Best Infant Seat Features
While all
infant car seat rear facing seats comply with federal safety standards, a few are more than others. From extra padding to a cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no rethreading the seat, our
best infant car seat of the Bump winner offers many features parents will love.
We looked at factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and prices when selecting our top choices. Find out the
best infant seat for your family by reading on.
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 are beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps, and more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a seat comes with, the better.
The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This can reduce their child’s risk of injury during a crash. This is particularly important for the infant car seat, as it's only designed for an extremely short time. Choose a model that's easy to install with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help keep the seat in a perfect position. Also, make sure the base is easy to click in and out of the car.
Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as the no-rethread strap as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. These are wonderful but remember that a safe car seat is only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant car seat, and also learn more about the safety features.
When choosing an infant car seat, be aware that you will only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is ready to transition to an convertible seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat entirely and opt for convertible cars that has greater weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and test out several models in person before choosing one. You can ensure that the seat is safe for your child, fits in your vehicle and comes with useful features like converting to a stroller. Don't forget to verify recalls prior making a purchase. It's essential to ensure your child's safety on the road.
Easy of Use
You want a car seat for your infant that is simple to attach and remove from the base, whether you intend to use it in a single vehicle or move it between several. Look for clear instructions on installation and a simple mechanism. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials that are used.
One of the best features that infant seats have is a load leg which serves as an extra brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle's floor to provide extra stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older vehicle, because the risk of a head injury is greater if the child is too close to the floor.
Other features that are premium can enhance the baby car seat experience. They include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from spinning in a crash. The latter has been proven by research to reduce the risk for head injuries by as much as 43%. "If you're on a limited budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has a few key premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has earned an excellent rating from safety experts for children and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions as well as an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets to provide full coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed with lapbelts and does not require the necessity of a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require an extra trip back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to install in any car. 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 it converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families with a tight budget.
Comfort
When your baby is in the car seat for extended periods of time, it's essential that they feel safe. That means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that feels cozy against their tummy and back and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Find a seat that is easy to adjust as they get bigger, as well.
While a seat with many special features may cost more, they're also often easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we look at things like a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight since an overly heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps as you carry it in and out of your car, or in between cars.
A seat with a load leg--a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash, is another good choice. It's typically found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this extra safety measure.
Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs around the age of 2 or 3. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be transformed into a toddler's seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our testers were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of a car seat for an infant and a stroller in one package. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school via public transport. It's also easy to install and our experts who tested it were impressed with the ease of use of the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact, which is a must for those with a limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.
Convenience
The
best car seats infant infant car seats come with features that make it easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows the top infant car seats come with convenience features to help parents get in and out with a minimum of fuss. Check if the seat is able to be cleaned by machine (to simplify cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is helpful in the car as well as on a stroller.
One thing that may not seem like a big thing, but could save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that informs you when it's been installed correctly. This line is located on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground once you've finished. This is particularly useful in the event that you will change the car seat frequently or if your baby will be traveling with you and you have to set it up in taxis or Ubers.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it easier to carry your
baby seat to the supermarket or for running errands. You don't have to worry about an additional carrier. This can be a great advantage for new parents who want to return to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with their newborn.
If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose a car seat for infants that has an increased weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.
While all
car seat for newborn seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it does not mean that all car seats are made equally. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that support the base of a car seat to increase stability and anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries during crashes. Some accessories can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and make you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.
