Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will love such as extra padding, a padded inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no need for rethreading.
We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and prices when deciding on our top choices. 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 are above and beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in, strap-holding sides, and so on. The more features a car seat has, the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.
The more user-friendly a car seat can be and the more likely parents will be to use it correctly and decrease their child's risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are meant to be used for a brief duration. Find a seat that is simple to install and has a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat level. Make sure the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.
Other top features that some car seat makers offer include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. These are great, but don't forget that a safe car seat only as secure as the car you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual for tips on how to ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.
When you're choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be allowed to use it for around two years before your child is ready to move to an convertible car seat. That's why some families opt to not use an infant seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which has greater weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and test out several 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 has useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's the most critical factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.
Simple to Use
If you're using the seat in one car or transferring it between several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. Look for clearly labeled installation guides as well as a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats include a load leg. It's a brace that provides support between the seat's base and the floor of the vehicle, providing extra stability in case of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older vehicle, because the risk of a head injury is greater if the child is seated too close to the floor.
Other features that are premium and can improve infant car seat user experience include a harness that is not rethread and an anti-rebound bar that help keep the seat from rebounding during a crash. The latter has been shown to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great choice for those on a tight budget looking for an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a number of premium 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, and an extended canopy that can be secured by magnets for full coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed with lapbelts and does not require the need for a base is another option. That's ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need a journey back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its equivalent TRIV travel system come with 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 rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. This is an excellent option if you're on a budget.
Comfort
When your baby is in the car seat for long periods of time, it's essential that they feel safe. This means padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel snug against their stomachs or back, and a growing headrest. Also, look for a seat you can easily adjust as your child grows.
A car seat with a variety of features is usually more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. That's why we look at factors like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, as a heavy or large seat can strain your biceps as you move it to and from your vehicle or in between vehicles.
A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash is another good choice. This safety feature is usually only available in high-end seats, however there are a few affordable models that come with it.
Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. It's also worth considering convertible infant car seats that converts to an adult seat. This option will give you a little more flexibility when you drive and is ideal for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.
Our test participants were impressed with the Doona that combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller into one unit. It's ideal for parents who are constantly in motion, especially those who use public transportation to commute to work or to school. It is also easy to put in. Our expert testers praised its ease of use and its one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers noted that the seat is incredibly compact, which is important for those with limited trunk space. Plus, it's free of harmful chemicals which is a major bonus for those who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.
Convenience
The best infant car seats are easy to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically move up as your child grows the top infant car seats have convenience features that help parents get into and out with a minimum of fuss. Check if best infant seat pushchairsandprams.uk is able to be cleaned by machine (to facilitate cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is helpful in the car as well as on a stroller.
A feature on the base can save much time and headaches. It shows you when it has been installed correctly. The line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground after you've completed. This is especially useful when you're going to be changing the car seat frequently or when your child will be traveling with you and you need to set it up in Ubers or taxis.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easy to take your baby to the supermarket, or to run the errands. You don't have to carry an additional carrier. This could be a huge advantage for parents with newborns who want to get back to their normal routine after an exhausting commute or outing with a newborn.
If your baby is expected to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat that has an increased weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use longer.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean that all seats are made equally. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, including load legs that brace the base of the car seat to provide extra stability, and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Other extras, such as a no-rethread harness and an extended canopy, can help create a more comfortable ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.