You ll Never Guess This Best Infant Seat s Secrets
Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread the seat, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.
We considered factors like weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and prices when deciding on our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading on.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in strap-holding sides, and more. The more features a car seat comes with, the better, according the experts I spoke to.
The more user-friendly a car seat can be it, the more likely parents will be to use it in a safe manner and reduce the risk of injury to their child in a crash. This is especially important with an infant car seat since it's only designed to last for a short period of time. Choose a model that's easy to install with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help get the seat level. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.
Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers provide include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. Remember that even though these features are wonderful the safety of a car seat is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. Go through the owner's manual to learn how to ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.
When you're choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able to use it for approximately 2 years, until your child is ready to move to convertible car seats. Some families choose to skip the infant seat entirely and choose to purchase a convertible car with a higher weight and height limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and try out a variety of models in person before committing to one. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car and also has useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's vital to ensure your child's safety on the road.
Easy of Use
Whether you'll be using the seat in one vehicle or moving it between several, you want an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. Look for clear installation instructions and a smooth operation. Also, consider how it is easy to alter the car seat as your baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.
A premium feature that some infant seats include is a load leg that acts as an extra brace between the seat's base and car's floor, providing additional stability in the event of a crash. This is a crucial feature if you drive an older car, as the risk of injury to the head during a crash is much higher when a child is seated close to the ground, as per research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other premium features that can improve infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bars, which can prevent the seat from bouncing back in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget and looking for an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a number of top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has earned an outstanding rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions, and an extended canopy that can be secured by magnets to provide full coverage.
A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt, and without the requirement for a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need a return trip to the car to install a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example, have a rigid LATCH built into the seat's bottom, making them quick and easy to install. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds), and it converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great option for families with a limited budget.
Comfort
When your baby is stuck in a car seat for extended periods of time, it's important they feel safe. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that feels cozy against their tummy and back and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Find an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow, as well.
A car seat with a variety of features is often more expensive, but is also easier to use. This is why we take into consideration things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, as a heavy or large seat can put stress on your biceps as you move it into and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.
A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash is an additional option. This extra safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats, however there are a few affordable models that include it.
Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll want to make sure that the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their highest growth stage, which is usually at around the age of two or three. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seat uk car seats that converts to an adult car seat. This will allow you a bit more flexibility in your vehicle and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our testers were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of a car seat for an infant and a stroller in one unit. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school by public transport. It's also easy to set up. Our experts who tested it have praised its simplicity of use, including the one-handed latching mechanism and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers reported that the seat is compact and lightweight, which is essential for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of harmful chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's health and environment.
Convenience
The best rotating infant car seat seats have features that make it easy to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise 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 features to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to help with cleaning) and if it features a canopy that can be useful in the car as well as attached to a stroller.
A feature on the base can save a great deal of time and headaches. It shows you when it has been installed correctly. This line is on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground after you've completed. This is especially helpful when you're going to change the car seat often or the baby seat will be traveling with you and you'll need to set it up in Ubers or taxis.
Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to transport your baby's infant from the car to the grocery store or on errands without having to lug around a separate carrier. This could be a great advantage for parents with newborns who want to return to their day after a long commute or outing with a newborn.
If you expect your child to grow rapidly opt for a car seat designed for infants that have a greater weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat in use for longer.
All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety regulations However, that doesn't mean that they're all equal. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, such as load legs that anchor the car seat's base for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injury in crashes. Other extras, such as a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, can also provide a more comfortable ride for your baby and allow you be a happier, more confident parent.