Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, some are more than others. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will love with extra padding, a cushioned inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no Rethreading.
We looked at factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features, and price when choosing our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading on.
Safety
All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats come with extra features above and beyond the minimum standards. These include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps and more. The more features a car seat has, the better, according the experts I spoke to.
The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely parents are to use it correctly and reduce their child's risk of injury in a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are meant to be used for a short duration. Choose a model that has a bubble indicator and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easier to adjust the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click into and out of the car.
Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers provide include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. These are wonderful but remember that the safety of your car seat is only as secure as the car you're driving in. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for advice on how to properly secure your infant's seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.
When you are choosing an infant car seat, be aware that you'll only be able to use it for approximately 2 years before your child is ready to move to an convertible seat. Some families skip the infant seat altogether and choose to purchase convertible cars that has a higher weight and height limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models before committing to one. Then, you can make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car, and comes with useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.
Easy of Use
You want 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 move it between multiple. Look for clear instructions on installation and a simple mechanism. Also, think about how easy it is to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats have the load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor that provides additional security in the event of a collision. It's an especially important feature to have if you own an older vehicle, since the risk of injury to the head in a crash is higher when an infant is seated close to the floor, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other high-end features can enhance the baby car seat experience. They include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that can help stop the seat from bouncing during a crash. The latter has been shown by studies to reduce the risk for head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a limited budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat that has several key features that are premium, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an exemplary rating by experts in child safety. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure complete coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed with a lapbelt, and without the requirement for the base is an alternative. That's ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the trip back and forth to the car to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and easy to put in. It also can be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into the highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's an excellent choice for families with a tight budget.
Comfort
If your child is in a car seat for extended periods of time, it's important they feel safe. This includes padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel cozy against their tummy or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they get bigger, and.
While a seat with a lot of special features may cost more but they're also generally easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we take into consideration factors such as a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight since a heavy or bulky seat can add stress to 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 an additional option. It's usually found in expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this safety feature.
The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat will still be safe for your child when they reach their peak growth spurt usually at around the age of two or three. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that can be converted into a toddler seat. This option will give you a bit more flexibility when you drive and is ideal for families who often switch vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller into one piece. It's ideal for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to install. Our testers who were experts in the field praised its ease of use with the one-handed latching mechanism and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers noted that the seat is small, which is important for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a big bonus for parents who are concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.
Convenience
The best infant seats have features that make it easy to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. newborn car seat insert to look at is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleanup easier) and if it features a canopy, which can be useful in the car as well as attached to the stroller.
One thing that might not seem like a big difference but can save you a lot of trouble is an indicator on the base that will let you know when it's been installed correctly. The line should be parallel to ground and should be located on the base. It can be particularly helpful when you'll be switching the car seat frequently, or if are planning to travel with your baby and need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.
Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat making it easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the supermarket or out for errands without having to wrestle with a separate carrier. This could be a game changer for new parents who want to get back to their routine after a long commute or outing with their newborn.
If you are expecting your baby to grow quickly pick a car seat for infants that have a greater weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.
All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety standards, but that does not mean they are all created in the same way. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, such as load legs that anchor the base of the car seat to provide additional stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Other features, like the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, can also provide a more comfortable ride for your baby and allow you be a happier, more confident parent.