Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. From extra padding to padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no rethreading our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.
We considered factors like weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and price when selecting our top choices. Find out what infant car seat is best for you and your family by reading.
Safety
All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats offer extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. They could include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps, and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with the better, according to experts I spoke with.
The more comfortable a car seat is for users, the more likely parents are to use it properly and decrease their child's risk of injury in a crash. This is particularly important for an infant seat, since it's only designed to last for a short period of time. Choose a model that has bubble indicators and an adjustable foot with a spring for making it easy to level the seat. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.
Other top features that some car seat makers offer include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. These are great however, don't forget that a safe car seat is just as secure as the car you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual for tips on how to secure your infant's seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.
When choosing an infant seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is able to move to a convertible seat. That's why some families opt to leave out an infant seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which has higher weight and height limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and try out a variety of models before committing to one. You can then make sure that the seat is suitable for the child, fits inside your car and comes with useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's essential to ensure your child's safety on the road.
Simple to Use
If you're using the seat in a single 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 installation guides as well as a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.
One of the best features that infant seats come with is a load leg which acts as a brace between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of sustaining a head injury is higher if the child is seated too close to the floor.
Other high-end features 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 during a crash. This has been proven by studies to reduce the chance of head injuries by up to 43%. "If you're on a budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seats with a few key premium features I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat received an outstanding rating by safety experts for children. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure full coverage.
Another thing to look for is a seat that can be installed with just the lap belt, and does not require the base. That's ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require an extra 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 bottom of their seats which makes them fast and simple to install. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and can be converted into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. This is an excellent option if you're on a budget.
Comfort
When your baby is in a car seat for extended periods of time, it's crucial that they feel comfortable. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is soft against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.
While a seat that has lots of features may cost more but they're also generally easier to use. That's why we look at things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also take note of the dimensions and weight, as an overly heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps while you carry it into and out of your car, or in between cars.
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 additional safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats, however there are a few affordable models that come with it.
The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat will remain suitable for your child once they reach their highest growth stage, which is usually between the ages of two and three. infant car seats best is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be converted into a toddler's car seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our testers loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller into one. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school on public transportation. It's also simple to install. Our experts who tested it praised its ease of use and its one-handed latching mechanism and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also commented on how small the seat is and is an essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of 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 them easy to use. The most effective infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important features to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to help with cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy, which is useful in the car and attached to the stroller.
One thing that may not be a big thing, but could save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that will let you know when it's been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to ground and should be situated on the base. It's especially useful when you'll be changing the car seat frequently, or if are planning 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 affixed directly to it. This makes it easier to carry your baby to the supermarket or for running errands. You don't need to carry a separate carrier. This can be an essential feature for parents who are looking to return to normal after a lengthy journey or a long commute with a child.
If your baby is likely to grow quickly, select 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 a longer period of time.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it does not mean that all car seats are created equally. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that support the seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of sustaining head injuries from crashes. Other extras, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could also make for an easier ride for your baby and allow you become a more relaxed and more confident parent.