Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some seats go above and beyond. From extra padding to a padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.
We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and price when choosing our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.
Safety
All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Certain seats have additional features above and beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated, strap-holding sides, and 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 it is that parents will use it correctly. This will lower their child’s risk of injury during an accident. This is especially true for infant seats, which are only intended to be used for a short duration. Look for a model with an indicator that bubbles and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easier to level the seat. Also, ensure that 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 only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your infant's car seat and find out more about the vehicle's safety features.
When you are choosing an infant car seat, be aware that you'll only be able use it for a period of about two years before your child is old enough to transition to a convertible seat. Some families choose to skip the infant car seat completely and opt for convertible cars that has an increased weight and height limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and try a few models in person prior to choosing one. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car and has convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's essential to ensure 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 take off from the base, whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or transfer it between several. Look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth mechanism. 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 the load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the floor of the vehicle, providing extra stability in the event of a collision. It's a vital feature to have if you own an older car, as the risk of sustaining head injuries during a crash is much higher when a baby is seated near to the ground, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other premium features can improve the infant car seat experience. These include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from spinning in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven by research to reduce the risk for head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat that has several key features that are premium I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat received an exemplary rating by experts in child safety. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure complete coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed with just a lapbelt and without the necessity of the base is an alternative. That's ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the journey back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a sturdy LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom, making it quick and easy to install in any car. It can also be used rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families with a limited budget.
Comfort
It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly if they are there for a long period of time. infant car seats uk padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels snug against their stomachs or back and a growing headrest. Find an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they get bigger, as well.
A seat with many special features is usually more expensive but also easier to use. This is why we consider aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also take note of dimensions and weight, since the weight or bulk of a seat could put stress on your biceps while you carry it in and out of your car or moving between cars.
Another good choice is a seat with the load-leg, a security feature that aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's typically found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this additional safety feature.
The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll need to make sure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that converts to a toddler seat. This gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families who often change cars or travel.
Our test subjects loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's a great choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school via public transport. It's also simple to set up. Our testers who were experts in the field appreciated its user-friendlyness and its one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is small which is crucial for those who have a small trunk space. 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 most effective infant car seats are easy to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important things to consider are whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it features a canopy, which is useful both inside the car as well as attached to the stroller.
One feature that might seem like a small thing, but could save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that informs you whether it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to ground and should be located on the base. It's especially useful when you'll be switching the car seat frequently, or if you plan to travel with your child and need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it easy to transport your sleeping bundle to the store or to run errands. You don't need to struggle with a separate carrier. This could be a life-changing feature for parents trying for a way to return to normal after a long journey or a long commute with a child.
If you expect your baby to grow quickly opt for a car seat designed for babies with a higher weight or height limit than the one 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 made equally. Some come with features that go beyond, such as load legs that support the car seat's base for additional stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Certain extras can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, making you as a parent happier and more confident.