15 Things You're Not Sure Of About Best Infant Seat
Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.
We looked at factors such as weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and prices when selecting our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Certain seats have additional 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 chair has, they better.
The more user-friendly a car seat is it, the more likely parents are to use it properly, which can reduce their child's risk of injury in an accident. This is especially important with an infant car seat since it's designed for an extremely short time. Look for a model with bubble indicators and a spring-loaded reclining foot for making it easy to adjust the seat. Make sure that the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.
Other features that top-quality car seat manufacturers provide include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are great, a car seat's safety is only as good as the car that you use to drive. You can find tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant car seat and learn more about the safety features.
When choosing an infant seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able to use it for a period of about two years before your child is able to move to an convertible seat. Some families choose to skip the infant car seat completely and opt for convertible cars that has a higher weight and height limit. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models in person before making a decision on one. Then, you can make sure the seat is suitable 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 look for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's essential to ensure the safety of your child on the road.
Easy of Use
If you're using the seat in one car or moving it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to install and detach from the base. Look for clearly labeled installation guides as well as an operation that is seamless. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials used.
Some infant seats include a load leg. It's a brace that provides support between the seat's base and the floor of the vehicle that provides additional stability in case of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you are driving an older vehicle because the risk of suffering a head injury is higher if the child is too close to the floor.
Other premium features can improve the baby car seat experience. These include a non rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar to stop the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven by research to decrease the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with several key features that are premium I highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has been awarded an excellent rating from child-passenger safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, and an extended canopy that is secured with magnets to ensure complete coverage.
Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that can be put in by the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. That's ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require a journey back and forth to the car to install a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example include a strong LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and easy to put in. It also can be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into the highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's a great option for families with a limited budget.
Comfort
If your child is in a car seat for long periods of time, it's important they feel comfortable. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that is soft against their back and stomach and a headrest that expands with them to support their growing body. Find a seat that is easy to adjust as they get bigger, as well.
A seat with many special features can be more expensive but also easier to use. That's why we look at aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also take note of dimensions and weight since the weight or bulk of a seat could put stress on 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, a safety feature which aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats, but we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this additional safety feature.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll need to make sure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs around age two or 3. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be transformed into a toddler seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our testers were impressed with the Doona which combines car seats for an infant and a stroller in one package. It's perfect for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who use public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also simple to set up, and our expert testers were impressed with the ease of use of the one-handed latch system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact it is essential for those with a limited trunk space. Plus, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.
Convenience
The best infant seats have features that make it simple to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is useful both in the car and on a stroller.
A feature on the base can save lots of time and headaches. It shows you when it has been installed correctly. The line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. It's particularly useful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you 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 connected directly to it. This makes it easier to transport your sleeping bundle to the supermarket or to run the errands. You don't have to carry a separate carrier. pushchairsandprams could be an essential feature for parents looking to return to normal after a long journey or a long commute with a child.
If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose a car seat for infants that has an increased weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat for longer.
All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety regulations However, that doesn't mean that they're all in the same way. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that brace a car seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of head injuries during crashes. Some additional features can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and make you as a parent happier and more secure.