You are currently on the hunt for the best lightweight infant car seats for your newborns, then encounter these problems of which brand is the most famous one? How is that model the best one? How safe is it?
If that sounds like you, we might be able to help. The article below is a thorough cheat sheet on choosing the best lightweight infant car seats in 2021.
Shall we get started?
[toc]
What Is An Infant Car Seat?
An infant car seat is a product that keeps your infants or babies safe while traveling by car in younger years. It is always rear-facing, adhering to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Generally, there are two parts to an infant car seat: a base and a chair. The base is fixed to your car; while the seat is removable by a click on and off mode. Using this mode, it becomes more convenient for you while taking your baby in or out of the car. On the other hand, some can strap right onto your vehicle without the base.
You can use it for your newborns until they reach the height or weight limit (approximately 22-35 pounds). Typically, you will have to change your infant car seat around one to three years.
Types Of Infant Car Seats
There are two typical types of infant car seats.
Rear-facing car seats
Another name for this type is infant-only seats. Until two years of age, your baby must always be kept in a rear-facing position and stays away as far as possible from the airbag. This precaution protects the baby from any severe damages in the front of the car (in case of danger).
The weight limit for a rear-facing car seat is around 35 pounds. Some may be a little bit higher.
Convertible Car Seats
This win-win invention is a budget-saving option. It can be a rear-facing car seat and be transformed into a forward-facing one when your baby grows older.
A convertible car seat has higher height and weight limits (up to 65 pounds) than the infant-only type. Some disadvantages of this type are that they are more heavily-built than the first type and less flexible moving in and out of your car.
What Considers A Lightweight Infant Car Seat?
The infant car seat is supposed to wield freely and easily; due to such reasons, a lighter weight will be expected for more convenient use.
A car seat weighing less than 25 pounds is considered a lightweight device. For a lightweight rear-facing one, the average weights are only 8 pounds without the base. How crazy is that!
The regular lightweight model can be as light as 11 pounds for a convertible seat, still higher than a rear-facing car seat. And if you prefer a lighter one, go for the rear-facing product or infant-only one.
Now, which factors to consider when choosing your desired infant car seat? Here are our recommendations.
1. Fitness
Your infant car seat must fit your car perfectly in terms of size and shape.
2. Ease Of Use
You should opt for some products that provide ease of installing the seat to your vehicle. Nowadays, you can install your car seats only using the seat belt or the LATCH system.
3. Safety Check
Check the leveling systems in your car seat to see whether it is installed correctly or not. There are some indicators you should read on the manual book introduced by the manufacturer.
4. Stroller Compatibility
This combination is a brilliant invention for new parents out there. Now you can purchase your car seat and stroller both at a lower price through a travel system stroller set. With this combo, your car seat can attach directly to your stroller with ease. How convenient it is!
Or, if this does not sound good, let’s look for an adapter on Amazon.
5. Other Factors
On top of that, it can be the style, color, and fabric of the car seats you need to consider now. Choose one that matches your preference and is easy to clean.
Top 5 Best Lightweight Infant Car Seats of 2021
Finally, here are the five best lightweight infant car seats in 2021, following the instructions above.
- Evenflo Nurture Infant Car Seat, Beckett (5.58 pounds)
- Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat, Orion (weighs 9.75 pounds)
- Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Infant Car Seat | Baby Car Seat Featuring TrueShield Side Impact Technology (9.75 pounds)
- Cosco Apt 50 Convertible Car Seat (Black Arrows) (11 pounds)
- Disney Baby Apt 50 Convertible Car Seat, Mouseketeer Minnie (11 pounds)
In Sum
Buying a lightweight infant car seat will help to keep your baby safe and sound during your family outing trip. It will be best if you pick up one that fits both the size of your child and your car. And it should satisfy either your budget or your style.
This guide acts as a stepping stone in your journey to find the best lightweight infant car seats of your dream. Now go and find the best one for you.
Thank you for reading, and see you next time!
[…] How to Choose the Best Lightweight Infant Car Seats in 2021 […]