Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some seats go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love with extra padding, a padded inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no need for rethreading.
When deciding on our top choices, we looked at factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features, and price. Read on to see which infant seat may be the best fit for your family.
Safety
All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. Some seats offer extra 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. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a chair has, they are more efficient.
The more comfortable a car seat is for users it, the more likely parents will be to use it properly and decrease their child's risk of injury in a crash. This is especially true for an infant car seat since it's only designed for only a brief period of time. Look for a model with an indicator that bubbles and an adjustable foot with a spring for making it easy to set the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click into and out of the car.
Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features, such as a no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. read this post here are wonderful, but don't forget that a safe car seat is still only as secure as the car you're driving in. Go through the owner's manual to learn how to properly secure your infant's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle 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 able to transition to an convertible seat. Some families skip the infant seat altogether and opt for convertible cars, which has an increased weight and height limit. When purchasing an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test various models before making a decision. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car and has useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's the most critical aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.
Easy to Use
Whether you'll be using the seat in one vehicle or moving it among many, you need an infant car seat that is easy to install and detach from the base. It is important to look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth operation. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials that are used.
A great feature that many infant seats have is a load leg that acts as a brace between the seat's base and the vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of collision. This is a crucial feature to have if you own an older vehicle, as the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is higher when an infant is seated close to the floor, according to research 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 bouncing back in a crash. This has been proven by research to reduce the risk for head injuries by up to 43%. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those on a limited budget looking for an ARC-certified car seat and has a few premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has received an excellent rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions as well as an extendable canopy that secures with magnets for full coverage.
Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that is able to be set up by a lap belt and does not require the base. This is ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require an extra journey back and forth to the car to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for instance, have a rigid LATCH that is built into the seat's bottom making them easy and simple to install. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and can be converted into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families with a limited budget.
Comfort
It is essential that your child is comfortable in the car seat, particularly if they are there for a long period of time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded as well as soft fabrics that feel snug against their stomachs or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Find an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they get bigger, as well.
While a seat with a lot of special features may cost more, they're also often easier to use. This is why we take into consideration things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also pay attention to the dimensions and weight, as the weight or bulk of a seat could strain your biceps as you carry it in and out of your car, or in between cars.
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 typically found in more expensive seats however we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this extra safety measure.
Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs around the age of 2 or 3. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change cars or travel.
Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which is a combination of the car seat of an infant and a stroller in one package. It's the ideal choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school by public transport. It's also simple to install. Our testers who were experts in the field appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching system and the shoulder straps that are padded. 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 huge bonus for parents who are concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.
Convenience
The best infant car seats are simple to use. The best infant car seats are equipped with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be machine washed (to simplify cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on the stroller.
A feature on the base can save you lots of time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been properly installed. The line should be parallel to ground and is located on the base. This is especially useful if you are going to change the car seat often or when your child will be traveling with you and you'll need to connect it to taxis or Ubers.
Another useful feature is the ability to attach an appropriate 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 on errands without having to wrestle with an additional carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents who want to return to their day after a long commute or outing with a newborn.
If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose a car seat for infants that has an increased weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean all seats are made equal. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that brace a car seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injuries from crashes. Some additional features can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.