This Is How Best Infant Seat Will Look In 10 Years' Time
Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats meet the federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will love, including extra padding, a padded inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no Rethreading.
When deciding on our top picks, we considered factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features and prices. Find out what infant car seat is best for your family by reading.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. Some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in strap-holding sides, and more. The more features a car seat has, the better, according to experts I spoke to.
The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely parents will be to use it correctly and reduce the chance of injuries to their child in a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are designed to be used for a limited duration. Choose a model that has a bubble indicator and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easier to level the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click into and out of the car.
Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features, such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. These are great however, don't forget that a safe car seat just as secure as the car you're driving in. You can find tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your infant's car seat and find out more about the car's safety features.
When you're choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll only be in a position to use it for about 2 years, until your child is ready to transition to an convertible car seat. This is the reason why some families decide to not use an infant seat and move 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 you consider the dimensions of your car and test various models before settling. infant car seat travel can then make sure that the seat is safe for your child, is a good fit inside your car and also has useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Also, make sure to look for recalls prior to making a purchase. It's essential to ensure the safety of your child on the road.
Easy of Use
You want a car seat for your infant that is easy to connect and take off from the base, whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or transfer it between several. It is important to look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth operation. Also consider how it is easy to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats include a load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the floor of the vehicle, providing extra stability in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older car, since the likelihood of suffering a head injury is higher if the child is too close to the floor.
Other premium features that can improve infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bar, which can prevent the seat from rebounding in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven by research to decrease the risk for head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those with a tight budget looking for a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has earned an outstanding rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions, plus an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets to ensure complete coverage.
A seat that is easily installed with a lapbelt and without the necessity of an additional base is a different option. This is a good option for parents who intend to use Uber or taxi rides because it eliminates the need to get back in the car every time to replace a seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example include a strong LATCH built into the seat's bottom, making them quick and easy to install. It also can be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts 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
It is essential that your child is comfortable in the car seat, particularly if they are there for a long period of time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy 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 can be more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. This is why we consider aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight since a heavy or bulky seat can add stress to your biceps when you're carrying it into and out of your car, or in between cars.
Another option is a seat with the load-leg, a security feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats but we've seen few budget-friendly options that include this extra safety measure.
The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll need to make sure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that converts into an adult car seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller into one. It's a great option for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who use public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to set up. Our experts who tested it praised its ease of use, including the one-handed latching system and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is compact, which is important for those who have a small trunk room. Plus, it's free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.
Convenience
The best infant seats have features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the best infant car seats include convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with a minimal amount of effort. Other important things to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy that can be useful in the car and attached to the stroller.
A feature on the base can save much time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been properly installed. The line should be parallel to ground and is located on the base. This is especially helpful when you're going to change the car seat frequently or when your child will be traveling with you and you'll need to set it up in Ubers or taxis.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easier to transport your sleeping bundle to the supermarket, or to run the errands. You don't have to carry a separate carrier. This can be a huge advantage for parents with newborns who want to return to their routine after a long commute or outing with a baby.
If your baby is likely to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat that has a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.
All car seats sold in the United States must comply with the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean that they're all equal. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that support the seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the chance of head injuries in crashes. Other features, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extended canopy, can help create an easier ride for your baby and allow you be a happier and more confident parent.