You ll Never Guess This Best Infant Seat s Tricks
Best Infant Seat Features
All infant car seats uk seats have to 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 car seats for newborns uk of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.
In deciding which of our top choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, features and prices. Find out the best car seats infant infant seat for you and your family by reading.
Safety
All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. These include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that hold the straps and more. The more features a car seat has, the better, according the experts I spoke to.
The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This will reduce the risk of injury to their child during the event of a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are designed to be used for a limited period of time. Look for a model with an indicator that bubbles and an adjustable foot with a spring for making it easy to level the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click in and out of the car.
Other premium features that some car seat makers offer include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. These are fantastic however, don't forget that a safe car seat only as secure as the car you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual to learn how to ensure the safety of your portable infant car seat's seat as well as to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.
When choosing an infant seat, remember that you'll only be able use it for about 2 years before your child is old enough to move to the convertible seat. That's why some families opt to leave out an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which has higher weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and try a few models in person before choosing one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car and includes useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's the most critical factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.
Easy of Use
If you're planning to use the seat in one car or transferring it between several, you want an infant car seat that is simple to install and detach from the base. It is important to look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials used.
Some infant seats include the load leg. This is a brace that serves as a support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle, providing extra security in the event of a collision. This is a crucial feature for those who drive an older vehicle, as the risk of head injury in a crash is greater when an infant is seated near to the ground, as per research by Consumer Reports.
Other premium features that can improve infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bars, which will prevent the seat from rebounding in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown by research to reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 43%. "If you're on a budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with several key features that are premium I highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat received an excellent rating by experts in child safety. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extendable canopy with magnets that ensure full coverage.
Another thing to look for is an infant seat that can be installed with just the lap belt and does not require the base. That's ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need an extra trip back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its counterpart TRIV travel system feature an extremely rigid LATCH system built right into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to install in any car. It can also be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to the highback booster or backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice if you're on a budget.
Comfort
It's crucial that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, especially when they're there for a long period of time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, consider a seat you can easily adjust as your child gets older.
A seat that has many unique features can be more expensive, but is also easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we look at things like a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, since the weight or size of the seat could strain your biceps while you transport it into and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.
A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash is an alternative. This extra safety feature is usually only available in high-end seats, however there are a few affordable models that include it.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. This typically occurs around age two or 3. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that converts to an adult car seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families who often change vehicles or travel.
Our testers were impressed with the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller all in one piece. It's the ideal choice for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school via public transport. It's also simple to set up, and our expert testers praised the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers reported that the seat is compact, which is important for those who have a small trunk room. Plus, it's free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for those who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.
Convenience
The best infant seats have features that make it easy to use. The best infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important things to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy that can be useful both inside the car and also attached to the stroller.
One thing that may not be a big difference but can save you a lot of headache is a meter on the base that lets you know when it's been installed correctly. This line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground when you're done. It's especially useful if you're going to be switching the car seat often, or if you are planning to travel with your child and you'll need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.
Another useful feature is the possibility of attaching a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it easier to carry your sleeping infant from the car to the store or on errands without having to wrestle with a separate carrier. This can be a game changer for parents with newborns who want to get back to their routine after a long commute or outing with their newborn.
If you anticipate your child to grow rapidly opt for the car seat for infants that have a greater weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use for longer.
All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety standards, but that does not mean that they're all equal. Some come with features that go above and beyond, including load legs that support the base of the car seat to provide additional stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Other features, like the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, can help create a more relaxing ride for your child and help you to be a happier and more secure parent.