best infant car seat Infant Seat Features
All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However some go above. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will appreciate such as extra padding, a padded inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no rethreading.
When deciding on our top choices, we looked at factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, extra features and prices. Read on to see which infant car seat is right for your family.
Safety
Every infant car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. Certain seats have additional features that go beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in, strap-holding sides, and much more. The more features a car seat is equipped with the better, according the experts I spoke with.
The more user-friendly a car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This will reduce the chance of injuries to their child during an accident. This is especially important with an infant car seat since it's only designed for only a brief period of time. Choose a model that has a bubble indicator and an adjustable foot with a spring to make it easy to level the seat. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.
Other top features that some car seat manufacturers offer are an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. Remember that even though these features are fantastic the safety of a car seat is only dependent on the vehicle that you use to drive. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for tips on how to secure your infant's seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.
When selecting an infant
car seat inserts for newborns seat, keep in mind that you'll only be allowed to use it for around 2 years, until your child is old enough to transition to an convertible car seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat altogether and choose to purchase a convertible
car seats newborn that has an increased weight and height limit. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test several models before settling on one. You can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits inside your car and also has useful features like converting to a stroller. Also, make sure to verify recalls prior making the purchase. It's vital to ensure the safety of your child on the road.
Easy to Use
You're looking for a car seat for your baby that is simple to attach and remove from the base whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or move it between multiple. Look for clearly labeled installation guides as well as a mechanism that works seamlessly. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials that are used.
A premium feature that some infant seats include is a load leg, that acts as an extra brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of a crash. This is a crucial feature to have if you own an older car, as the risk of injury to the head in a crash is greater when a baby is seated close to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.
Other high-end features can enhance the
baby car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that helps keep the seat from spinning in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven to lower the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a limited budget looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a number of top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat was awarded an outstanding rating by safety experts for children. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets that ensure full coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed with just lapbelts and does not require the need for an additional base is a different option. This is a great option for parents who plan to use Uber or taxi rides because it eliminates the need to get back in the car every time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example, have a rigid LATCH that is built into the seat's bottom which makes them fast and easy to put in. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and can be converted into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great option for families with a tight budget.
Comfort
It's crucial that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're there for a long period of time. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is soft against their back and tummy and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Find a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow as well.
While a car seat with a lot of special features might cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies, we consider aspects like a single-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors and no rethread harness. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, as a heavy or large seat could strain your biceps when you transport it into and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.
A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash is an alternative. This safety feature is typically only available in high-end seats, however, there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.
Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll want to make sure that the seat will still be safe for your child after they reach their maximum growth stage, which is usually at around the age of two or three. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that can be converted into an adult car seat. This will allow you a bit more flexibility when you drive and is great for families who often switch vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller in one package. It's the ideal choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It's also easy to install and our experts who tested it appreciated the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted how small the seat is, which is a must for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a huge advantage for parents concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.
Convenience
The
best car seats newborn infant seats have features that make it easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the top infant car seats have convenience features to help parents get into and out with a minimum of fuss. Other important features to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it has a canopy, which can be handy both inside the car and also attached to a 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 particularly useful if you're going to be changing the
newborn car seat seat frequently, or if plan to travel with your child and require 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 easier to take your baby to the store or to run around. You don't have to carry the hassle of a separate car seat. This is a life-changing option for parents trying for a way to return to normal after a long trip or commute with a child.
If your baby is likely to grow quickly, select an infant car seat with more weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean all seats are made to be equal. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that support a car seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries from crashes. Other features, such as a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, could help create an easier ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed and more confident parent.
