Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some seats go above and beyond. From extra padding to a padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate.
We considered factors like weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features and prices when deciding on our top choices. Find out which infant seat is right for your family by reading on.
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 requirements. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a seat has, they are more efficient.
The more user-friendly a car seat is it, the more likely parents are to use it correctly and decrease the risk of injury to their child in a crash. This is especially true for an infant car seat since it's only designed for an extremely short time. Look for a model with bubble indicators and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easy to set the seat. Make sure that the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.
Other top features that some car seat manufacturers offer are the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are wonderful but the safety of your car seat is only dependent on the vehicle that you use to drive. Go through the owner's manual for tips on how to properly ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.
When choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll probably 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. Some families opt to not use the infant seat entirely and opt for convertible cars, which has greater weight and height limit. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and try a few models before choosing one. You can ensure that the seat is safe for the child, fits inside your car and comes with useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Don't forget to check for recalls before making an purchase. It's the most crucial aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.
Simple to Use
If you're planning to use the seat in one car or moving it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to put in and remove from the base. Look for clearly labeled instructions for installation and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Also, think about how it is simple to alter the car seat as your baby grows, and the quality of the 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 stability in the event of an accident. This is a crucial feature if you drive an older car, as the risk of head injury during a crash is much higher when an infant is seated near to the ground, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other features that are premium can enhance the baby car seat experience. These include a non rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven by research to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a limited budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with some of the most important premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat received an exemplary rating by experts in child safety. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed using only a lapbelt, and without the requirement for a base is another option. This is a good option for parents who are planning to use Uber or taxi rides because it eliminates the need to get back in the car each time to install a new seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its counterpart TRIV travel system feature an extremely rigid LATCH system built right into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to put in any car. It can also be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to the highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's a great option for families on a tight budget.
Comfort
It's important that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long period of time. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush fabric that is comfortable against their tummy and back and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Choose an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they get bigger, and.
While a seat that has lots of features may cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. When evaluating infant car seat we take into consideration factors such as a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, because an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps while you carry it into and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.
Another good choice is a seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. This additional safety feature is usually found in expensive seats but there are some affordable models that come with it.
The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat will remain safe for your child after they reach their maximum growth stage usually at around the age of two or three. It's also worth considering convertible infant car seats that can be converted into a toddler seat. This option gives you a little more flexibility in your car and is great for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller all in one unit. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school on public transportation. It's also easy to install and our testers praised the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the padded shoulder straps. infant car seat best reported that the seat is incredibly compact and lightweight, which is essential for those with a limited trunk room. It's also free of harmful chemicals which is a major advantage for parents who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.
Convenience
The best infant 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 move up as your child grows the best infant car seats come with convenience features to help parents get into and out with a minimum of hassle. Other important features to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleanup easier) and if it comes with a canopy that can be handy both inside the car as well as attached to a stroller.
A feature on the base can save you a great deal of time and headaches. It will let you know when it has been installed correctly. This line is on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. It's particularly useful if you're going to be switching the car seat frequently, or if intend to travel with your child and need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easy to transport your sleeping bundle to the supermarket, or to run the errands. You don't need to worry about a separate carrier. This could be a great advantage for new parents looking to get back to their day after a long commute or outing with their newborn.
If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose a car seat for infants that has more weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat in use longer.
All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety regulations however that doesn't mean they are all created to be the same. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that brace a car seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of head injuries during crashes. Other features, like the no-rethread harness or an extended canopy, can also provide a more relaxing ride for baby and help you be a happier and more secure parent.