Best Infant Seat Features

All infant car seat for travel seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However some go above. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without needing to rethread the seat, our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will love.

In deciding which of our top picks, we considered factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, features, and price. Find out the best infant seat - simply click the next site - for your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. Certain seats have additional features that are above and beyond 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. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a seat comes with, the better.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be and the more likely parents will be to use it properly and decrease the chance of injuries to their child in a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are designed to be used for a short time. Find a seat with bubble indicators and a spring-loaded reclining foot for making it easy to level the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click in and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread and magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. Remember that even though these features are wonderful the safety of a car seat is only as good infant car seats as the vehicle that you use to drive. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your infant's car seat, and also learn more about the 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 two years before your child is old enough to switch to a convertible car seat. Some families choose to skip the infant car seat for travel seat altogether and choose to purchase convertible cars, which has an increased weight and height limit. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test various models before making a decision. You can then make sure the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car and includes convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's the most crucial aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Simple to Use

You're looking for a car seats for your baby that is easy to attach and remove from the base, whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or transfer it between several. Look for clearly labeled instructions for installation and an operation that is seamless. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats have is a load leg that acts as a brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle floor to offer extra stability in the event of an accident. This is a crucial feature for those who drive an older vehicle, as the risk of injury to the head during a crash is much higher when an infant is seated near to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other high-end features can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. They include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from spinning during a crash. The latter has been shown by studies to reduce the chance of head injuries by up to 43%. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget who want a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a few premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has received an exemplary rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, plus an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to ensure complete 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 take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require an extra return trip to the car to install a different seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its corresponding TRIV travel system have a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom which makes it fast and easy to put in any car. It can also be used rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. This is a great option when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in the car seat for a long period of time, it's important they feel safe. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that is soft against their back and stomach and a headrest that expands with them to support their growing body. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child grows.

A car seat with a variety of features is usually more expensive, but is also easier to use. This is why we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight since a heavy or bulky seat can add stress to your biceps when you're carrying it into and out of your car, or in between cars.

A seat with a load leg--a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash--is an alternative. This safety feature is typically only available in high-end seats, but there are some affordable models that come with it.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain safe for your child after they reach their highest growth spurt, which is usually between the ages of two and three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This will allow you a little more flexibility in your vehicle 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 unit. It's perfect for parents who are constantly moving around, particularly those who use public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also simple to put in. Our expert testers appreciated its user-friendlyness and its one-handed latching system and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also noted that the seat is compact and lightweight, which is essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge advantage for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats come with features that make it easy to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be machine washed (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial both in the car and on the stroller.

One thing that may not seem like a big thing, but could save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that will let you know that it's been properly installed. The line should be parallel to the ground and should be situated on the base. It's especially useful if you're going to be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you intend to travel with your baby and 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 carry your baby to the supermarket, or to run the errands. You don't have to struggle with a separate carrier. This is an essential feature for parents who are looking to get back to normal after a long journey or a long commute with a child.

If you anticipate your baby to grow quickly opt for a car seat for babies with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety standards however that doesn't mean that they're all equal. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, such as load legs that anchor the base of the car seats newborn seat for added stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other features, like the no-rethread harness or an extended canopy, can also make for a more relaxing ride for your baby and allow you be a happier and more secure parent.