Infant Car Seat For Travel
An infant car seat for travel can save you time and stress. You can use it in rental cars and taxis, and many countries require you to bring car seats for infant children.
A popular option is the Doona, which combines a car seat and stroller into one. It is narrow enough to fit inside airplane seats, and FAA approved.
1. Doona
Doona is the most recent car seat/travel system that has hit the market. It's the very first infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller with the touch of the button, and it comes in a variety of colors and comes with an array of accessories. It's also a great option for families who travel often since it's both TUV and FAA aircraft approved (though you might need to verify the base's gate).
As a car seat, Doona offers top safety features. The double wall structure of the Doona encloses the wheels, and it adds layers of EPS foam to provide additional protection in case of an accident. Furthermore, the handle doubles as an anti-rebound bar to safeguard your child's head in the event of a collision. The Doona includes a 5-point safety harness that restrains your child's hips and shoulders. These are the most rigid parts of the body, securing them from the force an collision.
When it comes to using Doona as stroller, you'll find it to be light and easy to maneuver. Its narrow frame allows it to fit down the aisles of most airplanes, and it can be used in forward or rear-facing positions. It's also easy to connect to the Doona LATCH base in your vehicle to ensure secure installation.
You should be aware that your child will eventually outgrow Doona. You'll know they're ready to upgrade when there's less than an inch between the top of their head and the top of the canopy. In the meantime you'll be able to make use of Doona as a stroller or car seat for all trips or vacations you take.
If you're interested in buying a Doona We suggest shopping around for the best price. You can find Doona in stores such as Nordstrom, Target and Pottery Barn. You can purchase gift cards and loyalty points/perks from these retailers to lower the cost.
2. Chicco KeyFit 35
Chicco (pronounced "KEY-ko") is a well-known name that manufactures strollers for babies, baby car seats and a lot of parents' preferred diaper bags. The company is one the biggest manufacturers of infant car seats worldwide. They have some impressive options which impressed us during our tests. They have excellent crash test ratings and are easy to use and install in a variety car configurations and pair well with many of the top strollers available when used with the correct adapters (available separately).
This is our second option. It's a great option for families in search of a seat which is easy to install and is compatible with a variety of strollers. The KeyFit 35 is a good choice for families who want a seat that can be set up in multiple ways and pairs well with a variety of most popular strollers.
The OG Keyfit, KeyFit 30 and KeyFit 35 are all available in "ClearTex", which is a model that doesn't have any added chemicals that can cause fire (a trend that has been emerging recently for juvenile products as parents are becoming more aware of the toxic chemicals that are required by certain car seats to meet federal flammability standards). It's a great option for families looking to minimize exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals in their child's environment.
All KeyFit models come with a variety of great features that helped them stand out in our testing. The base/carrier lock uses a combination of audible and visual signals to confirm that the carrier is correctly attached to the base. When the system is working properly, a "click" can be heard. A simple upward tug on the handle of the carrier will verify that the carrier is in an upright position.
The KeyFit 35 also has a removable newborn head and body support for babies weighing between 4 and 11 lbs. It adjusts to the seat to offer more legroom and a higher headrest as your child grows. This will improve safety and comfort for rear-facing infants. The base comes with two stages to secure the attachment of your vehicle, and for a smooth transition to toddlerhood when your child is ready.
3. Graco SnugRide Stroller
This Graco travel system is the ideal choice for families looking for an all-in-one stroller and car seat set-up. It is user-friendly and super compact when folded. This is an excellent option for road trips or vacations. It's an excellent option for moms on the go who don't want to spend a lot of their time setting up or learning new gadgets.
The car seat attaches easily to the frame of the stroller, and you can decide if you want baby to face either you or the world while connected. This is a top rated car seat with outstanding crash test results. This is a good option if your budget is limited however if you can afford it we recommend purchasing a different model.
We like the fact that this car seat comes with a front swivel wheel and that the base is locked in place to stop sudden stroller movements. It's also great to see that the LATCH clips are kept in a compartment at the front of the base, rather than being positioned in a hard-to-access location underneath, where they might be accidentally thrown off the base when you place the car seat on it.
This infant seat is suitable for babies with a weight range of 4 to 35 lbs. and up to 32". and up to 32". Lite LATCH system is simple to install using the included instructions. The seat is light and has a narrow width which means it is able to fit into most vehicles even when it's facing the opposite direction of the vehicle the belt route. The seat has a headrest which expands with your child and a harness adjuster that is built into. The shoulder straps can be adjusted in four different height positions. The crotch strap is adjustable in two different height positions. By the time your child weighs 12 pounds it is essential to take off all head and body parts.
The rethreading technique used in this model for adjusting the crotch and shoulder straps isn't our favorite. It isn't difficult, but it's more complicated than other seats that do not require rethreading. baby seat and crotch belts aren't quite as deep as on some other models. This could put your child in danger of a crotch gap in the event of an accident.
4. Baby Trend Trooper
This baby car seat is popular with families with infants who are seeking lightweight, easy-to-transport infant car seat. It's also compatible with numerous strollers, making it easier for parents to travel with their kids. It's a great option for parents who take taxis and rideshares frequently.
This infant car seat can be easily installed using either the seat belt or LATCH system of your vehicle. It features push-on LATCH connectors with clear indicators as well as an indicator for the harness that is not twisting. The seat also features deep side wing protection, which provides added crash protection for your child. The seat also comes with an easy Delta carry handle that doubles as an anti-rebound bar when needed.
It is essential that when installing the seat with the seat belt, the shoulder strap should be at a minimum as tall as your child's shoulders and that the lapbelt is not too low to wrap your child's legs. If the belt on your shoulder is too low, this could be a risk for infants. If the lapbelt is too high, your child might shift around uncomfortably in the car.
The seat has specific rules regarding the routing of the crotch strap for newborns. The manual states that the webbing for the crotch strap must not be routed through any other slot other than the outermost slot for the child with the smallest size. This can be a challenge for some parents and may result in a buckle that does not fit correctly.
Overall, the Trooper is an excellent choice for parents who are looking for a premium car seat for their infants that's easy to transport and fits 3 in most vehicles. It's heavier than many other alternatives, but it comes with excellent safety features as well as stroller compatibility.
Evenflo Pivot LiteMax Stroller & Car Seat Combo is a fantastic choice for parents who are looking for a more affordable infant car seat. The combo is cheaper than comparable alternatives and provides superior security and comfort for parents on a budget.