Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats meet the federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will love such as additional padding, a padded inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no need for rethreading.
When deciding on our top choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features, and price. Find out which infant seat is the best fit for your family.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with additional features that go above the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated, strap-holding sides, and much more. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a chair comes with, the are more efficient.
The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This will lower the chance of injuries to their child during the event of a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are intended to be used for a short duration. Choose a model that's simple to install and has a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help get the seat level. Make sure that the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.
Other top features that some car seat manufacturers provide include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. These are fantastic however, don't forget that a safe car seat is just as secure as the car you're driving in. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for advice on how to properly ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.
When you are choosing an infant seat, remember that you will only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is ready to move to a convertible seat. Some families choose to skip the infant seat altogether and opt for a convertible car with a higher weight and height limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and try out a variety of models in person before making a decision on one. Then, you can make sure the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car and includes convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's the most critical factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.
Easy to Use
If you're planning to use the seat in a single car or transferring it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. Find clearly labeled installation guides and an operation that is seamless. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the quality materials used.
A premium feature that some infant seats include is a load leg, which acts as an extra brace between the seat's base and the car's floor, providing additional stability in the event of an accident. It's an especially important feature for those who drive an older vehicle, since the risk of head injury in a crash is higher when an infant is sitting close to the ground, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other features that are premium and can improve infant car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and an anti-rebound bar that will prevent the seat from rebounding during a crash. The latter has been shown to lower the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget and looking for a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has been awarded an outstanding rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets to ensure complete coverage.
Another thing to look for is a seat that can be put in by the lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is a good option for parents who are planning to use Uber or taxi rides, since it doesn't require them to go back to the car every time to replace a seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its counterpart TRIV travel system feature an extremely rigid LATCH system integrated into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to install in any car. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and can be converted into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great option for those on a tight budget.
Comfort
When your baby is stuck in car seats for extended periods of time, it's crucial that they feel safe. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that feels cozy against their back and tummy and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.
A seat with many special features can be more expensive, but is also easier to use. travel infant car seat pushchairsandprams.uk is why we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, since a heavy or large seat could strain your biceps as you move it into and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.
Another option is a car seat with a load-leg, a safety feature which aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. This extra safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats however there are a few affordable models that include it.
Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll want to make sure that the seat is suitable for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt usually between the ages of two and three. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that can be converted into an adult car seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our test participants were impressed with the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller into one unit. It's perfect for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to put in, and our expert testers praised the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also remarked how small the seat is, which is a must for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical which is a major bonus for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the top infant car seats have convenience features that allow parents to get in and out with a minimal amount of effort. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to facilitate cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is useful both in the car and on the stroller.
A feature on the base could save you a great deal of time and headaches. It shows you when it has been installed correctly. This line is on the base's side and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. It's especially useful if you're going to be switching the car seat often, or if you intend to travel with your baby and need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easy to carry your baby to the supermarket, or to run around. It's not necessary to carry an additional carrier. This could be a huge advantage for parents with newborns who want to return to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with their newborn.
If your baby is expected to grow quickly, select a car seat for infants that has a higher weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat for longer.
All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety standards However, that doesn't mean that they're all in the same way. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that brace a car seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of head injuries in crashes. Certain accessories can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and you as a parent are happier and more confident.