The People Closest To Best Infant Seat Share Some Big Secrets
Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats meet the federal safety standards, some are more than others. From extra padding to padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without rethreading our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.
car seats by age considered factors like weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and prices when selecting our top choices. Check out the following article to determine which infant seat is right for your family.
Safety
All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in, strap-holding sides, and much more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a seat has, they better.
The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This can reduce the risk of injury to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially important with an infant car seat since it's only designed for a short period of time. Choose a model that's easy to install with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat perfectly level. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click into and out of the car.
Other top features that some car seat manufacturers offer are the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to 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. You can find helpful tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your child's car seat and learn more about the vehicle's safety features.
When selecting an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be in a position to use it for about 2 years, until your child is old enough to move to convertible car seats. This is the reason why some families decide to skip the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible car seat, which is more spacious and has higher weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test different models before settling on one. You can then make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car and has useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's crucial to ensuring your child's safety on the road.
Easy of Use
You're looking for a car seats for your baby that is simple to attach and take off from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or move it between multiple. You should look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth mechanism. Also, consider how easy it is to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used.
One of the best features that infant seats come with is a load leg, which serves as a brace between the seat's base and the car's floor, providing extra stability in the event of a crash. It's a vital feature to have if you own an older vehicle, since the risk of head injury in a crash is higher when an infant is seated near to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.
Other premium features that can improve infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bar, which help keep the seat from rebounding during an accident. The latter has been proven by research to reduce the chance of head injuries by as much as 43%. "If you're on a tight budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with a few key premium features I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an exemplary rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure complete coverage.
Another thing to look for is a seat that can be put in using the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the journey back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to put in any vehicle. It can also be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). This is a great option if you're on a budget.
Comfort
If your child is in car seats for a long period of time, it's crucial that they feel comfortable. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush material that is comfortable against their tummy and back and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, look for a seat you can easily adjust as your child gets older.
While a car seat with lots of features may be more expensive, they're also often easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat we take into consideration factors such as a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and no rethread harness. We also take note of dimensions and weight since the weight or bulk of a seat could put stress on your biceps when you're carrying it into and out of your car or moving between cars.
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, but there are some budget-friendly models that have it.
Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. It usually occurs at around the age of two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler's seat. This gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects loved the Doona, which incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller in one. It's a great choice for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school on public transport. It's also simple 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 noted that the seat is incredibly compact, which is important for those with limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge bonus for those who are concerned about their child'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 easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to facilitate cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on a stroller.
A feature on the base can save lots of time and headaches. It will let you know when it has been installed correctly. The line should be parallel to the ground and should be located on the base. It's especially useful when you'll be switching the car seat often, or if you are planning to travel with your child and need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.
Another benefit is the possibility of attaching 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 on errands without the need to carry an additional carrier. This could be a life-changing feature for parents trying to get back to normal after a long trip or commute with a child.
If you expect your baby to grow quickly pick a car seat designed for babies with a higher weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use longer.
All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety standards however that doesn't mean they are all created equal. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that brace the seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injuries during crashes. Other features, like a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, can also make for a more relaxing ride for baby and help you become a more relaxed, more confident parent.