Being car owners, safety is our main concern. What makes a car owner even more particular about safety is having kids. Being a normal parent, you want your child to be even safer than you. One of the most important things to own as a parent is a car seat for the young ones. Here are the best baby car seats right now in the market:
Top Pick: Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat
A product with a cheap price doesn’t necessarily mean that it is low-quality. This becomes our top choice among the best baby car seats because of the utmost safety it brings despite the price. After all, baby car seats are made in the first place to ensure the child’s safety inside the vehicle.
Evenflo’s baby car seat is accident-proof. It can withstand side impacts, proven by how it exceeds the standards of federal safety. There are also actual accounts of disastrous accidents that proved how secure this product is. Why is this product so safe? The shoulder harness can be placed in multiple positions for longer rides and secure fit. The whole seat is designed with just enough cushion to make the baby comfortable. Because of this, the product is so lightweight compared to most brands.
This popular item from Evenflo also stands out from the rest because of how easy it is to be transferred from one place to another. It can fit strollers and plane seats. When you’re travelling with a baby, carrying this product all around the airport would be a breeze. With frequent travel, this baby car seat can get dirty. But, compared to more expensive products, this is way easier to clean.
The downfall of Evenflo’s baby car seat is how uncomfortable it is for some babies. Because of tight straps with no padding, the child can get irritation on exposed skin. The overall padding is also too thin for some buyers. In addition, the latch system is too complicated to install and adjust. But, considering how safe it is, you can find alternatives to solve these extra issues. You can buy separate padding for baby car seats and straps. You can also seek for help online on how to go through the latch system of this product. If you would only use this for daily short rides, then that’s even more perfect.
Runner-Up: Britax Frontier Clicktight Combination Harness and Booster Car Seat
Next, we have a product from one of the most popular brands of baby car seats. Britax’s Clicktight baby car seat is now the bestseller of the brand. Compared to most products, this one is the easiest to install. Like Evenflo’s product, this is also a proven crash-proof baby car seat. It also has very comfortable straps. It can last for a long time with car owners because it can be used until the kid can independently ride on the actual car seat.
Unfortunately, compared to our top pick, Britax’s baby car seat is too difficult to clean. Too bad because children can be messy on their seats. The product also has a weird design that involves a contraption put on the seat itself. Because of this, a lot of complaints surfaced about kids getting uncomfortable after having painful bottoms during long rides. This baby car seat also produces a rattling noise in a moving vehicle due to its extra accessories. Although much has been said about the product’s safety, there are still some buyers who find it hard to tighten the straps.
Other Products You Should Consider
Here are other popular products that made it in our list of the best baby car seats:
Diono Radian RXT All-In-One Convertible Car Seat
This one is our most expensive product here. The price has something to do with how heavy-duty the construction is. Diono’s baby car seat has a steel frame. That ensures total safety in possible crashes. Despite the steel composition, this product is also the most comfortable because of high-quality memory foam padding and body cushions.
However, this baby car seat is so heavy that it is too inconvenient to transfer it from car to car. With that issue, obviously, this product is not for travelers. The huge price also comes with some design flaws and limitations. That’s why some buyers prefer the less expensive ones but can still provide maximum safety.
Disney APT Convertible Car Seat
Disney’s baby car seat is the only novelty item here. However, it is very affordable and even has great quality. It is also lightweight and secure. The best feature of this product has to be the happiness and comfort it provides to the child. The baby is treated like a princess because of the adorable design and generous space.
Sadly, this product will not last long for the baby because it is too small. Also, compared to other products here, this baby car seat is the least secure. It is only perfect for everyday use, short drives and as a treat for your baby. Besides, it is not friendly to other passengers because of the big space it occupies. If you have a lot of kids, this is definitely not convenient for you.
How to Pick the Right Baby Car Seat
There are two important factors that you have to consider whenever you’re buying a new baby car seat. The first one is all about the child: age, weight and height. The second one is about the product, whether it is following safety standards.
The Child
From birth to two years old, the baby car seat should be facing the rear. Brands always indicate the weight limit of the seat. Up to four years old, the car seat should already be facing forward. Its weight limit is 40 pounds. For kids ages 4 to 8 or have reached the height up to 4 feet and 9 inches, they must use a booster seat with a secure belt.
They also must stay in the back seat. If the kid already exceeds these age, weight and height standards, then it is already safe for the young one to use the car’s actual seat. You would know because the lap belt is perfectly set on the child’s upper thighs. On the other hand, the shoulder belt is on the chest.
The Product
Here are essential features to look for in a baby car seat: safety label, five-point harness, ratings and brand-new. You should find a safety label indicating that it follows Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. Meanwhile, a five-point harness ensures the baby’s protection. It is also best if the product received a four- or five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And, of course, stay away from second-hand baby car seats. Never compromise the safety of your child for a used car seat.
We have provided the best baby car seats for this year. However, you can still make your own research based on our buying guide for more options. Do everything you can to keep your kids safe from harm, especially inside vehicles.
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