This Is How Best Infant Seat Will Look In 10 Years Time
Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, a few exceed the federal safety standards. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate such as 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, extra features and prices. Find out which infant seat may be suitable for your family.
Safety
Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the 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 more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a chair has, they are more efficient.
The more user-friendly a car seat can be and the more likely parents are to use it correctly, which can reduce the chance of injuries to their child in an accident. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are meant to be used for a short duration. Look for a model that's simple to install and has an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat in a perfect position. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click in and out of the car.
Other features that top-quality car seat manufacturers offer are an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. These are fantastic but remember that a safe car seat is just as secure as the car you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual for advice on how to ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.
When selecting an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll probably only be allowed to use it for about two years before your child is old enough to move to a convertible car seat. This is the reason why some families decide to leave out the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible car seat, which has greater height and weight limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test various models before settling on one. Then, you can make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car and includes convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Don't forget to verify recalls prior making an purchase. It's vital to ensure the safety of your child on the road.
Easy of Use
Whether you'll be using the seat in a single car or moving it between many, you need an infant car seat that is simple to put in and remove from the base. It is important to look for clear installation instructions and a smooth operation. Also, think about how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.
A premium feature that some 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 collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of suffering a head injury is greater if the child is too close to the floor.
Other high-end features can enhance the infant car seat experience. These include a non rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar to stop the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those with a tight budget who want a car seat that is ARC-certified and has a few 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 as well as an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets to ensure complete coverage.
A seat that is easily installed using only lapbelts and does not require the need for a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the return trip to the car to put in a different seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a sturdy LATCH system that's integrated into the bottom of the seat which makes it fast and easy to install in any car. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and can be converted into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great option for those on a tight budget.
Comfort
If your child is in the car seat for a long period of time, it's essential that they feel comfortable. This means padded straps 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. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they get bigger, as well.
While a seat that has a lot of special features might cost more but they're also generally easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat we look at things like a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and a no rethread harness. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, because an extremely heavy or bulky seat can strain your biceps as you carry it in and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.
Another good choice is a seat that has a load-leg, which is a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this additional safety feature.
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 typically occurs at around the age of two or three. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that can be converted into an adult car seat. This option gives you a bit more flexibility in your vehicle and is ideal for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects loved the Doona that incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one unit. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It's also simple to set up, and our expert testers were impressed with the ease of use of the one-handed latch system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact it is essential for those with a limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.
Convenience
The best infant car seats come with features that make them easy to use. The most effective infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important features to look at is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleanup easier) and if it features a canopy that can be useful both inside the car and attached to a stroller.
A feature on the base can save you much time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been put in place correctly. The line is located on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground after you've completed. This is especially useful if you are going to be changing the car seat frequently or if your baby will be traveling with you and you need to connect it to Ubers or taxis.
portable infant car seat is the ability to connect an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping infant from the car to the grocery store or out for errands without having to lug around a separate carrier. This can be a great advantage for parents with newborns who want to get back to their routine after a long commute or outing with a newborn.
If you anticipate your child to grow rapidly pick a car seat for babies with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use longer.
All car seats sold in America must meet the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean that they are all to be the same. Some seats have extra features, like load legs that brace the base of a car seat to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of head injuries from crashes. Other features, such as the no-rethread harness or an extended canopy, can also make for an easier ride for your child and help you be a happier, more confident parent.