Best infant car seat best Seat Features

All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some go beyond. From extra padding to a cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no rethreading, our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate.

In deciding which of our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, extra features, and price. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats come with additional features that are beyond the minimum standards. These can include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps, and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely parents will be to use it in a safe manner and decrease the chance of injuries to their child in a crash. This is particularly important for an infant car seat since it's only designed for a short period of time. Look for a model that's easy to install with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat in a perfect position. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Other top features that some car seat makers offer include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are fantastic, a car seat's safety is only as good as the car that you use to drive. Check out the car's owner's manual for tips on how to ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be in a position to use it for approximately 2 years until your child is ready to switch to an convertible car seat. That's why some families opt to skip an infant car seat that swivels car seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which has higher weight and height limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before settling on one. You can then make sure that the seat is safe for your child, is a good fit in your car and comes with useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Don't forget to verify recalls prior making the purchase. It's essential to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

Whether you'll be using the seat in one vehicle or moving it among several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also, consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

A great feature that many rotating infant car seat seats have is a load leg, that acts as a brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of suffering a head injury is greater if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium can enhance the infant car seat experience. These include a non harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that can help stop the seat from bouncing during a crash. The latter has been proven by studies to reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 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 received an outstanding rating by safety experts for children. 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.

A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt and without the necessity of a base is another option. That's ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require an extra return trip to the car to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that's built into the seat's bottom making them easy and simple to install. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. This is a great option when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long period of time. This means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is comfortable against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child grows.

A car seat with a variety of features is often more expensive, but is also easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat, we consider factors such as a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, as a heavy or large seat can put stress on your biceps while you carry it into and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg--a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash is an alternative. It's usually found in expensive seats, but we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this additional safety feature.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll need to make sure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs around the age of 2 or 3. You should also consider convertible infant car seats that converts to an adult seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families who often change vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which is a combination of the car seat of an infant and a stroller into one package. It's perfect for parents who are always on the move, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also simple to install. Our experts who tested it have praised its simplicity of use with the one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also commented on how small the seat is and is an essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are easy to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the top infant car seats include convenience features to help parents get into and out with a minimal amount of effort. Consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial both in the car and on the stroller.

A feature on the base could save you much time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been put in place correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and should be situated on the base. This is particularly useful if you are going to be changing the car seat frequently or if your baby will be traveling with you and you have to connect it to taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easy to transport your sleeping bundle to the grocery store or to run the errands. It's not necessary to carry a separate carrier. This can be an essential feature for parents trying to get back to normal after a long trip or a commute with a baby.

If you anticipate your child to grow rapidly opt for a car seat designed for infants with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that does not mean that all car seats are created to be equal. Some come with features that go above and beyond, like load legs that brace the car seat's base for added stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Other features, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could help create a more relaxing ride for your baby and allow you be a happier and more confident parent.