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 love with extra padding, a padded inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no Rethreading.
We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and price when deciding on our top picks. Find out which infant seat is the best fit for your family.
Safety
All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats come with extra features above and beyond the minimum requirements. These include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that can hold straps, and more. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a chair comes with, the better.
The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely parents will be to use it in a safe manner and reduce their child's risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is particularly important for the infant car seat, as it's only designed to last for a short period of time. Choose a model that has an indicator that bubbles and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easy to adjust the seat. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.
Some car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a strap that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. These are wonderful, but don't forget that the safety of your car seat is just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Go through the owner's manual for tips on how to properly secure your infant's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.
When you are choosing an infant seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is old enough to move to the convertible seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat entirely and opt for convertible cars that has a higher weight and height limit. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and try a few models in person prior to making a decision on one. You can then ensure that the seat is safe for your child, fits in your car and also has useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Don't forget to verify recalls prior making a purchase. It's the most crucial factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.
Simple to Use
If you're using the seat in one vehicle or moving it among several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to put in and remove from the base. Look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth operation. Also consider how easy it is to alter the car seat as your baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats come with the load leg. This is a brace that provides support between the seat's base and the floor of your vehicle that provides additional security in the event of a collision. This is a crucial feature if you drive an older vehicle, as the risk of injury to the head in a crash is higher when an infant is seated close to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.
Other high-end features can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. These include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that helps stop the seat from bouncing during a crash. The latter has been shown to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those with a tight budget looking for a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat was awarded an exemplary 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 full coverage.
infant car seats uk that can be easily installed with just lapbelts and does not require the necessity of a base is another option. This is a good option for parents who intend to take Uber or taxi rides because it eliminates the need to return to the car every time to replace a seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for instance are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that is built into the bottom of their seats making them easy and easy to install. It also can be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to an highback booster or a backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is a great option for those on a tight budget.
Comfort
When your baby is stuck in a car seat for extended periods of time, it's essential that they feel safe. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded, plush fabric to feel comfortable against their stomach or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.
A seat with many special features is usually more expensive, but is also easier to use. This is why we take into consideration things like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, since a heavy or large seat can strain your biceps as you carry it in and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.
A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash is an alternative. This safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats however there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.
The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll need to make sure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs around the age of 2 or 3. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects loved the Doona that combines an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's the ideal choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It is also easy to put in. Our testers who were experts in the field praised its ease of use, including the one-handed latching mechanism and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also commented on how the seat is compact, which is a must for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge bonus for those who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.
Convenience
The best infant seats have features that make it easy to use. The most comfortable infant car seats are equipped with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be cleaned by machine (to facilitate 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 lots of time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been properly installed. This line is on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground once you've finished. It's especially useful in the event that you'll be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if intend to travel with your baby and you'll need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it simple to take your baby to the grocery store or to run errands. You don't need to worry about an additional carrier. This can be a game changer for new parents looking to return to their day after a long commute or outing with a 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. You can use the car seat for longer.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean all seats are made equally. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, including load legs that brace the base of the car seat for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. A few additional features can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent are happier and more secure.