You ll Never Guess This Best Infant Seat s Benefits
Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, a few 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 babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no need for rethreading.
When selecting our top picks, we took into consideration factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features and prices. Find out the best car seats for newborns uk infant seat for you and your family by reading on.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats have extra features that go above the minimum requirements. These include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that support the straps and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with the better, according the experts I spoke to.
The more user-friendly a car seat is it, the more likely parents will be to use it correctly and reduce the risk of injury to their child in an accident. This is especially important for infant seats, which are designed to be used for a short time. Choose a model that's easy to install, with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to ensure that the seat level. Also, make sure the base is easy to click in and out of the car.
Certain car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are wonderful but the safety of your car seat is only dependent on the vehicle that you use to drive. Check out the car's owner's manual for tips on how to secure your infant seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.
When selecting an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll only be in a position to use it for around 2 years, until your child is old enough to transition to convertible car seats. Some families opt to not use the infant seat entirely and choose to purchase a convertible car that has a higher weight and height limits. When buying an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try several models before settling. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car, and comes with useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Don't forget to check for recalls before making an purchase. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.
Simple to Use
You want a car seat for your infant that is simple to attach and remove from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or move it between several. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and an operation that is seamless. Also, think about how it is simple to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.
A premium feature that some infant seats come with is a load leg that acts as a brace between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of an accident. It's an especially important feature if you drive an older vehicle, as the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is greater when an infant is sitting close to the ground, according to research by Consumer Reports.
Other premium features can improve the baby car seat experience. They include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar to stop the seat from bouncing during a crash. The latter has been proven to lower the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great option for those with a tight budget looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has received an exemplary rating from child-passenger safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline settings, as well as an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets to provide full coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed with a lapbelt, and without the necessity of a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides because it eliminates the need to get back in the car every time to install a new seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the counterpart TRIV travel system feature a sturdy LATCH system that's integrated into the bottom of the seat which makes it fast and easy to install in any vehicle. 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 also converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great option when you're on a tight budget.
Comfort
If your child is in the car seat for long periods of time, it's important they are comfortable. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that is soft against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Choose an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow, as well.
A seat with many special features is usually more expensive but also easier to use. This is why we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also take note of the dimensions and weight, as a heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps when you're carrying it in and out of your car or moving between cars.
Another option is a car seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature that helps stabilize 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.
Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. It usually occurs around the age of 2 or 3. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat travel car seat that can be converted into an adult seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change cars or travel.
Our testers loved the Doona that incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller in one. It's a great choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school by public transport. It's also easy to put in. Our experts who tested it have praised its simplicity of use and its one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also remarked how compact the seat is and is an essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also 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 car seat infant car seats are simple to use. The best infant car seats come with features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important aspects to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it has a canopy, which can be handy both inside the car as well as attached to a stroller.
A feature on the base could save you much time and headaches. It shows you when it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to the ground and is located on the base. This is particularly useful when you're going to change the car seat frequently, or if your baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to set it up in taxis or Ubers.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it simple to take your baby to the supermarket or for running errands. It's not necessary to struggle with a separate carrier. This could be a life-changing feature for parents trying to return to normal following a long trip or commute with a child.
If you anticipate your baby to grow quickly pick a car seat designed for infants with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.
All car seats sold in the United States must comply with the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean that they're all to be the same. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, such as load legs that brace the base of the car seat to provide added stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Certain extras can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.