You ll Never Guess This Best Infant Seat s Tricks
Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However some go above. From extra padding to a cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate.
We considered factors like weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features, and price when selecting our top choices. Find out the best infant seat (click here!) for your family by reading on.
Safety
All infant car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. Some seats offer extra features above and beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in strap-holding sides, and much more. According to the experts I spoke to the more features a chair comes with, the are more efficient.
The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This will reduce the chance of injuries to their child during the event of a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are only designed to be used for a short period of time. Find a seat with bubble indicators and an incline foot that is spring loaded for making it easy to level the seat. Make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.
Other top features that some car seat manufacturers offer are a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. Remember that even though these features are wonderful but the safety of your car seat is only dependent on the vehicle 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, keep in mind that you will only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is ready to transition to the convertible seat. Some families choose to skip the infant seat entirely and opt for convertible cars with a higher weight and height limit. When purchasing an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try several models before settling. You can then make sure that the seat is safe for the child, fits in your vehicle and comes with useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Also, make sure to look for recalls prior to making the purchase. It's the most crucial aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.
Simple to Use
Whether you'll be using the seat in a single car or moving it among several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. It is important to look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth operation. Also, consider how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats include the load leg. This brace that serves as a support between the seat's base and the floor of your vehicle that provides additional stability in case of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if are driving an older vehicle because the chance of suffering a head injury is higher when the child is too close to the floor.
Other premium features that can enhance the user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bars, which help keep the seat from bouncing back in an accident. The latter has been proven by studies to reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 43%. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those on a limited budget looking for a car seat that is ARC-certified and has a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has received an exemplary rating from child safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions as well as an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets to ensure complete coverage.
Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that can be put in with just the lap belt and does not require the base. This is a good option for parents who intend to take Uber or taxi rides, because it eliminates the need to return to the car each time to replace a seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its equivalent TRIV travel system come with an extremely rigid LATCH system built right into the bottom of the seat making it quick and simple to install in any vehicle. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and can be converted 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
When your baby is in the car seat for a long period of time, it's crucial that they feel safe. This includes padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels comfortable against their stomach or back and a growing headrest. Look for an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow, and.
While a car seat with lots of features may cost more but they're also generally easier to use. This is why we consider aspects like a single-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also take note of the dimensions and weight, as the weight or bulk of a seat could strain your biceps while you carry it in 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. It's usually found in more expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this safety feature.
Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs at around the age of two or three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This option gives you more flexibility in your vehicle and is ideal for families who often switch vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which is a combination of the car seat of an infant and a stroller in one piece. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school on public transportation. It's also easy to install and our testers were impressed with the ease of use of the latch that is one-handed and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers noted that the seat is incredibly compact and lightweight baby car seat, which is essential for those with a limited trunk room. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a big benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.
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 raise as your child grows the best car seats for newborns infant car seats have convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with a minimal amount of effort. Consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to facilitate cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is helpful in the car as well as on the stroller.
A feature on the base can save a great deal of time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been put in place correctly. This line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. It's particularly useful if you're going to be changing the car seat frequently, or if intend to travel infant car seat with your child and you'll need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.
A stroller that is compatible with the portable infant car seat car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easy to transport your sleeping bundle to the store or for running errands. You don't have to worry about a separate carrier. This can be an essential feature for parents trying for a way to return to normal after a long journey or a long commute with a baby.
If you anticipate your child to grow rapidly pick a car seat designed for infants that have a greater weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean all seats are created equally. Certain models have features that go above and beyond, like load legs that anchor the base of the car seat for added stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Certain additional features can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.
