You'll Be Unable To Guess Best Infant Seat's Tricks

Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However some seats go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will appreciate such as extra padding, a padded inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no need for rethreading.

We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and price when deciding on our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

All infant car seats cheap car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. However, some seats come with additional features that go above the minimum requirements. These can include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps, and more. The more features a car seat has the better, according the experts I spoke with.

The more user-friendly a car seat is it, the more likely parents are to use it in a safe manner and reduce their child's risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are only intended to be used for a brief duration. Choose a model that has a bubble indicator and an adjustable foot with a spring for making it easy to set the seat. Make sure the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Other top features that some car seat makers offer include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. These are great however, don't forget that a safe car seat only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for advice on how to properly secure your infant's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll probably only be able to use it for about 2 years, until your child is old enough to switch to an convertible car seat. That's why some families opt to leave out the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible seat, which has greater weight and height limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, be sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your car and test different models before settling on one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits well in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. And, don't forget to look for recalls prior to making a purchase. It's the most crucial aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

You want a car seat for your baby that is easy to attach and remove from the base, whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or move it between several. Look for clearly labeled instructions for installation and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials that are used.

One of the best features that infant seats come with is a load leg that acts as a brace between the seat's base and vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older car, since the likelihood of a head injury is higher if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the user experience include a no-rethread harness and an anti-rebound bar that help keep the seat from rebounding in a crash. This has been proven to lower the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a limited budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat that has several key features that are premium I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has received an excellent rating from safety experts for children and comes with 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 can be easily installed with just a lapbelt and without the necessity of a base is another option. That's ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require the 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 seat's bottom which makes it fast and easy to put in any vehicle. It also can be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into an highback booster or a backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded as well as soft fabrics that feel cozy against their tummy or back, and a growing headrest. Look for an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they get bigger, as well.

A car seat with a variety of features can be more expensive but also easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat we look at aspects like a single-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, as a heavy or large seat can strain your biceps as you carry it to and from your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

Another option is a seat with a load-leg, a safety feature which helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. This additional safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats, however there are a few affordable models that include it.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll want to make sure that the seat will still be safe for your child when they reach their highest growth stage, which is usually between the ages of two and three. You should also consider convertible infant car seats that converts into an adult seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change cars or travel infant car seat.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller in one unit. 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 experts who tested it have praised its simplicity of use, including the one-handed latching system and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also remarked how small the seat is and is an essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical which is a huge advantage for parents concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best car seats infant infant car seats are easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the best infant car seats come with convenience features to help parents get into and out with a minimum of hassle. Other important things to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it features a canopy, which can be useful both inside the car and also attached to the stroller.

A feature on the base can save you a great deal of time and headaches. It shows you when it's been properly installed. The line is located on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. This is especially helpful in the event that you will change the car seat frequently or the baby will be traveling with you and you have to install it in Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easier to carry your baby to the store or to run the errands. You don't have to struggle with an additional carrier. This could be a game changer for new parents who want to get back to their normal routine after an extended commute or a trip with their newborn.

If you expect your child to grow rapidly, choose the car seat for babies with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety standards however that doesn't mean that they're all in the same way. Certain models have features that go above and beyond, including load legs that support the base of the car seat to provide extra stability, and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Other features, like a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, can help create an easier ride for your baby and allow you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.