Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some go above. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no rethreading our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate.

When deciding on our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features and prices. Find out the best infant seat (visit my web site) for your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats have extra features that are beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in strap-holding sides, and so on. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a chair has, they better.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users and the more likely parents are to use it in a safe manner and decrease the chance of injuries to their child in an accident. This is particularly important for the infant car seat, as it's designed for only a brief period of time. Look for a model that's simple to install and has a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat perfectly level. Make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Other premium features that some car seat newborn seat manufacturers offer are the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are fantastic but remember that the safety of your car seat is only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual for tips on how to ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seats cheap car seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able to use it for around 2 years, until your child is old enough to transition to an convertible car seat. Some families skip the infant seat entirely and choose to purchase convertible cars that has a higher weight and height limits. When buying an infant car seat, be sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before settling on one. You can ensure that the seat is safe for your child, fits in your vehicle and also has useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's the most important aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Ease 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 a single vehicle or transfer it between multiple. Look for clearly labeled instructions for installation and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials used.

One of the best features that infant seats include is a load leg that acts as a brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle floor to offer extra stability in the event of a crash. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you are driving an older vehicle because the risk of a head injury is higher when the child is too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bars, which can prevent the seat from bouncing back 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 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat that has some of the most important premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has received an outstanding rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions, plus an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets for full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with a lapbelt and without the requirement for the base is an alternative. This is ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need an extra trip back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its corresponding TRIV travel system have a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the bottom of the seat, making it quick and simple to install in any car. It also can be used 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 when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby is comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that feels cozy against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Choose an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow and.

A seat with many special features is often more expensive but also easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants, we consider factors such as a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and a no rethread harness. We also consider dimensions and weight since the weight or bulk of a seat can add stress to your biceps while you carry it in and out of your car, or in between cars.

Another good infant car seats choice is a car seat with the load-leg, a security feature that aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. This safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats however there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll need to make sure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs at around the age of two or three. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that converts to an adult seat. This option will give you more flexibility when you drive and is great for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of the car seat of an infant and a stroller in one unit. It's ideal for parents who are constantly in motion, especially those who use public transport to commute to work or to school. It is also easy to set up. Our expert testers have praised its simplicity of use, including the one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also commented on how compact the seat is it is essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of harmful chemicals, which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are easy to use. From buckles that are easy 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 minimal amount of effort. Other important aspects to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it has a canopy, which can be handy both inside the car and attached to a stroller.

A feature on the base can save much time and headaches. It shows you when it's been put in place correctly. The line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground when you're done. It can be particularly helpful if you're going to be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if intend to travel with your child and need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it simple to transport your sleeping bundle to the grocery store, or to run errands. You don't need to worry about an additional carrier. This can be a great advantage for new parents who want to return to their normal routine after an extended commute or a trip with a newborn.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, select a car seat for infants that has an increased weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use for longer.

All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety regulations However, that doesn't mean that they are all in the same way. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that brace the base of a car seat to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the chance of head injuries during crashes. Other features, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extended canopy, can also provide a more comfortable ride for your baby and allow you become a more relaxed, more confident parent.