Five Things You're Not Sure About About Best Infant Seat
Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats comply with the federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without needing to rethread the seat, our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will appreciate.
When selecting our top picks, we considered factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features and prices. Find out which infant car seat is suitable for your family.
Safety
Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats come with extra features that are above and beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in, strap-holding sides, and so on. 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, the more likely parents will be to use it correctly and reduce their child's risk of injury in a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are meant to be used for a brief duration. Choose a model that has a bubble indicator and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easier to adjust the seat. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.
Other features that top-quality car seat makers offer include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. These are great, but don't forget that the safety of your car seat is only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your infant's car seat and learn more about the vehicle's safety features.
When selecting an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll probably only be allowed to use it for about 2 years until your child is old enough to move to a convertible car seat. Some families choose to skip the infant seat altogether and opt for a convertible car, which has greater weight and height limit. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and try out a variety of models before committing to one. You can ensure that the seat is safe for the child, fits inside your car, 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.
Easy of Use
If you're using the seat in one vehicle or moving it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to install and detach from the base. Find clearly labeled installation guides and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also, think about how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats include a load leg. This is a brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of the vehicle, providing extra stability in case of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you are driving an older vehicle because the chance of suffering a head injury is higher if the child is too close to the floor.
Other features that are premium and can enhance the user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bars, which help keep the seat from bouncing back in an accident. The latter has been proven to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those on a limited budget looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a number of top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has earned an outstanding rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions plus an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets to provide full coverage.
A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt, and without the requirement for a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require the trip back and forth to the car to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH built into the seat's bottom making them easy and easy to install. It can also be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to a highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). This is an excellent option for those on a tight budget.
Comfort
When your baby is stuck in the car seat for a long period of time, it's important they feel safe. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded as well as soft fabrics that feel cozy against their tummy or back and a growing headrest. Also, look for a seat you can easily adjust as your child grows.
A seat that has many unique features can be more expensive but also easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, because the weight or size of the seat can put stress on your biceps when you transport it in and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.
A seat with a load leg--a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash--is another good choice. This extra safety feature is typically only available in high-end seats, but there are some affordable models that come with it.
Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be converted into a toddler seat. This option gives you a bit more flexibility in your vehicle and is ideal for families who often switch vehicles or travel.
Our testers were impressed with the Doona which combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller in one unit. It's perfect for parents who are always on the move, especially those who use public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also simple to set up and our experts who tested it appreciated the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted that the seat is compact, which is important for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a huge bonus for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health.
Convenience
The best infant seats have features that make it simple to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to facilitate cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is beneficial both in the car and 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 will let you know when it's been installed correctly. The line should be parallel to ground and is situated on the base. It's particularly useful in the event that you'll be changing the car seat frequently, or if you intend to travel with your child and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.
best car seats for infants Pushchairs And Prams that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easy to transport your sleeping bundle to the supermarket or to run the errands. You don't need to carry an additional carrier. This could be a life-changing option for parents trying to get back to normal after a long trip or commute with a child.
If you expect your child to grow rapidly pick the car seat for infants with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat in use longer.
All car seats sold in America must conform to the safety standards of the federal government however that doesn't mean that they are all in the same way. Certain models have features that go above and beyond, including load legs that brace the car seat's base for added stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injury in crashes. Other extras, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could also make for a more relaxing ride for your child and help you to be a happier and more confident parent.