Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However some seats go above and beyond. Our
best infant carrier car seat of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will love with extra padding, a cushioned inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no rethreading.
We considered factors like weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and price when choosing our top picks. Find out the
best infant seat for your family by reading.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. Certain seats have additional features that go beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in, strap-holding sides, and so on. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a seat comes with, the are more efficient.
The more comfortable a car seat is for users and the more likely parents will be to use it in a safe manner and decrease the risk of injury to their child in an accident. This is especially important for
infant car seat newborn seats, which are only designed to be used for a limited period of time. Look for a model that's easy to install, with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat in a perfect position. Make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.
Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread and magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. These are great but remember that a safe car seat only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Go through the owner's manual for tips on how to secure your
infant car seat that swivels's seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.
When choosing an infant seat, remember that you will only be able to use it for approximately 2 years before your child is ready to move to a convertible seat. That's why some families opt to not use an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which is more spacious and has higher weight and height limits. When buying an infant car seat, be sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before settling on one. You can then make sure the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car and has convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's vital to ensure your child's safety on the road.
Easy to Use
You're looking for a car seat for your infant that is easy to connect and remove from the base whether you intend to use it in one vehicle or shift it between several. Look for clearly labeled instructions for installation and 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.
Some infant seats have the load leg. This is a brace that provides support between the seat's base and the floor of your vehicle, providing extra stability in case of an accident. It's an especially important feature if you drive an older vehicle, as the risk of head injury during a crash is much higher when an infant is sitting close to the ground, according to research by Consumer Reports.
Other high-end features can enhance the baby car seat experience. These include a non rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that helps stop the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven to decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great choice for those on a limited budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a number of top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has been awarded an outstanding rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions and an extended canopy that is secured with magnets for full coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed with a lapbelt and without the need for the base is an alternative. This is ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require a trip back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom which makes it fast 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 weighing 22-65 pounds) and also converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. This is an excellent option when you're on a tight budget.
Comfort
It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're there for a long period of time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded, plush fabric to feel cozy against their tummy or back, and a growing headrest. Find an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow, as well.
A seat with many special features is often more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. That's why we look at aspects like a single-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight since a heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps when you're carrying it into and out of your car or between cars.
A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash--is an additional option. This additional safety feature is usually available in high-end seats, but there are some affordable models that include it.
Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their maximum growth stage, which is usually at around the age of two or three. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that converts into an adult car seat. This option will give you a little more flexibility in your car and is ideal for families who often switch vehicles or travel.
Our test participants were impressed with the Doona which combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller in one package. It's perfect for parents who are constantly in motion, especially those who use public transportation to commute to work or go to school. It is also easy to put in. Our testers who were experts in the field praised its ease of use and its one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers noted that the seat is small and lightweight, which is essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents concerned with their baby's environment and health.
Convenience
The best infant seats have features that make it simple to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten and 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 into and out with minimum of fuss. Consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to facilitate cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on a stroller.
One thing that might seem like a small difference but can save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that lets you know when it's been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to ground and should be located on the base. It's particularly useful when you'll be switching the car seat between vehicles often, or if you are planning to travel with your child and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.
Another feature that is beneficial is the possibility of attaching an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to transport your baby's infant from the car to the store or out for errands without having to lug around a separate carrier. This is an essential feature for parents who are looking to return to normal after a long trip or a commute with a baby.
If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should 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 longer.
All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety standards However, that doesn't mean that they're all to be the same. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that support the seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of head injuries in crashes. A few additional features can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent are happier and more confident.
