Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate with extra padding, a padded inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no Rethreading.
In deciding which of our top rated baby car seats (Peatix.com) picks, we took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, extra features and prices. Find out what infant car seat is best for your family by reading on.
Safety
All infant car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. Some seats offer extra features that are above and beyond the minimum standards. These can include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps and more. The more features a car seat comes with the better, according to experts I spoke with.
The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This will lower their child’s risk of injury during the event of a crash. This is particularly important for an infant seat, since it's designed for a short period of time. Choose a model that's simple to install and has a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat perfectly level. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.
Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers offer are a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. These are wonderful however, don't forget that the safety of your car seat is just as secure as the car you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your infant's car seat, and also learn more about the safety features.
When selecting an infant car seat that swivels car seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be allowed to use it for around two years before your child is old enough to transition to a convertible car seat. This is the reason why some families decide to not use an infant seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has higher weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and try out a variety of models in person prior to committing to one. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for the child, fits in your vehicle and also has useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's crucial to ensuring your child's safety on the road.
Simple to Use
If you're using the seat in a single car seats newborn or transferring it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. It is important to look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth operation. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the quality materials used.
One of the best features that infant seats include is a load leg which acts as a brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of a head injury is higher if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.
Other high-end features can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. These include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that can help stop the seat from bouncing in a crash. The latter has been shown to decrease the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a limited budget and looking for an ARC-certified car seat and has a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat was awarded an excellent rating by child-passenger safety experts. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure complete coverage.
Another thing to look for is a seat that can be put in with just the lap belt and does not require the base. This is a great option for parents who are planning to use Uber or taxi rides, since it doesn't require them to get back in the car every time to put in a new seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom making it quick and simple to install in any car. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and can be converted into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great choice for those on a tight budget.
Comfort
It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're there for a long period of time. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush material that feels cozy against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child gets older.
While a car seat with many special features may be more expensive however, they are also more convenient to use. This is why we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also pay attention to 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.
A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash, is another good choice. This additional safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats but there are some affordable models that include it.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be converted into a toddler's car seat. This option gives you more flexibility when you drive and is perfect for families who frequently 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 all in one piece. It's perfect for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who use public transport to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to install and our testers appreciated the ease of using the one-handed latch 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 chemical which is a huge bonus for parents who are concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats are easy to use. The best infant car seats are equipped with convenience features that make it easier for parents to get in and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be washed by a machine (to facilitate cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is useful both in the car and on a stroller.
A feature on the base can save much time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to ground and should be located on the base. It's especially useful in the event that you'll be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if are planning to travel with your baby and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.
Another feature that is beneficial is the possibility of attaching a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat making it easier to transport your baby's child from the newborn car seat to the supermarket or out on errands, without having to wrestle with an additional carrier. This can be a life-changing option for parents trying for a way to return to normal following a long trip or a commute with a child.
If your baby is expected to grow quickly, select a car seat for infants that has more weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat in use longer.
All car seats sold in the United States must comply with the safety standards of the federal government however that doesn't mean that they're all equal. Certain models have features that go beyond, including load legs that anchor the car seat's base for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Certain accessories can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, making you as a parent are happier and more confident.
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