Baby Trend Car Seat Reviews 2020: Check Out What’s New!

One of the most important accessories that you’ll ever purchase for your child is an infant car seat. Looking at the different features that are outlined in baby trend car seats reviews is quite helpful when picking out the just the right seat that suits your preferences. So here are some car seats along with the details of their distinct qualities that might help you in making this very important choice for your baby.

What to Look For

searching for an infant car seat

When searching for an infant car seat, you’re looking at more than just the “cute factor.” Instead, safety features are the most imperative aspect of the product since the goal is to provide a safe and comfortable transport for your baby. Here are some ideas to guide you in your search.

Size

Most infant seats come in similar sizes that allow for growth until the child has reached the age or weight (depending on the laws in your state) to be placed in a larger safety seat.

Nonetheless, if you have a small backseat in your vehicle, you might have some difficulty in finding the ideal infant safety seat, especially since you’ll be looking for a rear-facing item, which is a safety standard for newborns up to approximately a year old.

If this is the case, you might consider purchasing a safety seat that does not require a base, since that particular part tends to add more bulk.

​Base Level Indicator

One feature you might look for is some sort of gauge on the base that lets you know whether or not it is level and sitting firmly in the backseat. This feature usually resembles a clear, plastic, curved “crescent-shaped” with a color-coded and/or labeled indicator with a small bead inside of the plastic container.

When the bead is in the middle of the graph or in the green area (in the case of a color-coded indicator), then the base is level and is less likely to tip to one side or the other.

Seatbelt Routing

Another trait is the position of the loops through which you will be routing the seatbelt to ensure that the device is secure and won’t move around, especially if you absolutely have to make a sudden stop.

For the most part, these are uniform throughout most models of seats, but looking at how the seatbelt will be situated is quite helpful. For example, the routing path needs to be easy to access to where the seatbelt is fastened from one side to the other.

Also, depending on the model of your vehicle, you might consider an infant seat that has a routing path that can accommodate both a simple lap belt and one with both lap and shoulder belts.

​Harness and Clips

Also, you might zoom in to examine the built-in harness belts that go around the baby’s upper torso to secure him or her into the seat itself. They should be easy to fasten and have a wide width for more comfort.

Plus, they should not twist or slide easily because this can cause severe injuries or burns in the event of an accident.

At the same time, you should be able to adjust these straps to make room for growth. One other factor to keep in mind is that this buckle or clip should decrease any strap twisting as well.

​Head Cushion

Some baby safety seats come with a built-in cushion that is shaped similar to a horseshoe and provides extra padding around the head.

The cushion serves to stabilize the baby’s head since very young infants still don’t have enough strength in their neck and upper back muscles to hold their own head in position.

In relation to an auto accident, this cushion will protect the baby’s head from bumping against the top and sides of the seat.

In some seats, this padding is removable or adjustable while some seats do not come equipped with this feature. If that is the case, you might consider purchasing this padding separately.

​Recline

This feature applies mostly to the infant carriers that also serve the purpose of a carrier. Some come equipped with an adjustable recline which can be helpful in reclining the baby into the ideal 45-degree angle that he or she needs to be in for optimal comfort and safety.

This feature can also prop up a young toddler or older infant into more of a sitting position once they become of age for facing forward.

Reinforced Carrying Handle

Believe it or not, this has nothing to do with how much of a grip you’ll have on the handle. Consider closely examining the handle to make sure it’s made from durable material and is attached securely.

A reinforced handle means that it will not break as easily or at all if you were to get into an accident.

So to get you started in your search for the ideal baby safety seat, here are some suggestions.

1. The Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35

Via Amazon.com

Features

  • A five-point harness that adjusts and fastens from the front
  • The “Click Connect system” that allows for this seat to be attached to other Graco items, such as the stroller and base (The base is included.)
  • The dimensions of 28 inches in length, 18.66 inches in width, and 15.59 inches in height which means it’s not extremely huge or cumbersome
  • An adjustable canopy to provide shade and a “boot” or leg covering that spans from toes to waist to keep your baby warm and comfortable

Furthermore, this item has been crash-tested and was found to meet or exceed U.S. safety standards and has received the SafeSeat Engineered seal. On the inside of the seat, you will find padding fabricated from EPS or energy-absorbing foam that manages energy from an impact, so your baby will ride in comfort and safety.

Pros

  • thumbs-o-upIts durability and light weight
  • thumbs-o-upIts size that’s compatible for small newborns or even preemies
  • thumbs-o-upThe canopy that can be detached and brought forward to shield the baby’s eyes if necessary.

Cons

  • thumbs-downThe size of the canopy, which is not very big
  • thumbs-downThe long strap that hangs down and might need to be tucked underneath
  • thumbs-downIts limited compatibility with only Graco “Click Connect” products.

2. Safety 1st Light ‘n Comfy Elite Infant Car Seat

Via Amazon.com

Features

  • Side impact protection
  • A 5-point harness that adjusts in the front to four different heights to make room for a growing baby
  • A base in which you can place the seat into
  • Adjustable handle and canopy
  • A washable insert for tinier newborns who require a snug fit.

Pros

  • thumbs-o-upIts light weight, which is approximately seven pounds
  • thumbs-o-upThe amount of padding inside the carrier, particularly the insert
  • thumbs-o-upThe protective side cushioning that is also easy to keep clean.

Cons

  • thumbs-downThe padding on the back without the insert which seems rather thin, depending on your preference
  • thumbs-downThe clicking when the carrier is placed inside the base that might be a bit loud.

3. Evenflo SafeMax Infant Car Seat

Via Amazon.com

Features

  • A lightweight frame that is designed to absorb much of the shock upon impact
  • A base that contains an anti-rebound bar that absorbs and dissipates energy caused by a crash
  • A recline indicator with a color code that corresponds to the age of the baby to help with correct installation
  • The Sure Safe Latch guides also make for simple installation and security of the unit in vehicles that are equipped with low-latch anchors.
  • Side Impact Protection and above the baby’s head
  • Interior fabric made from a temperature-regulating material to ensure comfort in hot or cold weather
  • A padded ergonomic handle for easy carrying.

Pros

  • thumbs-o-upThe rebound bar on the base that prevents the unit from going back in the event of an accident
  • thumbs-o-upThe recline indicator to let you know if the baby is positioned properly
  • thumbs-o-upThe padding around the shoulder and waist straps which make for a more comfortable ride for your baby.

Cons

  • thumbs-downThe pull-tab release (only if you prefer a push-button type)
  • thumbs-downThe complexity of the harness which might seem overwhelming at first if you don’t have the manual with you.

Shop on Amazon

4. Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4/35 Infant Car Seat

Via Amazon.com

This infant car seat comes in a gender-neutral combination of charcoal and black, and some interesting features that include:

  • Padded sides and a two-stage insert to create a perfect fit for newborns and later on, for older babies.
  • The “European Belt Path which is located at the back of the infant carrier for a secure hold. This seat can be used with or without a base because of the color-coded belt path that facilitates fast installation and removal.
  • The base itself which has an anti-rebound bar to prevent the seat from moving back upon impact and is compatible with the seatbelt or LATCH fastening.
  • The curved shape at the bottom that allows for a better fit on the backseat and less chance for tipping over
  • A unique shell-like shape
  • An interior made from a jersey-like material that increases air circulation to enhance comfort.
  • A 5-point harness that does not have to be re-threaded when the side impact protection is adjusted according to the baby’s size.

Pros

  • thumbs-o-upThe unique design that curves in proportion to the seat
  • thumbs-o-upThe two-stage cushioning that provides extra support for your baby’s head and neck
  • thumbs-o-upThe straps that do not twist or slip
  • thumbs-o-upThe canopy that offers 50 UV protection.

Cons

  • thumbs-downThe canopy not allowing enough room for your hand while utilizing the handle for carrying
  • thumbs-downLack of compatibility with other models of strollers if you prefer to snap the carrier into one.

5. Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30 Infant Car Seat

Via Amazon.com

This is another infant safety carrier that contains a padded insert for a snug fit and a “boot” for additional warmth if needed, but some other safety and comfort features include:

  • The side impact protection that utilizes air cushioning to protect your baby
  • The base that consists of rebound protection as well
  • A “snap-and-go” quality which allows for a secure fit into the base
  • The handle that is uniquely and ergonomically shaped for comfortable carriage
  • A canopy made from sturdy, protective material

Pros

  • thumbs-o-upThe padding on the straps right above the 5-point harness and at the shoulders which decreases the chances of twisting and provides added comfort
  • thumbs-o-upThe fact that the canopy does not get in the way of the handle because of its shape

Cons

  • thumbs-downThe “snap-and-go” feature that’s not always user-friendly since you have to line up the seat just right to snap into the base
  • thumbs-downThe material of the boot and canopy which might require lint-rolling every now and then.

Conclusion

Out of all of these models, the Evenflo carrier seems to have all of the safety and comfort features previously mentioned. Knowing that it has been tested in a rollover-type crash would give me more reassurance of its protective qualities.

The side impact protection and rebound bar, to me, are extra assurances of protection, plus this padding would serve well to keep a newborns head in a stable position. And speaking of position, the indicators seem easy to read and helpful.

I also like the guides that make the whole seatbelt issue easier to handle because I would be able to see where exactly the belt needs to go and in which direction. The installation, overall, would go smoothly.

Please tell us what you think or please send us your questions.

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Sarah Palmer
Hi! I'm Sarah. My husband and I have a beautiful little girl; plus we’re anxiously awaiting the arrival of Baby #2, so this is a very exciting time for us. Throughout this amazing journey called Parenthood, I’ve learned so much and love sharing my experiences with other parents at SarahsLovelyFamily.com. I'd love to share my discoveries with you too!
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