There is no single infant car seat determined as the best on the market. Instead, you must select your car seat based on the needs of your child and whether the seat meets safety standards. You don't need the highest-priced model, according to the New Parents Guide, since this typically means extra features that may or may not make the car seat easier to use. Once you have purchased the infant car seat, you can perform installation yourself or find out whether your local police department performs installations as a courtesy.
Step 1
Look at infant car seats and convertible car seats. Infant car seats are intended for babies less than 20 pounds and convertible car seats for newborns and babies up to 40 pounds. According to the Babycenter website, infant car seats are designed to secure the newborns and provide good support in the optimal areas.
Step 2
Select the base type for the infant car seat. You can purchase detachable infant car seats that allow you to lock the seat into a base that remains secure in the car. This can save time over base types that require you to bolt them down each time you use them.
Step 3
Choose an infant car seat with a five-point safety harness. A five point harness includes a strap for each shoulder, each thigh and one between the legs. This harness system is more adjustable than other systems, such as T-bar restraints.
Step 4
Review the type of cover placed on the infant car seat. Babycenter recommends an infant car seat with a removable cover that can be machine-washed.
Step 5
Check any recalls that may have been placed on the car seat. Through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, you can find out what models have been recalled and for what issue.
