Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats comply with the federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. From extra padding to padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no needing to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.
We considered factors like weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and prices when choosing our top picks. Read on to see which infant car seat is suitable for your family.
Safety
All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats come with extra features that go above the minimum requirements. 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 comes with the better, according the experts I spoke to.
The more user-friendly a car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. car seat newborn www.pushchairsandprams.uk will lower the chance of injuries to their child in an accident. This is especially important with an infant seat, since it's only designed to last for only a brief period of time. Look for a model that's easy to install, with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help get the seat perfectly level. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.
Other top features that some car seat manufacturers provide include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. These are fantastic however, don't forget that a safe car seat only as secure as the car you're driving in. Go through the owner's manual for tips on how to ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.
When you're choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll probably only be allowed to use it for around 2 years until your child is ready to switch to a convertible car seat. Some families choose to skip the infant car seat completely and choose to purchase convertible cars that has a higher weight and height limit. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before settling. Then, you can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car and has handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's essential to ensure 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. It is important to look for clear installation instructions and a smooth operation. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the quality materials used.
One of the best features that infant seats include is a load leg that acts as an extra brace between the seat's base and car's floor, providing extra stability in the event of collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older car, because the chance of suffering a head injury is higher if the child is seated too close to the floor.
Other premium features can improve the experience of infants in car seats. These include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar to stop the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven by studies to reduce the risk for head injuries by up to 43%. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a limited budget looking for an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has received an outstanding rating from safety experts for children and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions as well as an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets to provide full coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed with a lapbelt, and without the requirement for the base is an alternative. This is ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the return trip to the car to install a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for instance are equipped with a sturdy LATCH built into the seat's bottom making them easy and easy to put in. It can also be used rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also 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 tight budget.
Comfort
It's important that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly if they are there for a long time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded, plush fabric to feel cozy against their tummy or back and a growing headrest. Also, look for a seat that is easy to adjust as your child gets older.
While a seat with lots of features might cost more but they're also generally easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, as a heavy or large seat can strain your biceps when you carry it into and out of your vehicle, or even 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 alternative. This safety feature is typically 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 ensure that the seat is suitable for your child once they reach their peak growth spurt typically around age two or three. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be converted into a toddler's car seat. This will allow you more flexibility when you drive and is perfect for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school on public transport. It is also easy to install. Our expert testers have praised its simplicity of use, including the one-handed latching system as well as 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 any flame retardant chemical which is a huge advantage for parents concerned with their baby's environment and health.
Convenience
The best infant car seats come with features that make it simple to use. The best infant car seats come with features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to simplify cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on a stroller.
One thing that may seem like a small difference but can save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that informs you whether it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to ground and should be situated on the base. This is especially useful if you are going to be changing the car seat frequently, or when your child will be traveling with you and you have to install it in taxis or Ubers.
Another benefit is the ability to connect an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it easier to transport your baby's child from the car to the store or on errands without having to wrestle with an additional carrier. This can be a game changer for new parents who want to return to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with their newborn.
If your baby is expected to grow quickly, you should choose a car seat for infants that has more weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use longer.
All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety regulations, but that does not mean they are all created to be the same. Some have premium features that go beyond, such as load legs that support the base of the car seat for additional stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. A few additional features can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent happier and more secure.