Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats meet the federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. From extra padding to padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.
We considered factors like weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and price when choosing our top choices. Find out what infant car seat is best for your family by reading on.
Safety
All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. Certain seats have additional features above and beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in, strap-holding sides, and much more. The more features a car seat is equipped with, the better, according to experts I spoke to.
The more user-friendly a car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This can reduce their child’s risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is especially important with the infant car seat, as it's only designed for a short period of time. Find a seat with an indicator that bubbles and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easier to adjust the seat. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.
Some car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a strap that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. These are fantastic however, don't forget that the safety of your car seat is just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Check out 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 seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able use it for about 2 years before your child is able to transition to a convertible seat. Some families choose to skip the infant seat altogether and opt for convertible cars with an increased weight and height limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and try a few models in person before making a decision on one. You can then make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car and has handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Don't forget to check for recalls before making a purchase. It's vital to ensure the safety of your child on the road.
Easy of Use
You're looking for a car seat for your baby that is simple to attach and remove from the base whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or move it between several. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the quality materials used.
Some infant seats come with a load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the floor of your vehicle that provides additional security in the event of a collision. This is a crucial feature for those who drive an older vehicle, since the risk of head injury during a crash is much higher when a baby is seated near to the floor, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other top features that enhance the user experience include a harness that is not rethread and an anti-rebound bar that can prevent the seat from rebounding during a crash. The latter has been proven to decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those with a tight budget and looking for a car seat that is ARC-certified and has a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat was given an outstanding rating by experts in child safety. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.
Another thing to look out for is a seat that can be installed by the lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. That's ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require the trip back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for instance include a strong LATCH that's built into the seat's bottom making them easy and simple to install. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and can be converted into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. This is an excellent option if you're on a budget.
Comfort
When your baby is stuck in a car seat for a long period of time, it's essential that they are comfortable. This includes padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Look for a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow, and.
A car seat with a variety of features is usually more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. This is why we take into consideration factors like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, because the weight or size of the seat could strain your biceps while you carry it in and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.
A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash is an additional option. It's usually found in expensive seats but we've seen few budget-friendly options that include this safety feature.
Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat will still be safe for your child after they reach their maximum growth rate, which is usually at around the age of two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This option gives you a bit more flexibility in your car and is great for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects loved the Doona that incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one. It's ideal for parents who are constantly in motion, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or to school. It's also simple to set up and our testers were impressed with the ease of use of the latch that is one-handed and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also remarked how the seat is compact, which is a must for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a big benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats are easy to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the best infant car seats include convenience features to help parents get into and out with a minimum of fuss. Check if the seat is able to be machine washed (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on the stroller.
One thing that might not be a big deal but can save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that informs you that it's been properly installed. This line is on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground after you've completed. This is especially helpful in the event that you will change the car seat frequently, or when your child will be traveling with you and you have to connect it to Ubers or taxis.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to carry your baby to the supermarket or for running around. You don't have to carry a separate carrier. This can be a game changer for parents with newborns who want to return to their day after an extended commute or a trip with a newborn.
If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat with more weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use longer.
While best infant seat sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean all seats are made equally. Some seats come with extra features, such as load legs that brace a car seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of head injuries during crashes. Other extras, such as a no-rethread harness and an extended canopy, can also make for a more relaxing ride for your baby and allow you to be a happier, more confident parent.