Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, a few go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will appreciate, including extra padding, a cushioned inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no need for rethreading.
We considered factors like weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and prices when deciding on our top picks. 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 come with extra features that are above and beyond the minimum standards. 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 is equipped with the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.
The more user-friendly a car seat can be, the more likely parents will be to use it properly and reduce the risk of injury to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are only designed to be used for a short time. Look for a model that's simple to install and has a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat in a perfect position. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.
Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features, such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are wonderful but the safety of your car seat is only as good as the vehicle that you use to drive. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for tips on how to secure your infant seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.
When choosing an infant seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able to use it for a period of about two years before your child is old enough to transition to the convertible seat. Some families choose to skip the infant seat entirely and opt for convertible cars with an increased weight and height limit. When you are buying an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before settling on one. You can then make sure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits in your vehicle and comes with useful features like converting to a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's vital to ensure your child's safety on the road.
Easy of Use
You want a car seat for your baby that is easy to connect and remove from the base regardless of whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or transfer it between several. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Also consider how easy it is to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used.
A great feature that many infant seats have is a load leg that acts as an extra brace between the seat's base and the car's floor, providing extra stability in the event of collision. This is a crucial feature for those who drive an older car, as the risk of injury to the head in a crash is greater when a child is sitting close to the ground, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other features that are premium and can improve infant car seat user experience include a harness that is not rethread and anti-rebound bars, which help keep the seat from bouncing back in an accident. This has been proven to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seats with several key features that are premium, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was awarded an exemplary rating by child-passenger safety experts. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extended canopy that has magnets that ensure full coverage.
Another thing to look for is a seat that can be put in by the lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is a good option for parents who intend to use Uber or taxi rides, as it eliminates the need to go back to the car every time to put in a new seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom which makes it fast and simple to install in any vehicle. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. It's a great option for families with a limited budget.
Comfort
It is essential that your child is comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that is comfortable against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, consider 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. infant car seats uk pushchairsandprams.uk 's why we look at aspects like a single-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, as a heavy or large seat can strain your biceps while you carry it into and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.
Another good choice is a seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats but we've seen few budget-friendly options that include this additional safety feature.
The limits on height and weight are also important. 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 can be converted into a toddler's seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who often change vehicles or travel.
Our testers loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's a great choice for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school on public transport. It is also easy to put in. Our experts who tested it have praised its simplicity of use, including the one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also noted that the seat is incredibly compact and lightweight, which is essential for those who have a small trunk room. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a big bonus for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.
Convenience
The best infant car seats come with features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the top infant car seats come with convenience features that help parents get into and out with a minimum of hassle. Consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to facilitate cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is helpful 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 put in place correctly. This line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground after you've completed. It's especially useful when you'll be switching the car seat frequently, or if you plan 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 attached directly to it. This makes it simple to carry your baby to the grocery store or to run around. You don't need to carry the hassle of a separate car seat. This could be a huge advantage for parents with newborns who want to return to their routine after an extended commute or a trip with a newborn.
If your baby is expected to grow quickly, select an infant car seat that has more weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat for longer.
All car seats sold in the United States must comply with federal safety regulations however that doesn't mean they are all created equal. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that brace a car seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injuries from crashes. Other extras, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, can help create a more relaxing ride for your child and help you to be a happier and more confident parent.