Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, a few exceed the federal safety standards. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will love.
In deciding which of our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features and prices. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats offer extra 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 so on. The more features a car seat is equipped with, the better, according to experts I spoke to.
The more user-friendly a car seat can be, the more likely parents are to use it correctly and reduce their child's risk of injury in an accident. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are only intended to be used for a limited duration. Choose a model that's easy to install, with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help get the seat in a perfect position. Also, make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the car.
Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features such as a no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. These are great however, don't forget that the safety of your car seat is only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. There are tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your infant car seat and find out more about the safety features.
When you are choosing an infant seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able use it for a period of about two years before your child is ready to transition to a convertible seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat altogether and opt for convertible cars with greater 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 in person prior to making a decision on one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. And, don't forget to verify recalls prior making the purchase. It's essential to ensure your child's safety on the road.
Easy of Use
Whether you'll be using the seat in one car or moving it among several, you'll need an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. You should look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth mechanism. Also, think about how it is easy to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats include a load leg. This brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor that provides additional stability in case of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older vehicle, because the chance of sustaining a head injury is higher when the child is seated too close to the floor.
Other high-end features can enhance the infant car seat experience. They include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that helps keep the seat from spinning in a crash. This has been proven to decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those on a limited budget who want a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has earned an outstanding rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions plus an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to provide full coverage.
Another thing to look out for is a seat that is able to be set up by a lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is a good option for parents who are planning to use Uber or taxi rides because it eliminates the need to go back to the car every time to put in a new seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the corresponding TRIV travel system have a sturdy LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom, making it quick and simple to install in any car. It also can be used 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). It's a great choice for families with a tight budget.
Comfort
If your child is in car seats for long periods of time, it's crucial that they feel safe. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that feels cozy against their back and stomach and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Find an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow as well.
A seat with many special features is often more expensive but also easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and a no rethread harness. We also pay attention to the dimensions and weight, as a heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps when you're carrying it in and out of your car or between cars.
Another good choice is a car seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature which aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. This extra safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats however there are a few affordable models that include it.
The limits on height and weight are also crucial. best car seats for newborns uk 'll need to ensure that the seat will remain suitable for your child once they reach their maximum growth rate, which is usually around age two or three. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that converts into an adult seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our testers loved the Doona, which incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller in one. It's a great option for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who use public transport to commute to work or go to school. It is also easy to install. Our expert testers 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 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 best infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the top infant car seats have convenience features that allow parents to 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 has a canopy, which is useful both inside the car and attached to the stroller.
One thing that may not be a big difference but can save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that informs you whether it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to the ground and is situated on the base. It can be particularly helpful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat frequently, or if intend to travel with your child and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it simple to transport your sleeping bundle to the store or to run around. You don't need to struggle with the hassle of a separate car seat. This is a life-changing feature for parents looking to return to normal after a lengthy trip or a commute with a baby.
If you are expecting your baby to grow quickly, choose the car seat for infants with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it does not mean that all car seats are created equally. Some have premium features that go beyond, like load legs that brace the base of the car seat to provide additional stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Some additional features can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent happier and more secure.