Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some seats go above and beyond. From extra padding to padded newborn inlay 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, special features and prices. Find out which infant seat is the best fit for your family.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats offer extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated, strap-holding sides, and much more. The more features a car seat comes with, the better, according to experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be, the more likely parents are to use it in a safe manner and reduce their child's risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, Www.Pushchairsandprams.Uk which are only designed to be used for a short time. Choose a model that has a bubble indicator and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easier to set the seat. Make sure the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

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

When selecting an infant seat, remember that you will only be able use it for a period of about two years before your child is able to transition to an convertible seat. This is why some families choose to not use the infant car seat and go directly to a convertible seat, which has higher height and weight limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, be sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before settling. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits well in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. And, don't forget to check for recalls before making an purchase. It's the most crucial aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

If you're using the seat in one vehicle or transferring it between several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. Find clearly labeled installation guides and an operation that is seamless. Also, think about how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats have a load leg. It's a brace that provides support between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor, providing extra security in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older vehicle, because the risk of a head injury is higher when the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other high-end features can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. These include a non rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from spinning in a crash. The latter has been proven by research to reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat with a few key premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was awarded an excellent rating by safety experts for children. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.

Another thing to look for is the type of seat that can be put in by a lap belt and does not require the base. This is a good option for parents who intend to take Uber or taxi rides since it doesn't require them to go back to the car every time to put in a new seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the corresponding TRIV travel system have an extremely rigid LATCH system integrated into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to put in any vehicle. It also can be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into the highback booster or backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is an excellent option for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in car seats for extended periods of time, it's crucial that they feel safe. This includes padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel comfortable against their stomach or back and a growing headrest. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.

A car seat with a variety of features can be more expensive, but is also easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we look at factors such as a one-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. We also consider dimensions and weight, since the weight or bulk of a seat could strain your biceps while you carry it into and out of your car or between cars.

Another good choice is a seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature which helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats, but we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this additional safety feature.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to make sure that the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their peak growth spurt, which is usually between the ages of two and three. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that converts to an adult seat. This option gives you a bit more flexibility in your vehicle and is ideal 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 a great option for parents who are constantly moving around, particularly those who take public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to install and our experts who tested it praised the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted that the seat is compact, which is important for those with a limited trunk room. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are easy to use. The best infant car seats come with features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important aspects to consider are whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it features a canopy, which can be handy both inside the car and also attached to the stroller.

A feature on the base can save lots of time and headaches. It will let you know when it has been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and should be situated on the base. This is especially helpful if you are going to change the car seat frequently or when your child will be traveling with you and you'll need to connect it to taxis or Ubers.

Another useful feature is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to transport your baby's infant from the car to the grocery store or out for errands without the need to carry an additional carrier. This could be a game changer for parents with newborns who want to return to their routine after a long commute or outing with a baby.

If your baby is likely to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat that has a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean that they are all in the same way. Certain models have features that go above and beyond, including load legs that anchor the base of the car seat for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injury in crashes. Other extras, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extended canopy, can help create a more relaxing ride for your baby and allow you be a happier and more confident parent.