Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats comply with the federal safety standards, some are more than others. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate such as extra padding, a cushioned inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no Rethreading.
We looked at factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and prices when deciding on our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.
Safety
All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. Some seats offer extra features above and beyond the minimum standards. These include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that can hold straps and more. The more features a car seat comes with the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke with.
The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This will lower the risk of injury to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially important with an infant seat, since it's designed for only a brief period of time. Look for a model that's simple to install and has a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help keep the seat perfectly level. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.
Other features that top-quality car seat manufacturers provide include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are fantastic but the safety of your car seat is only as good as the car in which you drive. Check out the car's owner's manual for advice on how to secure your infant's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.
When selecting an infant
car seat newborn seat, bear in mind that you'll probably only be in a position to use it for around two years before your child is old enough to switch to convertible car seats. Some families opt to not use the
infant car seats best seat altogether and opt for convertible cars, which has an increased weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, be sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your vehicle and try several models before settling. You can then make sure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits inside your car and also has useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's the most critical factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.
Easy to Use
If you're planning to use the seat in one vehicle or moving it among several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. Look for clearly labeled instructions for installation and an operation that is seamless. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials that are used.
One of the best features that infant seats come with is a load leg, that acts as an extra brace between the seat's base and vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of collision. This is a crucial feature for those who drive an older vehicle, since the risk of injury to the head during a crash is much higher when a child is seated close to the floor, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other premium features that can enhance the user experience include a harness with no-rethread and an anti-rebound bar that will prevent the seat from rebounding during the event of a crash. The latter has been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those on a limited budget and looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and has a few premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat received an excellent rating by safety experts for children. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extended canopy that has magnets that ensure full coverage.
Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that can be installed with just the lap belt and does not require the base. This is a great option for parents who plan to take Uber or taxi rides, since it doesn't require them to go back to the car every time to replace a seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its corresponding TRIV travel system have a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the bottom of the seat making it quick and easy to put in any vehicle. It also can be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into a highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice when you're on a tight budget.
Comfort
When your baby is stuck in car seats for long periods of time, it's important they feel comfortable. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that is comfortable against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Also, consider a seat that is easy to adjust as your child grows.
A seat that has many unique features can be more expensive but also easier to use. That's why we look at aspects like a single-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate
infant car seats. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, since a heavy or large seat can strain your biceps while you carry it into and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.
Another good choice is a seat that has a load-leg, which is a safety feature which assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats however we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this safety feature.
Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens around the age of 2 or 3. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that converts to a toddler seat. This will allow you a bit more flexibility when you drive and is great for families that frequently change vehicles or
travel infant car seat.
Our test subjects loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's the ideal choice for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school on public transportation. It's also simple to set up and our testers praised the ease of using the latch with one hand and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted how small the seat is, which is a must for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.
Convenience
The best infant seats have features that make it 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 have convenience features that help parents get into and out with a minimum of fuss. Other important aspects to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it features a canopy that can be useful both inside the car as well as attached to a stroller.
A feature on the base can save you much time and headaches. It shows you when it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to the ground and is situated on the base. It's particularly useful if you're going to be changing the car seat often, or if you intend to travel with your child and need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.
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 store, or to run around. It's not necessary to carry a separate carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents looking to get back to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with a baby.
If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat that has an increased weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.
All car seats sold in the United States must comply with federal safety regulations, but that does not mean that they're all to be the same. Certain models have features that go beyond, including load legs that anchor the base of the car seat for added stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Some accessories can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent happier and more confident.