Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, some are more than others. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.
When deciding on our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, features and prices. Check out the following article to determine which infant seat is suitable for your family.
Safety
All infant car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats offer extra features that are above and beyond the minimum standards. These can include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that hold the straps and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with, the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.
The more user-friendly a car seat is and the more likely parents are to use it in a safe manner and reduce the risk of injury to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially important with the infant car seat, as it's designed for only a brief period of time. Choose a model that has a bubble indicator and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easier to level the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click into and out of the car.
Other features that top-quality car seat manufacturers provide include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. These are wonderful, but don't forget that the safety of your car seat is only as secure as the car you're driving in. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for tips on how to secure your infant's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.
When you're choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be allowed to use it for around 2 years, until your child is ready to transition to convertible car seats. That's why some families opt to not use an infant car seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has higher height and weight limits. When buying an infant car seat, be sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test different models before settling. You can then make sure that the seat is safe for your child, fits in your car and also has useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's crucial to ensuring your child's safety on the road.
Ease of Use
You're looking for a car seats for your baby that is easy to connect and take off from the base, whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or move it between several. You should look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Also consider how easy it is to alter the car seat as your baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats come with a load leg. This is a brace that serves as a support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle, providing extra stability in case of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older vehicle, because the chance of sustaining a head injury is higher when the infant is sitting too close to the floor.
Other features that are premium can enhance the infant car seat experience. These include a non rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that helps keep the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. This has been proven by research to decrease the risk for head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a limited budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with a few key premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has received an exemplary rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions, and an extended canopy that secures with magnets for full coverage.
Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that is able to be set up using the lap belt, and does not require the base. This is a great option for parents who intend to take Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to get back in the car each time to replace a seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example, have a rigid LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and easy to put in. It can also be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into the highback booster or belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). This is a great option when you're on a tight budget.
Comfort
When your baby is stuck in a car seat for extended periods of time, it's essential that they are comfortable. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is comfortable against their back and tummy and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Choose best infant seat pushchairsandprams -to-use seat to adjust as they grow and.
While a seat with a lot of special features may be more expensive however, they are also more convenient to use. That's why we look at things like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also consider the weight and dimensions of the seat, as a heavy or large seat can put stress on your biceps while you transport it in 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 another good choice. This extra safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats however, there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.
The weight and height limits are also important. You'll want to make sure that the seat will remain safe for your child after they reach their maximum growth rate typically between the ages of two and three. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be converted 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 were impressed by the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller all in one unit. It's a great choice for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It's also easy to install, and our expert testers were impressed with the ease of use of the latch that is one-handed and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers reported that the seat is small, which is important for those with limited trunk room. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical which is a major advantage for parents concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.
Convenience
The best infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the top infant car seats have convenience features that allow parents to get in and out with a minimal amount of effort. Other important aspects to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it comes with a canopy, which is useful both inside the car and attached to the stroller.
One thing that may not seem like a big difference but can 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 is on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. It's especially useful when you'll be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you are planning to travel with your child and you'll need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easy to take your baby to the grocery store or for running errands. You don't need to struggle with the hassle of a separate car seat. This could be a huge advantage for new parents who want to return to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with a newborn.
If you are expecting your baby to grow quickly, choose a car seat designed for infants with a higher weight or 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 the United States must comply with federal safety standards, but that does not mean that they're all in the same way. Certain models have features that go beyond, like load legs that support the base of the car seat for additional stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other extras, such as the no-rethread harness or an extended canopy, can also provide a more relaxing ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed and more confident parent.