You ll Never Guess This Best Infant Seat s Benefits
Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However some seats go above and beyond. From extra padding to a padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread our best car seats for infants of the Bump winner offers many features parents will love.
When selecting our top choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, extra features and prices. Find out the best car seat for newborn infant seat for your family by reading on.
Safety
All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats come with additional features that go above the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated strap-holding sides, and much more. The more features a car seat comes with, the better, according the experts I spoke to.
The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This will lower the chance of injuries to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are meant to be used for a short duration. Choose a model that's easy to install with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to ensure that the seat perfectly level. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.
Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread and magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Remember that even though these features are great, a car seat's safety is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. You can find helpful tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant car seats that swivel's car seat and find out more about the vehicle's safety features.
When choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll only be allowed to use it for approximately 2 years, until your child is old enough to switch to convertible car seats. That's why some families opt to not use an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which has greater weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat newborn car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and try a few models before choosing one. Then, you can make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car and has handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's the most crucial aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.
Easy of Use
Whether you'll be using the seat in a single car or transferring it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. It is important to look for clear installation instructions and a simple mechanism. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials used.
Some infant seats come with a load leg. This brace that serves as a support between the seat base and the vehicle's floor that provides additional stability in case of a collision. This is a crucial feature if you drive an older vehicle, since the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is greater when a baby is seated near to the ground, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other features that are premium can enhance the baby car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar to stop the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown by studies to reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 43%. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those on a tight budget and looking for an ARC-certified car seat and has a few premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat received an exemplary rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed with just lapbelts and does not require the need for the base is an alternative. That's 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 example, have a rigid LATCH that is built into the seat's bottom which makes them fast and easy to install. It also can be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward facing infant car seat-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to a highback booster or belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). It's a great option for families with a limited budget.
Comfort
It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, especially if they are there for a long period of time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that feels cozy against their back and tummy and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they get bigger, as well.
A seat that has many unique features can be more expensive, but is also easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants, we consider aspects like a single-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, as an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps as you transport it into and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.
Another option is a car seat with a load-leg, a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. This safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats, however, there are a few affordable models that come with it.
The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens around age two or 3. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be converted into a toddler seat. This option will give you a little more flexibility in your vehicle and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our testers loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's the perfect pick for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school via public transport. It's also simple to set up and our testers were impressed with the ease of use of the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted that the seat is incredibly compact, which is important for those who have a small trunk room. It's also free of harmful chemicals, which is a huge bonus for those who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.
Convenience
The best infant car seats come with features that make it simple to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows the top infant car seats include convenience features that help parents get into and out with minimum of fuss. Other important things to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it features a canopy, which is useful both inside the car and attached to the stroller.
A feature on the base could save you lots of time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been put in place correctly. This line is on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. It's especially useful in the event that you'll be changing the car seat frequently, or if plan to travel with your baby and you'll need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to transport your sleeping bundle to the grocery store or for running errands. You don't have to worry about an additional carrier. This can be a life-changing option for parents trying to get back to normal after a lengthy journey or a long commute with a child.
If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose a car seat for infants that has a higher weight and 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 federal safety standards, but that does not mean they are all created equal. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that support the base of a car seat to increase stability and anti-rebound bar that reduces the chance of head injuries from crashes. Other extras, such as a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, could also provide an easier ride for your baby and allow you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.