Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some seats go above and 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 rethreading.
When deciding on our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features, and price. Find out which infant seat is right for you and your family by reading.
Safety
All car seats for infants sold in the United States must be in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. Certain seats have additional features that go beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in strap-holding sides, and much more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a seat comes with, the are more efficient.
The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This will reduce the chance of injuries to their child in the event of a crash. This is particularly important for an infant car seat since it's designed for an extremely short time. Choose a model that's easy to install with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help keep the seat in a perfect position. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click in and out of the car.
Certain car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like the no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are fantastic but the safety of your car seat is only dependent on the vehicle that you use to drive. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for advice on how to ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.
When choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll only be able to use it for approximately 2 years until your child is old enough to move to convertible car seats. Some families skip the infant car seat completely and choose to purchase convertible cars that has an increased weight and height limit. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try a few models before choosing one. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for the child, fits in your car, and has convenient features like converting to a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's the most critical aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.
Easy of Use
Whether you'll be using the seat in one car or transferring it between several, you want an infant car seat that is simple to install and detach from the base. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and an operation that is seamless. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the quality materials used.
A great feature that many infant seats come with is a load leg, which acts as a brace between the seat's base and vehicle floor to offer extra stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of suffering a head injury is higher when the child is too close to the floor.
Other premium features that can enhance the infant car seat user experience include a harness that is not rethread and anti-rebound bar, which help keep the seat from rebounding in an accident. The latter has been proven by research to decrease the risk of head injuries by as much as 43%. "If you're on a budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has several key features that are premium, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat received an outstanding rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure complete coverage.
Another thing to look out for is the type of seat that can be installed with just a lap belt and does not require the base. This is a great option for parents who intend to use Uber or taxi rides, since it doesn't require them to go back to the car each time to replace a seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for instance include a strong LATCH that is built into the bottom of their seats making them easy and easy to install. It also can be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into a highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). This is an excellent option when you're on a tight budget.
Comfort
When your baby is stuck in car seats for extended periods of time, it's crucial that they are comfortable. This includes padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels snug against their stomachs or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they get bigger, and.
While a seat that has lots of features may be more expensive, they're also often easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we take into consideration things like a one-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no rethread harness. We also take note of dimensions and weight since the weight or bulk of a seat can add stress to your biceps while you carry it into and out of your car, or in 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 another good choice. It's typically found in more expensive seats but we've seen few budget-friendly choices that have this extra safety measure.
The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll need to make sure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. It usually occurs around age two or 3. You should also consider convertible infant car seats that converts into an adult car 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 testers loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller into one. It's ideal for parents who are constantly in motion, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or to school. infant car seat newborn Pushchairs And Prams 's also easy to put in and our experts who tested it were impressed with the ease of use of the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how compact the seat is and is an essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a huge bonus for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats are 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. Other important things to look at is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it features a canopy, which is handy both inside the car as well as attached to a stroller.
A feature on the base can save much time and headaches. It will let you know when it has been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to ground and is located on the base. This is especially useful in the event that you will change the car seat frequently, or if your baby will be traveling with you and you need to install it in taxis or Ubers.
Another benefit is the possibility of attaching an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to transport your baby's bundle of joy from the car to the store or out on errands, without having to wrestle with a separate carrier. This could be a great advantage for new parents who want to return to their day after a long commute or outing with a baby.
If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose a car seat for infants that has a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it does not mean that all car seats are created to be equal. Certain models have features that go beyond, such as load legs that support the car seat's base for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. A few additional features can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.