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best car seats for newborns uk (recommended site) 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 has many features that parents will appreciate with additional padding, a padded inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no need for rethreading.
When selecting our top choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features and prices. Find out what infant car seat is best for 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. 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 so on. The more features a car seat is equipped with the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke with.
The more user-friendly a car seat is and the more likely parents will be to use it in a safe manner, which can reduce their child's risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is particularly important 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 recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat in a perfect position. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.
Some car seats newborn seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as a no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for the seat. These are wonderful but remember that a safe car seat is only as secure as the car you're driving in. You can find tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant's car seat and learn more about the car's safety features.
When selecting an infant car seat, be aware that you will only be able to use it for a period of about two years before your child is able to transition to the convertible seat. Some families skip the infant seat entirely and opt for a convertible car with a higher weight and height limit. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and try a few models before committing to one. You can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit inside your car, and has convenient features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's vital to ensure the safety of your child on the road.
Easy to Use
You want a car seat for your infant that is easy to connect and remove from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or transfer it between several. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also, consider how it is simple to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats have the load leg. It's a brace that serves as a support between the seat's base and the floor of the vehicle, providing extra stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you are driving an older vehicle because the risk of 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 anti-rebound bars, which help keep the seat from rebounding in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown by research to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with several key features that are premium, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has earned an excellent rating from child-passenger safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to provide full 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. That's ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need an extra trip back and forth to the car to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example include a strong LATCH that is built into the bottom of their seats, making them quick and easy to install. It can also be used with a rear facing infant car seat-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds), forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great option for families on a tight budget.
Comfort
It is essential that your child is comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long period of time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy or back, and a growing headrest. Find a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow, as well.
While a seat with lots of features may be more expensive but they're also generally easier to use. When evaluating infant car seats best car seat, we consider things like a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and no rethread harness. We also take into consideration the weight and size of the seat, since an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps as you move it in and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.
Another option is a seat with a load-leg, a safety feature which assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. This additional safety feature is usually found in expensive seats however there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.
Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt typically at around the age of two or three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be transformed into a toddler seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change cars or travel.
Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which is a combination of car seats for an infant and a stroller in one piece. It's perfect for parents who are constantly in motion, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to put in, and our expert testers were impressed with the ease of use of the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also remarked how compact the seat is it is essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats are easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows the top infant car seats come with convenience features that help parents get into and out with minimum of fuss. Consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to make cleaning easier) and if it has a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on a stroller.
A feature on the base can save much time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been properly installed. The line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground when you're done. It's especially useful if you're going to be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if plan to travel with your baby and need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it easy to carry your baby to the store or to run the errands. You don't have to struggle with a separate carrier. This can be a great advantage for parents with newborns who want to get back to their day after a long commute or outing with a newborn.
If your baby is likely to grow quickly, select an infant car seat that has more weight and 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, it doesn't mean that all seats are made equally. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that brace a car seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injuries from crashes. Some additional features can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, making you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.