You’ll Be Unable To Guess Best Infant Seat’s Benefits

Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love, including extra padding, a padded inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no rethreading.

We considered factors like weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and price when choosing our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat rear facing newborn car seat insert seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats offer extra features that are above and beyond the minimum requirements. These include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps and more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a chair includes, the better.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users, the more likely parents are to use it properly, which can reduce the chance of injuries to their child in the event of a crash. This is particularly important for an infant seat, since it’s designed for only a brief period of time. Look for a model that’s simple to install and has an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help get the seat in a perfect position. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers provide high-end features like a no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are wonderful the safety of a car seat is only dependent on the vehicle that you use to drive. You can find tips in the owner’s manual about how to secure your infant car seat and find out more about the vehicle’s safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, keep in mind that you’ll only be allowed to use it for approximately 2 years, until your child is ready to move to an convertible car seat. Some families skip the infant seat entirely and choose to purchase a convertible car that has a higher weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an portable infant car seat car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try out a variety of models in person prior to making a decision on one. Then, you can make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car and has useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It’s essential to ensure your child’s safety on the road.

Easy of Use

Whether you’ll be using the seat in a single car or moving it among several, you want an infant car seat that is simple to put in and remove from the base. Look for clearly labeled installation guides as well as an operation that is seamless. Also, think about how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats include a load leg. This brace that provides support between the seat’s base and the floor of your vehicle that provides additional stability in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it’s especially important if you are driving an older vehicle because the chance of suffering a head injury is higher when the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can improve infant car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and an anti-rebound bar that will prevent the seat from rebounding during the event of a crash. This has been proven to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. “If you’re on a limited budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has some of the most important premium features I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax,” says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat received an exemplary rating by safety experts for children. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that is able to be set up using the lap belt, and does not require the base. This is a great option for parents who intend to take Uber or taxi rides since it doesn’t require them to return to the car every time to put in 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 bottom of the seat making it quick and easy to install in any vehicle. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. It’s an excellent choice for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

It’s crucial that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, particularly if they are there for a long period of time. This includes padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel cozy against their tummy or back and a growing headrest. Choose an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they get bigger, as well.

While a seat with a lot of special features may cost more but they’re also generally easier to use. This is why we consider things like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, as a heavy or large seat could strain your biceps while you carry it to and from your vehicle or in between vehicles.

Another good choice is a seat with the load-leg, a security feature which aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. 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 will remain safe for your child after they reach their maximum growth stage usually between the ages of two and three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be converted into a toddler seat. This option gives you more flexibility in your car and is perfect for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona, which incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one. It’s the ideal choice for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It’s also easy to put in and our testers appreciated the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also commented on how compact the seat is and is an essential for those who have a small trunk space. It’s also free of harmful chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby’s health and environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seat for travel seats have features that make them easy to use. The most comfortable infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be cleaned by machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it has a canopy. This is beneficial both in the car and on a stroller.

A feature on the base can save you much time and headaches. It lets you know if it’s been properly installed. This line is located on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground when you’re done. It’s especially useful if you’re going to be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you intend to travel with your child and you’ll need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.

Another benefit is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping bundle of joy from the car to the supermarket or out for errands without having to wrestle with an additional carrier. This is a life-changing feature for parents who are looking to get back to normal after a lengthy journey or a long commute with a child.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, select an infant car seat that has a higher weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat in use longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that does not mean that all car seats are made equal. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that support the seat’s base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injuries during crashes. Other features, like a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, can help create an easier ride for your baby and allow you be a happier and more confident parent.