You'll Never Be Able To Figure Out This Best Infant Seat's Tricks

Best Infant Seat Features

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

We considered factors like weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and prices when deciding on our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in, strap-holding sides, and so on. The more features a car seat comes with, the better, according the experts I spoke to.

The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This will reduce the risk of injury to their child during the event of a crash. This is especially important with an infant car seat since it's designed for an extremely short time. Find a seat with bubble indicators and a spring-loaded reclining foot for making it easy to set the seat. Also, make sure the base is easy to click in and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a strap that doesn't need to be rethread and magnetic 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 dependent on the vehicle that you use to drive. Go through the owner's manual for tips on how to properly secure your infant seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll likely only be allowed to use it for around 2 years until your child is ready to move to convertible car seats. That's why some families opt to leave out the infant car seat and go directly to a convertible seat, which has higher height and weight limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, be sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before making a decision. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car and has handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.

Easy of Use

You're looking for a car seats for your baby that is simple to attach and remove from the base regardless of whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or move it between multiple. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and an operation that is seamless. Also, consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby car seat grows and the quality of the materials used.

One of the best features that infant seats come with is a load leg which serves as a brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle's floor to provide extra stability in the event of a crash. It's an especially important feature to have if you own an older vehicle, since the risk of injury to the head during a crash is much higher when an infant is sitting close to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other high-end features can enhance the infant car seat experience. They include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that can help stop the seat from bouncing in a crash. The latter has been shown by research to reduce the chance of head injuries by as much as 43%. "If you're on a tight budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seats with some of the most important premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an excellent rating by safety experts for children. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with just lapbelts and does not require the need for an additional base is a different option. This is ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need a trip back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example, have a rigid LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats, making them quick and easy to install. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds) and forward facing infant car seat-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great option for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby is comfortable in the car seat, particularly if they are there for a long time. This includes padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel cozy against their tummy or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Find an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow, and.

While a car seat with a lot of special features might cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we look at things like a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, as an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps while you move it to and from your vehicle or between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg--a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash--is an alternative. This extra safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats however there are a few affordable models that include it.

The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll want to make sure that the seat will remain suitable for your child once they reach their highest growth stage typically between the ages of two and three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler's seat. This will allow you a little more flexibility in your vehicle and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller into one piece. It's perfect for parents who are constantly in motion, especially 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 latch with one hand and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also remarked how the seat is compact and is an essential for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a big benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make them easy to use. The best car seat infant car seats are equipped with convenience features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important things to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it has a canopy, which is useful both inside the car as well as attached to a stroller.

A feature on the base can save much time and headaches. It shows you when it's been properly installed. The line is located on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground after you've completed. It can be particularly helpful if you're going to be switching the car seat frequently, or if you 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 affixed directly to it. This makes it easy to carry your baby to the supermarket, or to run errands. It's not necessary to worry about the hassle of a separate car seat. This could be a game changer for parents with newborns who want to return to their day after an exhausting commute or outing with a baby.

If you anticipate your baby to grow quickly pick the car seat inserts for newborns 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.

All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety standards, but that does not mean that they're all to be the same. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that support the base of a car seat to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease 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 confident.