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

Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with the federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. From extra padding to a cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no needing to rethread the seat, our best car seats for newborns of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate.

When selecting our top picks, we took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features and price. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. Certain seats have additional features that go beyond the minimum standards. These include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps and more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a seat includes, the better.

The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This can reduce the chance of injuries to their child during an accident. This is especially important with an infant car seat since it's only designed for an extremely short time. Choose a model that's simple to install and has a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat in a perfect position. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Other top features that some car seat makers offer include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. These are great however, don't forget that a safe car seat is just as secure as the car you're driving in. You can find tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your infant's car seat, and also learn more about the vehicle's safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll probably only be in a position to use it for about 2 years until your child is ready to switch to convertible car seats. That's why some families opt to not use an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which has greater height and weight limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test out several models in person before choosing one. You can then ensure that the seat is safe for the child, fits in your vehicle and also has useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's the most crucial factor in ensuring your baby seat's safety on the road.

User-Friendliness

Whether you'll be using the seat in a single car or moving it between many, you need an infant car seat rear facing car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the quality materials used.

Some infant seats include the load leg. This is a brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of the vehicle and provides extra security in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of suffering a head injury is higher if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium can enhance the infant car seat experience. These include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from spinning in the event of a crash. This has been proven to reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a limited budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with some of the most important premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was awarded an outstanding rating by safety experts for children. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is a seat that can be put in using the lap belt, and does not require the base. This is ideal for parents who plan to take Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to get back in the car every time to replace a seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a sturdy LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom 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). It's an excellent choice for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're there for a long time. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, a plush fabric that feels cozy against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to support their growing body. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.

A car seat with a variety of features is usually more expensive but also easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we look at factors such as a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, as the weight or size of the seat can strain your biceps while you move it to and from your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

Another good choice is a seat that has a load-leg, which is a safety feature which assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this safety feature.

The weight and height limits are also important. You'll want to make sure that the seat will still be safe for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt typically around age two or three. You should also consider convertible infant car seats that can be converted into a toddler seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who often change cars or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's the ideal choice for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It's also easy to put in and our experts who tested it were impressed with the ease of use of the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted that the seat is small, which is important for those with a limited trunk room. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are simple 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 have convenience features to help parents get into and out with minimum of hassle. Check if the seat is able to be washed by a machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on a stroller.

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

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat travel car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it easier to transport your sleeping bundle to the grocery store or for running the errands. It's not necessary to struggle with an additional carrier. This could be a life-changing feature for parents trying to get back to normal after a lengthy trip or commute with a child.

If you are expecting your baby to grow quickly pick a car seat for infants with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean that all seats are created equally. Some come with features that go above and beyond, including load legs that anchor the base of the car seat to provide extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injury in crashes. A few additional features can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and make you as a parent are happier and more confident.