10 Quick Tips For Best Infant Seat
Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats have to 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 with no needing to rethread the seat, 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 choosing our top choices. Read on to see which infant car seat is suitable for your family.
Safety
All car seats for infants sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. But some of the seats come with extra features that are beyond the minimum requirements. These include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that support the straps, and more. The more features a car seat has, the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.
The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This will reduce the chance of injuries to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially true for the infant car seat, as it's only designed to last for a short period of time. Look for a model that's easy to install, with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help get the seat level. Make sure the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.
Other top features that some car seat makers offer include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. These are great, but don't forget that a safe car seat only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual to learn how to properly secure your infant seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.
When you're choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll probably only be able to use it for about 2 years until your child is old enough to switch to convertible car seats. Some families choose to skip the infant seat altogether and opt for convertible cars with an increased weight and height limit. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and try out a variety of models in person prior to committing to one. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits in your vehicle and comes with useful features such as converting it to a stroller. And, don't forget to verify recalls prior making an purchase. It's the most important aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.
Easy 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 clearly labeled installation guides as well as an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Also consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats include a load leg. It's a brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of the vehicle and provides extra stability in the event of an accident. It's a vital feature for those who drive an older car, as the risk of injury to the head in a crash is higher when an infant is sitting close to the ground, as per 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 to keep the seat from spinning in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven to lower the risk of head injury by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those with a tight budget looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a number of premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat was awarded an outstanding rating by child-passenger safety experts. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy with magnets that ensure full coverage.
Another thing to look for is a seat that can be installed with just a lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who plan to use Uber or taxi rides, as it eliminates the need to get back in the car each time to replace a seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its corresponding TRIV travel system have a sturdy LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom, making it quick and simple to install in any car. It can also be used rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) and 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. This is an excellent option when you're on a tight budget.
Comfort
When your baby is stuck in a car seat for a long period of time, it's important they feel comfortable. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded and soft fabric that feels comfortable against their stomach or back and a growing headrest. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child gets older.
A seat with many special features is usually more expensive but also easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we take into consideration factors such as a one-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also consider the weight and dimensions of the seat, as the weight or size of the seat can put stress on your biceps as you move it into and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.
A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash is an alternative. This additional safety feature is usually only available in high-end seats, however, there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.
The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. You should also consider a convertible infant car seat that can be converted into an adult car seat. This will allow you a little more flexibility in your vehicle and is great for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our testers were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of car seats for an infant and a stroller all in one piece. It's a great option for parents who are always on the move, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to install and our testers praised the ease of using the latch with one hand and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted how small the seat is it is essential for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a big advantage for parents concerned about their child's environment and health.
Convenience
The best infant car seats come with features that make it simple to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten and 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 fuss. infant car seats pushchairsandprams to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it has a canopy that can be useful in the car and also attached to the stroller.
One thing that might not seem like a big difference but can save you a lot of headache is a meter on the base that lets you know when it's been installed correctly. The line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. It can be particularly helpful when you'll be switching the car seat often, or if you intend to travel with your baby and need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.
Another feature that is beneficial is the possibility of attaching an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, making it easier to transport your baby's bundle of joy from the car to the grocery store or out for errands without having to wrestle with an additional carrier. This could be a life-changing option for parents looking to get back to normal following a long trip or a commute with a baby.
If you are expecting your baby to grow quickly pick a car seat designed for babies with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat for longer.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that does not mean that all car seats are created to be equal. Some have premium features that go beyond, such as load legs that support the base of the car seat for added stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of injury to the head in crashes. A few accessories can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, making you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.