Why should I buy a baby’s car seat?
A baby’s car seat or an infant car seat is one of the many things you need to buy in your journey of parenthood. And this should not be optional, it is your baby’s safety that is at stake here. Moreover, most hospitals will not discharge you if you don’t have it. So better have it, after all, if you are planning to stroll and take your baby along in your car, a dedicated baby’s car seat would be a good addition. It makes things easier and ensures your baby’s safety. Yes, convertible car seats will do, but why settle for “will do” if there is a better fit for the job. And that better is a dedicated baby’s car seat is since these seats are specifically designed for newborns, they are specifically “tailored” to attend to your baby.
What to consider when buying a baby’s car seat?
Finding the best baby’s car seat to place in your car is not a matter of seeking a bargain out there. Remember, a baby’s car seat is one of the most important baby gears that you need for your child. So, you need to take it seriously. But we know that it is hard to give that degree of seriousness if you don’t know what to look for, in this instance a baby’s car seat. As such, here are some of the things you need to consider when buying a car seat for your baby.
- Safety of the seat. The safety of your baby is paramount when choosing a baby’s car seat. Hence, choose tested and trusted brands. In doing this, look for the safety rating given by the national agencies and organizations tasked to evaluate baby’s car seats.
- Look for the weight and height limit of the baby’s car seat you are planning to buy. Make sure that they are appropriate for the height and weight of your baby to keep him/her snug and tight.
- Your baby’s car seat will not be permanently attached to your car you need to remove it at times. As such, check the ease of installation of the baby’s car seat you want.
- Stroller Compatibility.To save cost, it is best to find a baby’s car seat which is compatible with your baby’s stroller. This is a time-consuming task but it is worth it because you are saving not only money but as well as space.
- Your baby’s car seat will not be always in your car. As stated, you will detach it every other time. This means that it would help you and your baby a lot if the baby car seat you will buy is portable so you can bring and use it anywhere.
- Look at the various features it has. Baby’s car seats are considered safe especially if they got that safety rating from the evaluating agency or organization. But various features add a sense of safety so it is not bad to look for them.
- Price matters as well in choosing your baby’s car seat. But do not go to the cheapest. Your child’s safety is at stake here so better invest in something which is relatively safer. Moreover, always make sure that the features and rating justify the price. Avoid expensive but poorly rated baby car seats.
Here are our top picks for the best baby’s car seat that you should buy.
- Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat & Base
Reasons to buy: Lightweight (under 8 pounds)
Easy to install
Modern and sleek design
High-level of compatibility with strollers
What we don’t like: Expensive
Quite hard to clean
The dream drape is quite hard to maneuver
If you covet a lightweight baby’s car seat then this one is definitely for you. Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat & Base is a good option for the baby’s car seat you want your baby to use. It is beautifully designed with that sleek and modern vibe on it. It is also easy to install on your car and even on taxis without a base. Moreover, this baby’s car seat is compatible with many strollers so you can maximize the money that you used to buy it. The only concern that you might have with this baby’s car seat is its maintenance, especially cleaning since you need to unthread the harness to properly clean the cover. You might also find the magnet closures of the drape quite hard to maneuver.
- Bugaboo Turtle Air
Reasons to buy: Lightweight
Used high-quality materials
Easy to use
What we don’t like: Expensive
Do you want your baby to feel luxury through high-quality merino wool? If your answer is yes, and you do not care for the price then Bugaboo Turtle Air is exactly what you are looking for. This baby’s car seat is lightweight which makes it highly portable. Moreover, it is compatible with a lot of strollers and its canopy has UPF 50+ protection. It also has a 5-point adjustable harness, an extendable load leg, and a turtle recline base. In addition to these, Bugaboo Turtle Air meets FAA requirements so you can definitely use it on commercial flights. The only downside to this is its price because it is really expensive. But given the features, that is a fair and justifiable price.
- Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat & Base
Reasons to Buy: Easy to install
Adjustable canopy and washable seat pad
Good performance in safety tests
What we don’t like: Quite heavy compared to others
This baby’s car seat is one of the most popular infant seats that you would find on the market. It has a good degree of balance in it in terms of price, features, and especially safety. This baby’s car seat performs well in various safety tests which makes it a reliable item. The only concern people have for this baby’s car seat is its weight which is heavier when compared to others.
- Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Infant Car Seat
Reasons to Buy: Easy to clean
Easy to install
Adjustable headrest and harness
1-second LATCH attachment
What we don’t like: Quite Heavy
Canopy can be hard to maneuver
This rear-facing, mid-priced, and good-designed baby’s car seat is definitely one of the best of its kind. The price of Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Infant Car Seat is relatively lower but it does not mean that its quality is lower too because it is not. This baby’s car seat quality is comparable to others on this list. In terms of safety, Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Infant car seat can be considered one of the best. The Snug Lock Technology it has will wow you. It is easy to install too so it will not take you a lot of time. Furthermore, it has a rotating canopy with a window visor that provides shade and sun protection. But sometimes, this canopy can be hard to maneuver. Furthermore, the weight of this car seat is quite heavier when compared to the others.
- Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat
Reasons to Buy: Budget-friendly
Easy to install
What we don’t like: Quite Heavy
Canopy can be hard to maneuver
If you are short on budget and you want your baby to be safe when you take him/her for a ride then Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat would be best for you. This affordable baby’s car seat has amazing safety ratings so you do not have to worry about the quality. It is also easy to install and easy to clean. Moreover, its seat has four reclining options and has a pillow to protect your baby’s head from extra movement. However, this baby’s car seat is quite heavy and has a canopy that could be difficult to maneuver at times
- Peg Perego Primo Viaggo 4
Reasons to Buy: Good-looking and stylish
Easy to instal
What we don’t like: Expensive
Not compatible with many stroller
If the design is second to your considerations after safety, then this aesthetically pleasing and Italy-made baby’s car seat is a perfect choice. This rear-facing baby’s car seat has a sleek, slim, and innovative design that made it perfect for smaller cars. Its dual-stage cushion system helps in keeping the baby’s head properly positioned. However, this baby’s car seat is quite expensive.
Video on how to choose a good baby’s car seat
Best Baby’s Car Seat Comparison Chart
|
|
Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat & Base |
Bugaboo Turtle Air |
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat & Base |
Graco SungRide SnugLock 35 Elite Infant Car Seat |
Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat |
Peg Perego Primo Viaggo 4 |
|
Brand |
Nuna |
Bugaboo |
Chicco |
Graco |
Evenflo |
Peg Perego |
|
Price |
$319.95 |
$449.00 |
$219.99 |
$204.99 |
$134.99 |
$299.95 |
|
Size |
26.5x17x22.6 |
30x18x17.95 |
27.5x16.5x24 |
29.09x18.31x16.22 |
28.5x19x24 |
29x17.25x25.25 |
|
Weight |
7.9 pounds |
8.6 pounds |
9.5 pounds |
9.6 pounds |
10 pounds |
9.5 pounds |
|
Usage |
4-32 lbs., 32 in. |
4-32 lbs., 32 in. |
4-30 lbs., 30 in. |
4-35 lbs., 32 in. |
4-35 lbs., 32 in. |
4-35 lbs., 32 in. |
|
Features |
True lock, side-impact protection, flame resistant fabric, and foam |
5-point harness type, Canopy that has UPF 50+ Protection, turtle recline base, extendable load leg |
Premium LATCH connectors, adjustable canopy, and washable seat pads |
Soft and energy-absorbing foam padding, removable inserts, adjustable base |
The seat has four reclining options |
Anti-rebound Bar, right tight system base, |
|
Pros |
Lightweight, good features, easy to install, modern design |
Soft merino wool, lightweight, high level of compatibility, |
Easy to install, good performance in safety tests |
Easy to clean, easy to install, 1-second LATCH attachment, Adjustable headrest, and harness |
Budget-friendly, easy to install, removable pads, |
Easy to install, stylish |
|
Cons |
Hard to clean |
Expensive |
Quite heavy |
Canopy can be hard to maneuver, quite heavy |
Heavier compared to others, the canopy can be hard to maneuver |
Expensive |
