You'll Never Guess 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 such as extra padding, a cushioned inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no Rethreading.

When selecting our top picks, we took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features and prices. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. Some seats offer extra features that are above and beyond the minimum requirements. They could include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps, and more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a seat includes, the better.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be it, the more likely parents are to use it correctly and reduce the risk of injury to their child in a crash. This is especially important for infant car seat swivel seats, which are only meant to be used for a limited period of time. Find a seat with a bubble indicator and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easier to adjust the seat. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers provide high-end features like a strap that doesn't need to be rethread and magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. These are great but remember that the safety of your car seat is just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant's car seat, and also learn more about the car's safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll only be allowed to use it for approximately two years before your child is old enough to move to a convertible car seat. This is the reason why some families decide to leave out an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which has higher height and weight limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before settling on one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits well in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting 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.

Simple to Use

You want a car seat for your baby that is easy to attach and remove from the base, whether you intend to use it in one vehicle or shift it between several. Look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth mechanism. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats have is a load leg which acts as a brace between the seat's base and vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of a crash. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older vehicle, because the risk of sustaining a head injury is greater if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other high-end features can enhance the baby car seat experience. They include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from spinning in a crash. This has been proven by studies to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43%. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget and looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and has a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has received an exemplary rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets to provide full coverage.

Another thing to look for is a seat that is able to be set up with just the lap belt, and does not require the base. That's ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the trip back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the bottom of the seat, making it quick and easy to install in any car. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and also converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great choice when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in the car seat, particularly if they are there for a long period of time. This includes padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel snug against their stomachs or back and a growing headrest. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow as well.

A car seat with a variety of features can be more expensive, but is also easier to use. This is why we take into consideration factors like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, as the weight or size of the seat can put stress on your biceps as you transport it in and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.

Another good choice is a car seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats but we've seen few budget-friendly options that include this safety feature.

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs at around the age of two or three. You should also consider convertible infant car seats that converts to a toddler seat. This option will give you more flexibility when you drive and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat that swivels car seat and stroller in one. It's perfect for parents who are always on the move, especially those who use public transport to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to install. Our testers who were experts in the field have praised its simplicity of use with the one-handed latching system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers noted that the seat is small and lightweight, which is essential for those with limited trunk room. Additionally, it's free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's health and environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats come with features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically move up as your child grows, the best car seat newborn uk infant car seats include convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with minimal amount of effort. Other important things to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy, which is useful in the car and attached to the stroller.

A feature on the base could save you a great deal of time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been put in place correctly. This line should be parallel to ground and should be situated on the base. This is especially useful in the event that you will change the car seat frequently, or if your baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to set it up in taxis or Ubers.

Another benefit is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to transport your baby's bundle of joy from the car to the store or on errands without the need to carry the separate baby carrier. This could be a life-changing feature for parents trying for a way to return to normal after a long trip or a commute with a baby.

If you anticipate your baby to grow quickly pick the car seat for infants that have a greater 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 regulations However, that doesn't mean they are all created equal. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that support the base of a car seat to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of sustaining head injuries during crashes. Other extras, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could also make for a more comfortable ride for your baby and allow you to be a happier, more confident parent.