You ll Never Guess This Best Infant Seat s Benefits

Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to federal safety standards, some are more than others. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no rethreading, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.

When selecting our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, features and prices. Find out the best car seat infant seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. Some seats come with extra features that are above and beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a seat includes, the are more efficient.

The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This will reduce their child’s risk of injury in an accident. This is especially important for infant seats, which are only intended to be used for a brief time. Choose a model that has a bubble indicator and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easy to adjust the seat. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as a no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. These are great but remember that a safe car seat still only as secure as the car you're driving in. Go through the owner's manual to learn how to ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When choosing an infant newborn car seat seat, bear in mind that you'll likely only be able to use it for about two years before your child is ready to switch to an convertible car seat. That's why some families opt to leave out an infant seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has higher weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your car seat newborn insert and test different models before settling on one. You can then ensure that the seat is safe for the child, fits inside your car and also has useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's the most important aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

You're looking for a car seats for your baby that is easy to connect and remove from the base, whether you intend to use it in just one vehicle or transfer it between multiple. You should look for clear installation instructions and a smooth operation. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the quality materials used.

Some infant seats include a 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 an accident. It's an especially important feature to have if you own an older vehicle, as the risk of head injury in a crash is higher when a baby is seated close to the ground, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the infant car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and an anti-rebound bar that help keep the seat from rebounding in an accident. The latter has been shown to decrease the risk of head injury by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a limited budget and looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has received an excellent rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to provide full coverage.

A seat that is easily installed using only lapbelts and does not require the requirement for the base is an alternative. This is ideal for parents who plan to take Uber or taxi rides since it doesn't require them to go back to the car seats newborn every time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example, have a rigid LATCH that is built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and easy to install. It can also be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to the highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). This is an excellent option when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in car seats for a long period of time, it's crucial that they are comfortable. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded as well as soft fabrics that feel comfortable against their stomach or back, and a growing headrest. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.

While a car seat with a lot of special features may be more expensive but they're also generally easier to use. This is why we consider things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also take into consideration the weight and size of the seat, since an extremely heavy or bulky seat can put stress on your biceps when you transport it in and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.

Another option is a seat with the load-leg, a security feature which aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. This extra safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats however there are a few affordable models that include it.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. It usually occurs around the age of 2 or 3. You should also consider a convertible infant car seat that converts into a toddler seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's a great option for parents who are always moving around, particularly those who use public transport to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to install and our experts who tested it praised the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers noted that the seat is small, which is important for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the best infant car seats come with convenience features that allow parents to get in and out with a minimum of hassle. Other important aspects to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it features a canopy that can be handy both inside the car and also attached to a stroller.

A feature on the base can save you lots of time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been put in place correctly. This line should be parallel to ground and is situated on the base. It can be particularly helpful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat often, or if you intend to travel with your child and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.

Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to connect an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the store or on errands without having to lug around the separate baby carrier. This could be a life-changing feature for parents looking to return to normal following a long trip or a commute with a child.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, select an infant car seat travel car seat with more weight and height limit than that 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, that doesn't mean all seats are made equal. Some have premium features that go beyond, like load legs that support the base of the car seat for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Other features, such as the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, can help create a more comfortable ride for baby and help you be a happier, more confident parent.