Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some seats go above and beyond. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without rethreading, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate.
We looked at factors such as weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and price when selecting our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading on.
Safety
Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with extra features that are beyond the minimum standards. These can include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps, and more. The more features a car seat has the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke with.
The more user-friendly a car seat is it, the more likely parents are to use it in a safe manner and reduce the risk of injury to their child in an accident. This is particularly important for an infant car seat since it's only designed to last for a short period of time. Look for a model that's easy to install with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat perfectly level. Make sure that the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.
Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as a no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are great but the safety of your car seat is only as good as the car that you use to drive. Go through the owner's manual to learn how to secure your infant's seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.
When you are choosing an infant seat, keep in mind that you will only be able use it for about 2 years before your child is ready to transition to the convertible seat. This is why some families choose to skip an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which has higher weight and height limits. If infant car seat travel pushchairsandprams.uk decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models before making a decision on one. You can then make sure that the seat is comfortable for the child, fits in your vehicle, and has convenient features like converting to a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's the most important aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.
Simple to Use
You're looking for a car seat for your infant that is easy to connect and remove from the base, whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or move it between several. It is important to look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Also consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.
A great feature that many infant seats include is a load leg, that acts as a brace between the seat's base and vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of collision. It's an especially important feature for those who drive an older vehicle, as the risk of injury to the head in a crash is higher when an infant is seated near to the ground, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other features that are premium can enhance the baby car seat experience. These include a non rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that helps keep the seat from spinning during a crash. This has been proven to reduce the risk of head injury by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a limited budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with some of the most important premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has received an excellent rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, and an extended canopy that secures with magnets for full coverage.
Another thing to look for is an infant seat that is able to be set up with just a lap belt and does not require the base. That's ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need an extra trip back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the counterpart TRIV travel system feature an extremely rigid LATCH system built right into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to install in any vehicle. It also can 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). This is a great choice if you're on a budget.
Comfort
When your baby is stuck in car seats for long periods of time, it's essential that they feel comfortable. This means padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel cozy against their tummy or back and a growing headrest. Also, look for a seat that is easy to alter as your child grows.
While a seat that has many special features might cost more but they're also generally easier to use. That's why we look at aspects like a single-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also take note of dimensions and weight, since the weight or bulk of a seat can add stress to your biceps when you're carrying it into and out of your car or moving between cars.
Another good choice is a seat with the load-leg, a security feature that helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's typically found in more expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this extra safety measure.
Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs around age two or 3. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that converts to an adult car seat. This will allow you more flexibility in your car and is perfect for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.
Our testers were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of the car seat of an infant and a stroller in one package. It's the perfect pick for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It's also simple to set up and our experts who tested it praised the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers reported that the seat is compact, which is important for those with a limited trunk room. It's also free of harmful chemicals which is a major bonus for those who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.
Convenience
The best infant car seats come with features that make it easy to use. The best infant car seats are equipped with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to facilitate cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is beneficial both in the car and on the stroller.
A feature on the base can save you a great deal of time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been properly installed. This line is located on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground when you're done. It's especially useful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you are planning to travel with your child and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.
Another benefit is the possibility of attaching a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, making it easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the grocery store or out on errands, without having to lug around the separate baby carrier. This can be a life-changing feature for parents trying to return to normal after a lengthy trip or a commute with a baby.
If you anticipate your baby to grow quickly opt for a car seat designed for infants with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use longer.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean that all seats are created equally. Certain models have features that go above and beyond, such as load legs that support the car seat's base for added stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Certain extras can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and make you as a parent are happier and more confident.