You ll Never Guess This Best Infant Seat s Tricks
Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must 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 rethreading our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will love.
In deciding which of our top picks, we considered factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features, and price. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.
Safety
All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with additional features that go above the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in, strap-holding sides, and so on. The more features a car seat is equipped with, the better, according the experts I spoke with.
The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This will reduce their child’s risk of injury during an accident. This is particularly important for the infant car seat, as it's designed for only a brief period of time. Choose a model that has an indicator that bubbles and an adjustable foot with a spring to make it easy to level the seat. Also, make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the car.
Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as the no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are fantastic, but don't forget that a safe car seat is still only as secure as the car seats by age you're driving in. Take a look at the car's owner's manual to learn how to secure your infant seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.
When selecting an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll only be able to use it for around two years before your child is old enough to move to a convertible car seat. That's why some families opt to leave out an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher weight and height limits. When buying an infant car seat, be sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test different models before settling on one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits well in your car, and comes with handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. And, don't forget to look for recalls prior to making an purchase. It's vital to ensure the safety of your child on the road.
Easy to Use
Whether you'll be using the seat in one vehicle or moving it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to install and detach from the base. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as an operation that is seamless. Also consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats come with a load leg. This brace that acts as a support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle that provides additional stability in the event of a collision. It's an especially important feature if you drive an older vehicle, since the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is greater when a child is sitting close to the ground, according to research by Consumer Reports.
Other features that are premium and can enhance the infant car seats cheap car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bar, which will prevent the seat from rebounding during the event of a crash. This has been proven by studies to reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a limited budget who want a car seat newborn seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a number of top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat was awarded an outstanding rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets that ensure full coverage.
Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that is able to be set up by the lap belt, and does not require the base. This is ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need a trip back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its equivalent TRIV travel system come with an extremely rigid LATCH system integrated into the seat's bottom, making it quick and easy to put in any car. It can also be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to a highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's a great option for families with a tight budget.
Comfort
When your baby is in a car seat for extended periods of time, it's crucial that they feel safe. This means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is comfortable against their back and tummy and a headrest that expands with them to support their growing body. Also, look for a seat you can easily adjust as your child grows.
A car seat with a variety of features is often more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. That's why we look at factors like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight since a heavy or bulky seat can add stress to your biceps as you carry it in and out of your car, or in between cars.
Another good choice is a car seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature which assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. This additional safety feature is usually found in expensive seats however there are a few affordable models that come with it.
Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat is safe for your child when they reach their highest growth stage usually between the ages of two and three. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat for travel car seat that converts to an adult car seat. This option will give you a little more flexibility when you drive and is great for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.
Our testers were impressed with the Doona which combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller in one package. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It is also easy to put in. Our testers who were experts in the field appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted that the seat is small which is crucial for those who have a small 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 best car seat for newborn uk infant car seats come with features that make it easy to use. The most effective infant car seats are equipped with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to facilitate cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is beneficial both in the car and on a stroller.
A feature on the base could save you a great deal of time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been properly installed. The line should be parallel to ground and is situated on the base. It's particularly useful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if intend to travel with your child and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easier to transport your sleeping bundle to the store, or to run around. It's not necessary to worry about the hassle of a separate car seat. This is a life-changing feature for parents trying to return to normal following a long journey or a long commute with a child.
If you anticipate your baby to grow quickly opt for a car seat for infants that have a greater weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can 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 that all seats are made to be equal. Some seats come with extra features, such as load legs that support a car seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of head injuries during crashes. Other features, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extended canopy, can help create a more comfortable ride for baby and help you to be a happier, more confident parent.