Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to the federal safety standards, some are more than others. From extra padding to padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no needing to rethread the seat, our best car seats for infants of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate.

In deciding which of our top choices, we looked at factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features and prices. Find out what infant car seat is best for you and your family by reading.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats come with additional features that go beyond the minimum standards. 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 has the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.

The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This will lower their child’s risk of injury in a crash. This is especially true for the infant car seat, as it's only designed to last for an extremely short time. Find a seat that is simple to install and has a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help get the seat perfectly level. Make sure that the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

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

When you're choosing an infant car seats uk car seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be in a position to use it for approximately 2 years, until your child is old enough to switch to a convertible car seat. Some families choose to skip the infant seat altogether and opt for convertible cars, which has an increased weight and height limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try out a variety of models before choosing one. You can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits in your vehicle, and has convenient features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Don't forget to verify recalls prior making an purchase. It's the most important aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

You're looking for a car seats for your baby that is simple to attach and remove from the base, whether you intend to use it in a single vehicle or shift it between multiple. Look for clearly labeled installation guides as well as an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Also consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats come with the load leg. It's a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the floor of the vehicle, providing extra stability in case of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older vehicle, because the risk of suffering a head injury is higher if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium can enhance the baby car seat experience. These include a non harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that helps stop the seat from bouncing during a crash. This has been proven by research to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a tight budget looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a number of top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has earned an outstanding rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions, plus an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to provide full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is a seat that can be put in using the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. This is a great option for parents who plan to use Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to go back to the car each time to replace a seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example include a strong LATCH built into the bottom of their seats making them easy and easy to install. It can also be used rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward facing infant car seat-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great choice for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby is comfortable in the car seat, especially if they are there for a long time. This means padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel comfortable against their stomach or back and a growing headrest. Choose an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow, and.

While a seat with many special features may cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. That's why we look at things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight since an overly heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps when you're carrying it into and out of your car or between cars.

A seat with a load leg--a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash is another good choice. It's typically found in more expensive seats but we've seen few budget-friendly options that include this safety feature.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll need to make sure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens around age two or 3. Consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be converted 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 testers were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of the car seat of an infant and a stroller in one piece. It's a great option for parents who are always in motion, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or go to school. It's also simple to set up, and our expert testers were impressed with the ease of use of the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted that the seat is compact, which is important for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals, 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. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the top rated baby Car seats infant car seats come with convenience features that help parents get into and out with minimal amount of effort. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy. This is helpful in the car as well as on a stroller.

One thing that may not seem like a big thing, but could save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that will let you know that it's been properly installed. The line should be parallel to ground and is located on the base. It can be particularly helpful when you'll be changing the car seat often, or if you plan to travel with your child and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easy to transport your sleeping bundle to the supermarket or for running errands. It's not necessary to worry about the hassle of a separate car seat. This could be a huge advantage for new parents looking to get back to their day after an extended commute or a trip with a baby seat.

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

All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety standards, but that does not mean that they're all to be the same. Some come with features that go beyond, like load legs that support the base of the car seat to provide extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other features, like a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, can help create a more comfortable ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed, more confident parent.