best car seat for newborn uk Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to the federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate with extra padding, a cushioned inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no need for rethreading.

We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and prices when deciding on our top picks. Read on to see which infant car seat best car seat is suitable for your family.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats come with additional features that are beyond the minimum requirements. They could include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps and more. The more features a car seat has, the better, according the experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This can reduce their child’s risk of injury during a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are intended to be used for a short duration. Find a seat with a bubble indicator 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.

Some car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for the seat. These are fantastic however, don't forget that a safe car seat is just as secure as the car you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual for advice on how to properly secure your infant's seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seats newborn seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be allowed to use it for around 2 years until your child is ready to switch to a convertible car seat. This is the reason why some families decide to not use an infant seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has higher height and weight limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, be sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test several models before making a decision. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your newborn car seat and includes useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making an purchase. It's essential to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is simple to attach and remove from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or transfer it between multiple. Look for clearly labeled installation guides as well as a mechanism that works seamlessly. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials that are used.

Some infant seats have a load leg. It's a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the floor of your vehicle that provides additional security in the event of a collision. It's an especially important feature to have if you own an older car, as the risk of injury to the head in a crash is higher when a child is seated near to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features that can enhance the user experience include a harness that is not rethread and anti-rebound bar, which help keep the seat from rebounding during the event of a crash. This has been proven by research to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a limited budget looking for an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat was given an exemplary rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure full coverage.

Another thing to look for is the type of seat that can be put in by a lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. That's ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require a return trip to the car to install a new seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the bottom of the seat, making it quick and easy to install in any vehicle. It can also be used with a rear facing infant car seat-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to an highback booster or a backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is a great option if you're on a budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that is comfortable against their back and tummy and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, look for a seat you can easily adjust as your child grows.

While a car seat with many special features may be more expensive, they're also often easier to use. This is why we consider aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight, since an overly heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps while you carry it into and out of your car, or in between cars.

A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash--is an additional option. It's usually found in expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this extra safety measure.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs around the age of 2 or 3. It's also worth considering convertible infant car seats that converts into an adult seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school by public transport. It's also simple to put in. Our testers who were experts in the field praised its ease of use, including the one-handed latching mechanism and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers reported that the seat is incredibly compact and lightweight, which is essential for those with limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge advantage for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

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

A feature on the base can save a great deal of time and headaches. It will let you know when it has been installed correctly. This line is on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground after you've completed. It can be particularly helpful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat frequently, or if you intend to travel with your child and need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.

Another benefit is the possibility of attaching an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping infant from the car to the store or on errands without the need to carry a separate carrier. This can be a life-changing option for parents trying for a way to return to normal after a lengthy trip or commute with a child.

If you are expecting your child to grow rapidly opt for a car seat for babies with a higher weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that does not mean that all car seats are made equal. Some come with features that go above and beyond, including load legs that support the car seat's base for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injury in crashes. Other features, like a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, can also make for an easier ride for your child and help you be a happier and more confident parent.