best car seat infant Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats comply with the federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread the seat, our
best car seats for newborns of the Bump winner offers many features parents will love.
When selecting our top choices, we looked at factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features and prices. Find out the
best infant seat for your family by reading on.
Safety
All car seats for infants sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. Some seats offer extra features above and beyond 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 with the more features a seat has, they better.
The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely parents will be to use it properly and reduce their child's risk of injury in an accident. This is especially true for infant seats, which are only designed to be used for a brief duration. Find a seat that is easy to install with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat in a perfect position. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.
Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features, such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. Remember that even though these features are fantastic but the safety of your car seat is only dependent on the vehicle in which you drive. There are tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your child's car seat and learn more about the vehicle's safety features.
When choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be able to use it for about 2 years, until your child is ready to switch to an convertible car seat. Some families choose to skip the infant car seat completely and choose to purchase a convertible car that has a higher weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models in person before committing to one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car, and comes with useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Also, make sure to look for recalls prior to making the purchase. It's essential to ensure the safety of your child 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 plan to use it in one vehicle or move it between multiple. You should look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth operation. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the quality materials used.
Some infant seats include the load leg. It's a brace that acts as a support between the seat base and the floor of the vehicle and provides extra security in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you are driving an older vehicle because the chance of sustaining a head injury is higher if the child is too close to the floor.
Other features that are premium can enhance the infant car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that helps keep the seat from bouncing during a crash. This 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 want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with a few key premium features I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was awarded an excellent rating by experts in child safety. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure full coverage.
A seat that is easily installed using only lapbelts and does not require the need for an additional base is a different option. This is a great option for parents who intend to use Uber or taxi rides since it doesn't require them to return to the car each time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for instance, have a rigid LATCH built into the seat's bottom making them easy and simple to install. It also can be used with a
rear facing infant car seat-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to a highback booster or backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). It's an excellent choice for families with a limited budget.
Comfort
When your baby is in the car seat for a long period of time, it's essential that they are comfortable. This means padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels comfortable against their stomach or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Choose an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow and.
A seat with many special features is often more expensive, but is also easier to use. That's why we look at factors like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also consider the dimensions and weight, as the weight or bulk of a seat could put stress on your biceps as you carry it into and out of your car or moving between cars.
Another option is a car seat with a load-leg, a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. This safety feature is usually found in expensive seats, but there are some affordable models that come with it.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child when they reach their maximum growth rate, which is usually at around the age of two or three. You should also consider convertible infant car seats that converts into an adult seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller all in one unit. It's perfect for parents who are constantly moving around, particularly those who use public transport to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to put in and our experts who tested it were impressed with the ease of use of the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how small the seat is it is essential for those with limited trunk space. Plus, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge bonus for those who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically move up as your child grows the best infant car seats come with convenience features to help parents get into and out with minimal amount of effort. Other important features to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it features a canopy, which can be useful in the car and attached to a stroller.
One thing that may seem like a small deal but can save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that lets you know whether it's been put in place correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and is situated on the base. This is especially useful in the event that you will change the car seat often or if your
baby car seat will be traveling with you and you'll need to connect it to taxis or Ubers.
Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, making it easier to transport your baby's bundle of joy from the car to the supermarket or out on errands, without having to lug around the separate
lightweight baby car seat carrier. This can be a life-changing feature for parents trying for a way to return to normal after a lengthy trip or commute with a child.
If your baby is expected to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat 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 the United States must comply with the safety standards of the federal government however that doesn't mean that they are all to be the same. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that support the seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of sustaining head injuries during crashes. A few accessories can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent happier and more secure.
