Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats conform to federal safety standards, some are more than others. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will love with additional padding, a padded inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no need for rethreading.
We looked at factors such as weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features and price when choosing our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading on.
Safety
All infant car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with extra features that go above the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in, strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a chair 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 correctly and decrease the chance of injuries to their child in an accident. This is especially true for infant seats, which are only designed to be used for a short period of time. Find a seat with bubble indicators and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easier to adjust the seat. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.
Other features that top-quality car seat manufacturers offer are a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. These are wonderful, but don't forget that a safe car seat is just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual to learn 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 about two years before your child is ready to move to an convertible car seat. This is the reason why some families decide to skip the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible seat, which has higher height and weight limits. When buying an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your car and test various models before settling on one. You can then make sure the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car and includes useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you purchase it. best car seat Pushchairs And Prams to ensure the safety of your child on the road.
Easy to Use
If you're using the seat in a single car or transferring it between many, you need an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. You should look for clear instructions on installation and a simple mechanism. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the quality materials used.
A premium feature that some infant seats come with is a load leg which serves as a brace between the seat's base and vehicle floor to offer extra stability in the event of a crash. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older vehicle, because the chance of sustaining a head injury is higher when the infant is sitting too close to the floor.
Other top features that enhance the infant car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bars, which will prevent the seat from rebounding during a crash. The latter has been proven to reduce the risk of head injury by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with several key features that are premium I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has earned an exemplary rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline settings, and an extended canopy that secures with magnets for full coverage.
A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt and without the necessity of the base is an alternative. This is ideal for parents who plan to use Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to go back to the car every time to install a new seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its corresponding TRIV travel system have an extremely rigid LATCH system built right into the seat's bottom, making it quick and easy to install in any vehicle. It can also be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). This is an excellent option when you're on a tight budget.
Comfort
It is essential that your child is comfortable in their car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. This means padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels snug against their stomachs or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Look for a seat that is easy to adjust as they get bigger, and.
A seat that has many unique features is usually more expensive but also easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we look at aspects like a single-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also take note of dimensions and weight, since a heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps when you're carrying it in 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 alternative. It's usually found in more expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this additional safety feature.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat is safe for your child after they reach their highest growth rate, which is usually at around the age of two or three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be converted into a toddler seat. This option gives you a little more flexibility in your vehicle and is perfect 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 all in one piece. It's ideal for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who use public transport to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to install, and our expert testers praised the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact and is an essential for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats are 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 best infant car seats include convenience features to help parents get into and out with minimal amount of effort. Other important things to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleanup easier) and if it comes with a canopy that can be handy both inside the car and attached to the stroller.
One thing that may seem like a small deal but can save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that informs you that it's been properly installed. This line is on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. It's especially useful when you'll be switching the car seat between vehicles often, or if you are planning to travel with your child and you'll need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it easier to carry your baby to the supermarket or for running errands. It's not necessary to carry an additional carrier. This could be a life-changing option for parents who are looking for a way to return to normal after a long trip or a commute with a baby.
If you are expecting your baby to grow quickly opt for a car seat for infants that have a greater weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use longer.
All car seats sold in the United States must comply with the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean they are all created equal. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that support the base of a car seat to improve stability and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of head injuries during crashes. Other features, like a harness that is not rethread and an extended canopy, can also make for a more comfortable ride for baby and help you to be a happier, more confident parent.