Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no rethreading our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will appreciate.
We looked at factors such as weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and prices when choosing our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading on.
Safety
Every infant car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats come with additional features that go above the minimum standards. These include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that hold the straps, and more. According to the experts I spoke to the more features a chair has, they better.
The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This can reduce their child’s risk of injury during an accident. This is especially true for the infant car seat, as it's designed for only a brief period of time. Find a seat that is easy to install, with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help get the seat in a perfect position. Make sure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.
Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers provide include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are fantastic, a car seat's safety 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's seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.
When you are choosing an infant seat, remember that you'll only be able use it for about 2 years before your child is ready to transition to the convertible seat. Some families opt to not use the infant car seat completely and opt for convertible cars with a higher weight and height limit. When buying an infant car seat, be sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before making a decision. You can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your vehicle and also has useful features like converting to a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.
Ease of Use
If you're using the seat in one car or moving it between many, you need an infant car seat that is easy to put in and remove from the base. Look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth mechanism. Also, consider how easy it is to alter the car seat as your baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats include a load leg. This is a brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle, providing extra stability in the event of an accident. It's a vital feature for those who drive an older car, as the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is higher when a baby is seated close to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.
Other premium features can improve the baby car seat experience. These include a non rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that can help stop the seat from bouncing in a crash. This has been proven by studies to reduce the risk for head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a limited budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has some of the most important premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat received an exemplary rating by child-passenger safety experts. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.
A seat that is easily installed using only lapbelts and does not require the requirement for an additional base is a different option. This is ideal for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides, since it doesn't require them to get back in the car every time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for instance are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that is built into the seat's bottom which makes them fast and easy to put in. 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). It's a great choice for families with a tight budget.
Comfort
When your baby is stuck in a car seat for long periods of time, it's important they feel safe. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded and soft fabric that feels comfortable against their stomach or back and a growing headrest. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow, as well.
While a seat with a lot of 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, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, as the weight or size of the seat can strain your biceps as you transport it into and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.
A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash is another good choice. This additional safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats, but there are some affordable models that include it.
The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll want to ensure the seat will still be suitable for your child once they reach their peak growth spurt, which is usually between the ages of two and three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be transformed into a toddler seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families that frequently change cars or travel.
Our testers loved the Doona, which incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one. It's a great option for parents who are always moving around, particularly those who use public transportation to commute to work or go to school. It's also simple to set up and our experts who tested it were impressed with the ease of use of the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is small, which is important for those who have a small trunk space. Plus, infant car seat in front seat of any 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. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the best infant car seats include convenience features that help parents get into and out with minimum of hassle. Check if the seat is able to be machine washed (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on a stroller.
A feature on the base can save you lots of time and headaches. It shows you when it's been put in place correctly. This line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground once you've finished. It's especially useful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat frequently, or if you are planning to travel with your baby and need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.
Another benefit is the ability to connect a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, making it easier to transport your baby's child from the car to the store or out on errands, without having to lug around a separate carrier. This can be a life-changing feature for parents who are looking to return to normal following a long journey or a long commute with a child.
If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose a car seat for infants that has an increased weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use for longer.
All car seats sold in America must conform to the safety standards of the federal government however that doesn't mean they are all created in the same way. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that brace the base of a car seat to increase stability and anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries from crashes. Other extras, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, can also provide a more relaxing ride for baby and help you be a happier and more secure parent.