best infant seat (https://www.pushchairsandprams.uk) Features

All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However some seats go above and beyond. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no rethreading the seat, our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.

In deciding which of our top picks, we took into consideration factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features and price. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must be in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the seats come with extra features that are beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated strap-holding sides, and much more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a chair includes, the are more efficient.

The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This will reduce their child’s risk of injury during an accident. This is especially important for infant seats, which are only intended to be used for a limited time. Look for a model that's easy to install with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help get the seat in a perfect position. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click in and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features such as the no-rethread strap as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are great, a car seat's safety is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. You can find helpful tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant car seat and learn more about the safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll only be in a position to use it for approximately 2 years, until your child is ready to move to a convertible car seat. This is the reason why some families decide to skip an infant car seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has greater weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and try a few models before choosing one. Then, you can make sure the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car and has handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's the most important aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

You're looking for a car seat for your infant that is easy to connect and remove from the base whether you intend to use it in a single vehicle or move it between several. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and an operation that is seamless. Also consider how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats have a load leg. This brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor and provides extra stability in case of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older vehicle, because the chance of sustaining a head injury is higher when the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the user experience include a harness with no-rethread and an anti-rebound bar that help keep the seat from rebounding during the event of a crash. This has been proven by studies to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43%. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a tight budget looking for an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a number of premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has been awarded an outstanding rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline settings, plus an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that can be put in using a 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 because it eliminates the need to return to the car each time to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH built into the seat's bottom, making them quick and easy to install. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great option if you're on a budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby is comfortable in the car seat, especially if they are there for a long period of time. This includes padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy or back and a growing headrest. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child gets older.

While a seat that has many special features may cost more but they're also generally easier to use. This is why we take into consideration 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 size of the seat, since a heavy or large seat can put stress on your biceps while you move it in and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.

Another good choice is a seat that has a load-leg, a safety feature which assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in more expensive seats but we've seen few budget-friendly choices that have this extra safety measure.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs at around the age of two or three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This option will give you a little more flexibility in your vehicle and is great for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller in one. It's perfect for parents who are always in motion, especially those who use public transport to commute to work or go to school. It's also simple to set up and our testers were impressed with the ease of use of the one-handed latch system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers noted that the seat is incredibly compact which is crucial for those who have a small trunk room. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make it easy to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows the best infant car seats come with convenience features that help parents get into and out with minimum of fuss. Other important things to look at is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to help with cleaning) and if it features a canopy that can be handy both inside the car and also attached to a stroller.

One feature that might not be a big difference but can save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that informs you that it's been properly installed. The line is located on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground when you're done. It's especially useful in the event that you'll be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you are planning to travel with your child 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 easier to take your baby to the store or to run errands. You don't have to worry about a separate carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents looking to get Maxi-Cosi RodiFix i-Size High Back Booster Seat to their routine after an extended commute or a trip with their newborn.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, you should choose a car seat for infants that has a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat in use 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. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that support a Maxi-Cosi Foldable Car Seat: Compact & Lightweight seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of head injuries during crashes. Other features, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could also provide a more comfortable ride for your child and help you to be a happier, more confident parent.