 2007 SnugRide with EPS. The SnugRide car seats come in a dizzying array of fabrics and colors; there are at least 20 different variations. SnugRide car seats can accommodate babies up to 22 pounds and 29 inches tall. The Baby Trend Flex-Loc doesn't come in quite as many colors and fabrics, and if you want fancier features like a windowed canopy or cold-weather boot, the SnugRide has more of those features. There are four fabric choices with the Flex-Loc, but all models have the same basic features, including EPS padding, a one-hand base adjustment and an up-front harness adjustment. The Flex-Loc also has an interesting triangular-shaped handle that looks a little odd. Parents, however, say it works well and is comfortable. The Flex-Loc comes with an adjustable crotch strap which some parents may prefer. The Flex-Loc car seat weighs about 8.5 pounds without the base. The Baby Trend car seat is a little harder to find in stores than the Graco SnugRide, which seems to have better distribution. According to NHTSA, most injuries sustained in accidents involving car seats stem from improper use and installation. Consumer Reports especially emphasizes that parents follow weight guidelines, even if it means buying three different car seats as your child grows; if your infant is under a year old but has exceeded the maximum rear-facing infant seat weight (usually 22 pounds), a convertible car seat should be used. Convertible seats allow a heavier baby to ride rear-facing until after a year old, when the seat can then convert to a front-facing model. See our separate report on convertible car seats for more information. Although few parents like the idea of cycling through three different car seats during a child's early years, experts say that keeping your baby in a properly sized seat is essential for safety. Child safety experts say that newborns should remain in rear-facing car seats for at least a year and until they weigh at least 20 pounds -- enough time for the child's neck and spine to develop sufficiently for a front-facing seat. Infant car seats are secured in the rear seat by an adult safety belt or by the LATCH system discussed above; most double as infant carriers and have slots in the base that are designed to attach to shopping cart frames. Infant car seats have a base attachment that stays in the car, making it easier to snap the seat into place. Reviews say that not all car seats fit in all cars. Websites like CarSeatData.org are helpful in determining which seats fit best in which cars, but still, trial and error is the best way to find the right seat for your car. That's why experts say you should purchase a car seat a couple of months before your baby is born -- and don't throw out the packaging and receipt until you're sure you've got a good fit. There are also a number of free programs located nationwide to help you properly install your car seat; those are discussed in the Best Research section of this report. Most hospitals require your car to have a properly installed infant car seat before sending you home with your baby. Consumer Reports crash-tested each car seat using both methods of attachment: with the vehicle's seat belts and with LATCH anchors. LATCH is a system introduced in 2002 that mandated all new cars come with metal anchor bars located under the rear seat. These anchors make installation easier, since instead of threading seat belts through car seats parents can simply clip the car seat to the anchors, then tighten the straps. Extra car seat bases (*est. $30 to $60 depending on the model) make it easier for parents to use an infant car seat with more than one vehicle. Important Features: Infant car seatsExperts say the following about choosing a car seat:
Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
* Also see our Comparison Chart.
The Graco SnugRide gets the best overall ratings in reviews for its combination of convenience and value. The Baby Trend Flex-Loc and the Chicco KeyFit also get good ratings from both experts and parents. The Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio and Britax Companion don't get the same enthusiastic reviews for ease of use from parents, and are more expensive than the Graco and Baby Trend car seats.
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If a baby reaches their infant seat's weight limit (generally 22 pounds) or exceeds the seat's height limit (usually about 29 inches) before their first birthday, experts say you need a convertible car seat. Convertible seats can accommodate heavier infants in the rear-facing position until they are a year old, then convert to a front-facing toddler seat later. See our separate reports on convertible car seats and booster seats for more information. Some car manufacturers offer built-in car seats as an option. In these, the child sits farther away from the seat in front of him or her than in an infant seat. If you're interested in a built-in car seat, we recommend further research; contact the manufacturer of the specific car you're considering for more information. Car seat/stroller combos, also known as travel systems, are convenient for families who spend a lot of time getting in and out of the car. With these, you can take the child out of the car and snap the carrier into the stroller without waking them up. Travel systems are also addressed in a separate report, car seat strollers . Children with specific health problems or medical conditions may require a special car restraint system. For premature infants who need to travel lying flat, your doctor may recommend a car bed such as the AngelGuard (*est. $100) or the Cosco DreamRide (*est. $90). We recommend further research, starting with our Best Research sources, if you're considering a car seat for a child with special needs. Consumer Reports is easily the best review source for crash tests, but you must be a subscriber to read their articles. Editors do sometimes make general safety information available free of charge on their website. One problem that seems to affect every car seat manufacturer at some point is recalls. Before you buy a car seat, experts recommend checking with the NHTSA recall database (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/). Almost all manufacturers that have a safety recall will send customers replacement parts to fix the problem, or send brand-new seats when needed. The latest safety recall has been for the Evenflo Embrace for models manufactured before April 8, 2006, due to a defect in the handle which can cause it to release unexpectedly. See the Evenflo website if you own one of these car seats. Experts say that four out of five car seats are improperly installed, so it's a great idea to have your seat checked by professionals. Many fire and police stations offer free inspections; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website has a list of participating stations. To find additional free check sites, visit Seatcheck.org or call 1-866-732-8243. Several consumer organizations are excellent resources for recall information, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Manufacturers generally step up to the plate when a model has been recalled, usually providing toll-free numbers for repair kits or replacements. CarSeat.org offers information on types of car seats, fit, features, recalls and frequently asked questions. Manufacturers' websites offer detailed specs, recall information and accessory lists for available models: Advertisement
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Infant Car Seats Reviews |
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