You ll Never Guess This Best Infant Seat s Tricks
Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However some seats go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will appreciate such as extra padding, a cushioned 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, extra features and prices. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading on.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Certain seats have additional features that are above and beyond the minimum standards. These can include load legs and 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 are more efficient.
The more user-friendly a car seat is and the more likely parents are to use it properly and reduce the chance of injuries to their child in an accident. This is particularly important for the infant car seat, as it's designed for a short period of time. Find a seat that is easy to install with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help keep the seat perfectly level. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.
Some car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a strap that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are great, a car seat's safety is only dependent on the vehicle that you use to drive. You can find tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your child's car seat and find out more about the car's safety features.
When you're choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be able to use it for about two years before your child is old enough to transition to convertible car seats. This is the reason why some families decide to leave out an infant seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which has higher height and weight limits. When buying an infant car seats on sale car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test several models before making a decision. You can then make sure that the seat is comfortable for the child, fits in your vehicle and also has useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's the most important aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.
User-Friendliness
If you're using the seat in one car 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 as well as an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials that are used.
One of the best features that infant seats include is a load leg, which serves as a brace between the seat's base and the car's floor, providing extra stability in the event of an accident. This is a crucial feature if you drive an older vehicle, since the risk of sustaining head injuries during a crash is much higher when an infant is sitting close to the ground, as per research by Consumer Reports.
Other features that are premium can enhance the infant car seat experience. They include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from spinning in a crash. This has been proven to lower the risk of head injury by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and has a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has been awarded an excellent rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions as well as an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets to ensure complete coverage.
Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that is able to be set up by the lap belt, and does not require the base. This is ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the trip back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom making it quick and simple to install in any car. 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 it converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. It's a great choice for families with a tight budget.
Comfort
It's important that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're in the seat for a long period of time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded as well as soft fabrics that feel cozy against their tummy or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, consider a seat that is easy to alter as your child grows.
A car seat with a variety of features is usually more expensive but also easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we look at things like a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also consider dimensions and weight, since the weight or bulk of a seat could put stress on your biceps as you carry it into and out of your car, or in between cars.
A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash is an additional option. This extra safety feature is typically only available in high-end seats, however, there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.
The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll want to make sure that the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their maximum growth rate typically around age two or three. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be transformed into a toddler's seat. This option gives you a little more flexibility in your vehicle and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our testers loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's ideal for parents who are always on the move, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or go to school. It's also simple to put in. Our testers who were experts in the field praised its ease of use, including the one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also commented on how compact the seat is it is essential for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of harmful chemicals which is a major advantage for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.
Convenience
The best rotating infant car seat seats have features that make it simple to use. The best car seats for newborns infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on the stroller.
One thing that may not be a big deal but can save you a lot of headache is a meter on the base that informs you that it's been properly installed. The line should be parallel to the ground and is situated on the base. It's particularly useful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat often, or if you are planning to travel with your lightweight baby car seat and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it easier to carry your baby to the store or to run errands. It's not necessary to worry about a separate carrier. This could be an essential feature for parents looking to return to normal after a lengthy trip or commute with a child.
If your baby is likely to grow rapidly, choose a car seat for infants that has a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean all seats are made equal. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that brace the base of a car seat to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of head injuries during crashes. Other features, such as a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, can also make for a more relaxing ride for your child and help you to be a happier and more confident parent.
