You ll Never Guess This Best Infant Seat s Benefits
best car seat infant Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some go above. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without needing to rethread, our best infant carrier car seat of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate.
When deciding on our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, extra features, and price. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.
Safety
All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. Some seats come with extra features above and beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated, strap-holding sides, and more. The more features a car seat comes with, the better, according the experts I spoke to.
The more comfortable a car seat is for users and the more likely parents will be to use it properly and reduce the risk of injury to their child in a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are meant to be used for a limited duration. Choose a model that's easy to install, with 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 in and out of the car.
Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as the no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are fantastic the safety of a car seat is only as good as the car that you use to drive. There are tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant's car seat and find out more about the safety features.
When selecting an infant seat, remember that you will only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is old enough to move to a convertible seat. This is why some families choose to skip an infant car seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, be sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your car and test different models before making a decision. You can then make sure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits inside your car seats newborn, and has convenient features like converting to a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's crucial to ensuring your child's safety on the road.
Easy of Use
You want a car seat for your baby that is simple to attach and remove from the base, whether you intend to use it in a single vehicle or transfer it between multiple. You should look for clear installation instructions and a simple mechanism. Also consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.
A great feature that many infant seats have is a load leg, that acts as an extra brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle floor to offer extra stability in the event of a crash. This is a crucial feature to have if you own an older vehicle, since the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is higher when a child is seated close to the floor, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other premium features that can enhance the user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bars, which can prevent the seat from rebounding in the event of a crash. This has been proven to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a limited budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a number of premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has been awarded an excellent rating from child safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions and an extended canopy that is secured with magnets for full coverage.
A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt, and without the requirement for a base is another option. This is a great option for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides since it doesn't require them to return to the car every time to replace a seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example, have a rigid LATCH that's built into the seat's bottom, making them quick and easy to put in. It can also be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's a great choice for families with a limited 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 means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that feels cozy against their back and stomach and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Look for an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow as well.
While a car seat with many special features may cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we take into consideration factors such as a one-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. We also take note of dimensions and weight since the weight or bulk of a seat could put stress on your biceps while you carry it into and out of your car or between cars.
Another option is a seat that has the load-leg, a security feature that helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in more expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this additional safety feature.
Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that can be converted into an adult seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who often change vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which is a combination of car seats for an infant and a stroller into one package. It's perfect for parents who are constantly moving around, particularly those who use public transport to commute to work or go to school. It is also easy to put in. Our experts who tested it praised its ease of use with the one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also remarked how small the seat is and is an essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical, which is a big benefit for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health.
Convenience
The best infant car seats come with features that make them easy to use. The most comfortable infant car seats are equipped with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important things to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it comes with a canopy that can be useful both inside the car and also attached to a stroller.
A feature on the base can save lots of time and headaches. It lets you know if it has been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to ground and should be located on the base. It can be particularly helpful if you're going to be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you are planning to travel with your baby and need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it easy to take your baby to the store or to run around. You don't have to worry about an additional carrier. This is a life-changing option for parents trying to get back to normal after a lengthy trip or a commute with a baby.
If your baby is expected to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat newborn car seat with more weight and height limit than that 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, it does not mean that all car seats are created to be equal. Certain models have features that go beyond, such as load legs that support the base of the car seats newborn seat to provide extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. A few accessories can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent happier and more confident.