The Most Common Best Infant Seat Mistake Every Beginning Best Infant Seat User Makes

Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, a few are more than others. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate.

In deciding which of our top choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, features and price. Find out which infant seat may be suitable for your family.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. Some seats offer extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. These can include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that can hold straps and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with the better, according to experts I spoke with.

The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This can reduce their child’s risk of injury in an accident. This is especially important for infant seats, which are designed to be used for a limited time. Look for a model that's easy to install with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help get the seat level. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as a no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are fantastic the safety of a car seat is only as good as the car in which you drive. Take a look at the car's owner's manual to learn how to properly secure your infant car seat in front seat's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When you are choosing an infant seat, remember that you will only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is old enough to transition to a convertible seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat entirely and opt for convertible cars, which has greater weight and height limit. When buying an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test several models before making a decision. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car and has convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's the most crucial aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

You're looking for a car seat for your baby that is simple to attach and remove from the base regardless of whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or move it between multiple. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Also consider how it is simple to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats come with a load leg. It's a brace that serves as a support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle, providing extra security in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older vehicle, because the chance of suffering a head injury is greater if the child is too close to the floor.

Other premium features can improve the baby car seat (https://intern.ee.aeust.edu.tw/home.php?mod=space&uid=305014) experience. These include a non harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar to stop the seat from bouncing in a crash. This has been proven by research to decrease the chance of head injuries by up to 43%. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a tight budget and looking for a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has earned an excellent rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions plus an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look for is the type of seat that can be put in using the lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. 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 install a new seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's built right into the bottom of the seat making it quick and easy to put in any vehicle. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds), forward facing infant car seat-forward facing infant car seat (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and can be converted into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. This is a great choice if you're on a budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're in the seat for a long period of time. This includes padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy or back, and a growing headrest. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.

A car seat with a variety of features is often more expensive, but is also easier to use. This is why we take into consideration things like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, since a heavy or large seat can put stress on your biceps while you move it in and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash--is an alternative. This additional safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats but there are some affordable models that come with it.

The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be transformed into a toddler seat. This option gives you a bit more flexibility when you drive and is great for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which is a combination of a car seat for an infant and a stroller in one unit. It's perfect for parents who are always on the move, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to put in and our experts who tested it were impressed with the ease of use of the one-handed latch system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers noted that the seat is incredibly compact, which is important for those who have a small trunk room. 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 best infant car seats come with features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the best infant car seats come with convenience features to help parents get in and out with a minimal amount of effort. Other important features to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it features a canopy, which can be useful both inside the car and attached to a stroller.

One thing that might not be a big thing, but could save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that lets you know whether it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to the ground and is situated on the base. It can be particularly helpful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat often, or if you plan to travel infant car seat 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 easier to transport your baby's child from the car to the grocery store or out on errands, without having to wrestle with the separate baby carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents looking to return to their day after an extended commute or a trip with a newborn car seat.

If you expect your child to grow rapidly, choose the car seat for infants with a higher weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use longer.

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