15 Things You Didn't Know About Best Infant Seat Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will appreciate with extra padding, a padded inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no rethreading.

In deciding which of our top picks, we considered factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features, and price. Find out which infant seat is right for your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats have extra features that go above the minimum standards. These include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that support the straps and more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a chair comes with, the are more efficient.

The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This will lower the chance of injuries to their child during a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are intended to be used for a brief time. Find a seat with bubble indicators and an adjustable foot with a spring to make it easy to set the seat. Also, make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the car.


Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as a no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are wonderful the safety of a car seat is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. Check out the car's owner's manual for advice on how to secure your infant seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll probably only be in a position to use it for about 2 years until your child is ready to transition to a convertible car seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat altogether and choose to purchase a convertible car that has greater weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test out several models before choosing one. You can ensure that the seat is comfortable for the child, fits in your car, and has convenient features such as converting it to a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making a purchase. It's the most crucial aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

You want a car seat for your infant that is simple to attach and remove from the base regardless of whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or shift it between multiple. It is important to look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth mechanism. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the quality materials used.

One of the best features that infant seats come with is a load leg which acts as a brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of collision. infant car seat for travel is a crucial feature for those who drive an older vehicle, since the risk of injury to the head during a crash is much higher when a baby is sitting close to the ground, according to research 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 can prevent the seat from bouncing back in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven to lower the chance of sustaining head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat with a few key premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was awarded an excellent rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets that ensure full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is a seat that can be installed by the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. That's ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need an extra journey back and forth to the car to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example include a strong LATCH that's built into the seat's bottom which makes them fast and easy to install. It can also be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to an highback booster or a backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice if you're on a budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're there for a long time. This means padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel snug against their stomachs or back, and a growing headrest. Also, look for a seat you can easily alter as your child grows.

A seat that has many unique features can be more expensive, but is also easier to use. This is why we take into consideration things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also consider the dimensions and weight, as a heavy or bulky seat can add stress to your biceps when you're carrying it into and out of your car or between cars.

Another option is a car seat with the load-leg, a security feature which assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. This additional safety feature is usually available in high-end 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 the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. This typically occurs around age two or 3. Consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be transformed into a toddler's seat. This option will give you a bit more flexibility in your car and is great for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which is a combination of car seats for an infant and a stroller into one piece. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school via public transport. It's also simple to install. Our experts who tested it appreciated its user-friendlyness and its one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted that the seat is small, which is important for those with limited trunk room. Plus, it's free of harmful chemicals which is a major advantage for parents who are concerned about their child's health and environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically move up as your child grows the best infant car seats have convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with minimum of fuss. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to simplify cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on the stroller.

One thing that may seem like a small deal but can save you a lot of headache is a meter on the base that informs you whether it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to ground and is located on the base. This is particularly useful when you're going to change the car seat frequently, or when your child will be traveling with you and you'll need to install it in Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easier to carry your baby to the grocery store, or to run the errands. You don't need to carry the hassle of a separate car seat. This could be an essential feature for parents looking to get back to normal following a long trip or a commute with a baby.

If you are expecting your child to grow rapidly opt for a car seat for infants with a higher weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with the safety standards of the federal government however that doesn't mean that they're all equal. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that support the base of a car seat to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injuries in crashes. Some additional features can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.