The People Nearest To Best Infant Seat Have Big Secrets To Share

Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without rethreading, our best car seat for newborn of the Bump winner offers many features parents will love.

We considered factors like weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and prices when choosing our top picks. Check out the following article to determine which infant seat may be suitable for your family.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats offer extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a chair comes with, the are more efficient.

The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This will reduce the chance of injuries to their child during a crash. This is particularly important for an infant car seat since it's only designed to last for only a brief period of time. Choose a model that's easy to install with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help get the seat perfectly level. Also, make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Other features that top-quality car seat manufacturers offer are an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are wonderful but remember that a safe car seat is just 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 you're choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be able to use it for about two years before your child is ready to move to a convertible car seat. Some families choose to skip the infant seat entirely and opt for convertible cars that has an increased weight and height limits. When buying an infant car seat, be sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before settling. You can ensure that the seat is safe for your child, fits inside your car and also has useful features like converting to a stroller. Don't forget to verify recalls prior making an purchase. It's essential to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is easy to connect and remove from the base, whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or move it between multiple. It is important to look for clear installation instructions and a simple mechanism. Also, think about how it is easy to alter the car seat as your baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats have is a load leg, that acts as an extra brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of a crash. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older vehicle, pushchairsandprams because the chance of a head injury is higher if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other premium features can improve the baby car seat experience. They include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that helps stop the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven by research to decrease the risk for head injuries by as much as 43%. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those on a tight budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a number of top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has received an excellent 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.

Another thing to look out for is the type of seat that can be put in by the lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. That's ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require a journey back and forth to the car to install a new seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its corresponding TRIV travel system have a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom which makes it fast and easy to install in any car. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and can be converted into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. This is an excellent option when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. This means padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy or back and a growing headrest. Also, look for a seat that is easy to alter as your child grows.

A seat that has many unique features is often more expensive, but is also easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat we look at factors such as a one-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also pay attention to the dimensions and weight, as an overly heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps as you carry it in and out of your car or between cars.

Another option is a seat with a load-leg, a safety feature which assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. This extra safety feature is usually available in high-end seats, however, there are a few affordable models that include it.

The weight and height limits are also important. You'll need to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child once they reach their highest growth stage, which is usually around age two or three. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that can be converted into an adult car seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's the ideal choice for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school on public transportation. It's also easy to put in. Our experts who tested it praised its ease of use, including the one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also noted how compact the seat is, which is a must for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a big benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make it simple to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the top infant car seats come with convenience features to help parents get in and out with a minimum of hassle. Other important aspects to consider are whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleanup easier) and if it comes with a canopy, which can be useful in the car as well as attached to a stroller.

A feature on the base can save you lots of time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to ground and should be situated on the base. It can be particularly helpful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat frequently, or if you plan to travel with your baby and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to transport your sleeping bundle to the grocery store, or to run around. You don't need to carry a separate carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents looking to return to their routine after a long commute or outing with a newborn.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat that has more weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use 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 they are all created to be the same. Some come with features that go above and beyond, like load legs that support the base of the car seat for added stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other features, like a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could help create a more comfortable ride for baby and help you be a happier and more confident parent.