Ten Common Misconceptions About Best Infant Seat That Aren't Always True Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, a few exceed the federal safety standards. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no needing to rethread our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate.

We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and prices when deciding on our top picks. Find out which infant seat is right for your family.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Certain seats have additional features that go beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in strap-holding sides, and much more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a chair has, they are more efficient.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users it, the more likely parents will be to use it correctly and reduce the chance of injuries to their child in a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are only intended to be used for a brief duration. Find a seat that is simple to install and has an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat perfectly level. Make sure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are wonderful but remember that a safe car seat is just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your infant's car seat and learn more about the car's safety features.

When you are choosing an infant seat, remember that you will only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is old enough to transition to a convertible seat. This is why some families choose to not use the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible car seat, which has greater weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before making a decision. You can then make sure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits inside your car, and has convenient features such as converting it to a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls prior to making an purchase. newborn car seat Push Chairs & Prams 's the most important factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

User-Friendliness

You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is easy to attach and take off from the base, whether you intend to use it in one vehicle or move it between multiple. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also, consider how it is easy to alter the car seat as your baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

One of the best features that infant seats come with is a load leg that acts as a brace between the seat's base and vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of collision. It's a vital feature to have if you own an older car, as the risk of sustaining head injuries during a crash is much higher when an infant is seated close to the floor, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bar, which help keep the seat from rebounding during an accident. The latter has been shown to lower the risk of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those with a tight budget who want a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a number of premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat was given an outstanding rating by safety experts for children. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look out for is a seat that can be put in using the lap belt, and does not require the base. That's ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require an extra journey back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom, making it quick and simple to install in any car. It can also be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). This is a great option for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in their car seat, especially when they're in the seat for a long time. This means padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy or back and a growing headrest. Also, look for a seat that is easy to adjust as your child grows.

While a seat with lots of features might cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we take into consideration factors such as a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. We also consider the weight and dimensions of the seat, since a heavy or large seat can strain your biceps when you move it to and from your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash--is another good choice. It's typically found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this safety feature.

The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll want to ensure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. You should also consider a convertible infant car seat that converts into a toddler seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change cars or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona, which incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller in one. It's perfect for parents who are always in motion, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or go to school. It's also simple to set up. Our experts who tested it appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also commented on how compact the seat is, which is a must for those with a limited trunk space. Plus, it's free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge bonus for those who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make it easy to use. The best infant car seats come with features that make it easier for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important aspects to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy, which is useful in the car and also attached to a stroller.

One feature that might not seem like a big deal but can save you a lot of headache is a meter on the base that lets you know that it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to ground and should be situated on the base. It can be particularly helpful if you're going to be switching the car seat often, or if you are planning to travel with your child and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to carry your baby to the supermarket or for running the errands. It's not necessary to worry about a separate carrier. This can be a game changer for new parents looking to return to their normal routine after an extended commute or a trip with their newborn.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat that has a higher weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use longer.


While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean that all seats are created to be equal. Some seats have extra features, like load legs that support the base of a car seat to increase stability and anti-rebound bar that reduces the chance of head injuries from crashes. A few extras can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.