You'll Be Unable To Guess Best Infant Seat's Tricks

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 includes a variety of features that parents will appreciate such as additional padding, a padded inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no need for rethreading.

We considered factors like weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features, and price when choosing our top picks. Find out the best infant seat (one-time offer) for your family by reading on.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats have extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps and more. The more features a car seat comes with, 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 properly. This will reduce their child’s risk of injury in an accident. This is particularly important for portable infant car seat seats, which are designed to be used for a brief time. Find a seat with bubble indicators and a spring-loaded reclining foot for making it easy to level the seat. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked into 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 great, but don't forget that a safe car seat is still only as secure as the car you're driving in. There are tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your infant's car seat and learn more about the vehicle's safety features.

When choosing an infant seat, keep in mind that you will only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is able to move to a convertible seat. That's why some families opt to not use the portable infant car seat newborn car seat insert seat and go straight to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight 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 before choosing one. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car and also has useful features like converting to a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's essential to ensure your child's safety on the road.

User-Friendliness

If you're using the seat in one vehicle or moving it among many, you need an infant car seat that is simple to put in and remove from the base. Look for clearly labeled installation guides as well as an operation that is seamless. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the quality materials used.

Some infant seats have the load leg. This brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of the vehicle that provides additional stability in the event of an accident. It's a vital feature to have if you own an older vehicle, as the risk of injury to the head in a crash is higher when an infant is sitting close to the ground, as per research by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features that can improve infant car seat user experience include a harness that is not rethread and anti-rebound bar, which will prevent the seat from rebounding in the event of a crash. This has been proven to decrease the risk of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those with a tight budget who want an ARC-certified car seat newborn seat and comes with a few top rated infant car seats features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has received an exemplary 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 out for is a seat that can be installed using the lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is a great option for parents who intend to use Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to return to the car every time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that is built into the bottom of their seats, making them quick and simple to install. It also can be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into a highback booster or backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, especially when they're in the seat for a long period of time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that feels cozy against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child gets older.

A seat that has many unique features is usually more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. This is why we take into consideration factors like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, because an extremely heavy or bulky seat can put stress on your biceps while you carry it in and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.

Another good choice is a seat with the load-leg, a security feature which assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this extra safety measure.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their peak growth rate typically around age two or three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be transformed into a toddler seat. This will allow you a bit more flexibility in your vehicle and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona that combines car seats for an infant and a stroller in one unit. It's the perfect pick for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It is also easy to install. Our expert testers praised its ease of use and its one-handed latching system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also remarked how the seat is compact, which is a must for those with a limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of harmful chemicals, which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make it simple to use. The most effective infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easier for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important features to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it comes with a canopy that can be handy both inside the car as well as attached to the stroller.

One thing that might not seem like a big difference but can save you a lot of trouble is an indicator on the base that will let you know that it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to ground and is located on the base. This is especially helpful when you're going to be changing the car seat frequently, or the baby will be traveling with you and you need to set it up in Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easy to take your baby to the grocery store or for running errands. It's not necessary to worry about the hassle of a separate car seat. This is an essential feature for parents trying to get back to normal following a long trip or commute with a child.

If you anticipate your baby to grow quickly pick a car seat for babies with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean that all seats are made equal. Some seats come with extra features, such as load legs that support the base of a car seat to increase stability and anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other extras, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extended canopy, can also make for a more relaxing ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed and more confident parent.