Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will appreciate such as extra padding, a cushioned inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no need for rethreading.
We looked at factors such as weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and price when choosing our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading on.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the seats come with extra features that are beyond the minimum standards. These include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps, and more. The more features a car seat has the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.
The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This will reduce the chance of injuries to their child during the event of a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are meant to be used for a limited period of time. Look for a model with bubble indicators and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easy to adjust the seat. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.
Other premium features that some car seat makers offer include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. Remember that even though these features are great but the safety of your car seat is only as good as the car in which you drive. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for tips on how to properly secure your infant seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.
When choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll likely only be in a position to use it for approximately 2 years until your child is old enough to move to an convertible car seat. This is the reason why some families decide to leave out an infant seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which has higher weight and height limits. When buying an infant car seat, be sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try several models before settling on one. You can then ensure that the seat is safe for the child, fits in your vehicle, and has convenient features such as converting it to a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's crucial to ensuring your child's safety on the road.
Easy to Use
If you're planning to use the seat in one vehicle or moving it among many, you need an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the quality materials used.
Some infant seats include a load leg. This is a brace that serves as a support between the seat base and the vehicle's floor, providing extra security in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older car, because the risk of sustaining a head injury is higher when the infant is sitting too close to the floor.
Other premium features can improve the infant car seat experience. These include a non harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven by research to decrease the chance of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with several key features that are premium, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has earned an excellent rating from safety experts for children and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, plus an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to ensure complete coverage.
A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt, and without the requirement for an additional base is a different option. newborn car seat for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require an extra journey back and forth to the car to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for instance are equipped with a sturdy LATCH built into the bottom of their seats, making them quick and easy to install. It can also be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). This is an excellent option for those on a tight budget.
Comfort
If your child is in car seats for extended periods of time, it's essential that they feel comfortable. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that feels cozy against their back and stomach and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow as well.
A car seat with a variety of features can be more expensive but also easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we look at aspects like a single-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also consider the weight and dimensions of the seat, as an extremely heavy or bulky seat can strain your biceps as you transport it to and from your vehicle, or even between vehicles.
Another good choice is a seat that has a load-leg, which is a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. This extra safety feature is usually only available in high-end seats, however there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.
The weight and height limits are also important. You'll need to make sure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs around the age of 2 or 3. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be transformed into a toddler seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller into one. It's a great option for parents who are constantly in motion, especially those who use public transport to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to put in and our testers praised the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also commented on how small the seat is it is essential for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.
Convenience
The best infant car seats come with features that make it easy to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows the top infant car seats come with convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with minimum of hassle. Check if the seat is able to be machine washed (to simplify cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on the stroller.
A feature on the base can save you lots of time and headaches. It shows you when it's been put in place correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and is located on the base. It's particularly useful when you'll be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if intend to travel with your child and you'll need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.
Another benefit is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, making it easier to carry your sleeping infant from the car to the supermarket or out on errands, without having to wrestle with an additional carrier. This could be a life-changing option for parents who are looking to return to normal following a long trip or a commute with a child.
If your baby is expected to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat with an increased weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.
All car seats sold in the United States must comply with the safety standards of the federal government however that doesn't mean that they're all equal. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that support a car seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injuries from crashes. Some accessories can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent feel more comfortable and more secure.