Ten Best Infant Seat That Will Actually Improve Your Life
Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However some go above. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no needing to rethread our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate.
We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features and prices when choosing our top choices. Find out which infant seat is right for you and your family by reading on.
Safety
All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats have extra features that go above the minimum requirements. They could 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 to.
The more comfortable a car seat is for users, the more likely parents are to use it properly and decrease the risk of injury to their child in a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are only designed to be used for a short time. Find a seat that is easy to install with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to ensure that the seat level. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.
Some car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like the no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. These are wonderful however, don't forget that the safety of your car seat is just as secure as the car you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual for tips on 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, keep in mind that you'll only be in a position to use it for about two years before your child is ready to transition to a convertible car seat. Some families choose to skip the infant car seat completely and opt for a convertible car that has a higher weight and height limit. When purchasing an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test different models before settling. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car and includes convenient extras like converting into a stroller. And, don't forget to look for recalls prior to making an purchase. It's vital to ensure your child's safety on the road.
Easy to Use
You want a car seat for your baby that is easy to attach and take off from the base, whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or shift it between several. Look for clearly labeled instructions for installation and an operation that is seamless. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the quality materials used.
A great feature that many infant seats have is a load leg, which acts as an extra brace between the seat's base and car's floor, providing additional stability in the event of collision. Full Record shows that it's particularly important if have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of sustaining a head injury is greater if the child is seated too close to the floor.
Other features that are premium can enhance the baby car seat experience. These include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that helps keep the seat from bouncing in a crash. The latter has been proven by studies to reduce the chance of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with some of the most important premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has been awarded an exemplary rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline settings, and an extended canopy that can be secured by magnets to provide full coverage.
Another thing to look out for is a seat that is able to be set up by a lap belt and does not require the base. This is ideal for parents who intend to use Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to go back to the car every time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example, have a rigid LATCH that is built into the seat's bottom, making them quick and simple to install. It can also be used rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds), and it converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families with a tight budget.
Comfort
It's important that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, especially if they are there for a long period of time. This means padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel comfortable against their stomach or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.
A car seat with a variety of features can be more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. When evaluating infant car seat 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 could strain your biceps as you carry it in and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.
Another good choice is a seat that has the load-leg, a security feature which assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in more expensive seats but we've seen few budget-friendly choices that have this safety feature.
Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll need to make sure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. It usually occurs around the age of 2 or 3. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be converted into a toddler's car seat. This will allow you more flexibility in your vehicle and is ideal for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.
Our testers loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's a great option for parents who are always in motion, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or to school. It is also easy to put in. Our expert testers appreciated its user-friendlyness and its one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also commented on how small the seat is, which is a must for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical, which is a big advantage for parents concerned about their child's environment and health.
Convenience
The best infant seats have features that make it easy 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 top infant car seats include convenience features that allow parents to get in and out with a minimal amount of effort. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy. This is useful both in the car and on a stroller.
A feature on the base could save you lots of time and headaches. It lets you know if it has been installed correctly. This line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground after you've completed. It's especially useful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat frequently, or if you are planning to travel with your child and you'll need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.
Another useful feature is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to transport your baby's infant from the car to the grocery store or out for errands without having to wrestle with the separate baby carrier. This is an essential feature for parents trying to get back to normal after a lengthy journey or a long commute with a child.
If you are expecting your child to grow rapidly, choose a car seat for infants that have a greater weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat for longer.
All car seats sold in the United States must comply with the safety standards of the federal government However, that doesn't mean that they are all in the same way. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that support a car seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the chance of head injuries in crashes. A few extras can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and you as a parent happier and more confident.