Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to the federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will love such as extra padding, a padded inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no rethreading.

When selecting our top picks, we took into consideration factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, extra features and prices. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats come with additional features that are beyond the minimum requirements. These include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that hold the straps and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with, the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke with.

The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This will lower the chance of injuries to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are only intended to be used for a limited time. Choose a model that has bubble indicators and a spring-loaded reclining foot for making it easy to adjust the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click in and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as the no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips that carry the seat. These are fantastic however, don't forget that a safe car seat only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Go through the owner's manual for advice on how to properly secure your infant seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll likely only be able to use it for around 2 years, until your child is ready to transition to an convertible car seat. Some families skip the infant seat entirely and opt for convertible cars, which has a higher weight and height limit. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before making a decision. You can then ensure that the seat is safe for your child, fits in your car and also has useful features like converting to a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's the most important aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

Whether you'll be using the seat in a single car or moving it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is simple to put in and remove from the base. You should look for clear installation instructions and a simple mechanism. Also, think about how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats include a load leg. This is a brace that serves as a support between the seat's base and the floor of the vehicle, providing extra security in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older vehicle, because the risk of sustaining a head injury is higher if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. They include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that helps keep the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown by studies to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a tight budget looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has earned an excellent rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, plus an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

A seat that is easily installed with lapbelts and does not require the requirement for the base is an alternative. This is ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require an extra trip back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for instance, have a rigid LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and simple to install. It can also be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to the highback booster or backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). It's an excellent choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby is comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. This includes padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels comfortable against their stomach or back and a growing headrest. Look for a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow and.

A seat that has many unique features is usually more expensive, but is also easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants, we consider aspects like a single-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and no rethread harness. We also consider the dimensions and weight, as the weight or bulk of a seat could put stress on your biceps as you carry it in and out of your car or between cars.

A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash is another good choice. This additional safety feature is usually available in high-end seats, however there are a few affordable models that include it.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat is safe for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt, which is usually at around the age of two or three. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that can be converted into a toddler seat. This will allow you a little more flexibility when you drive and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona that incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one. It's a great option for parents who are constantly moving around, particularly those who take public transport to commute to work or go to school. It is also easy to install. Our testers who were experts in the field appreciated its user-friendlyness, including the one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted that the seat is compact, which is important for those who have a small trunk space. Plus, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for those who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make it easy to use. The best car seat newborn uk infant car seats come with features that make it easier for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important features to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it has a canopy, which can be useful both inside the car and attached to the stroller.

One thing that may seem like a small difference but can save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that will let you know when it's been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and is situated on the base. It's especially useful if you're going to be switching the car seat frequently, or if plan to travel with your baby and need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.

Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, making it easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the store or out for errands without having to lug around an additional carrier. This is a life-changing option for parents looking to return to normal after a lengthy trip or a commute with a child.

If you expect your child to grow rapidly opt for the car seat for infants with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean all seats are created to be equal. Some come with features that go above and beyond, like load legs that brace the car seat's base for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other features, such as a no-rethread harness and an extended canopy, can also provide an easier ride for your child and help you to be a happier and more secure parent.