Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some go above. From extra padding to padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate.
We considered factors like weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features and prices when choosing our top choices. Read on to see which infant seat is the best fit for your family.
Safety
All car seats for pushchairsandprams - https://www.pushchairsandprams.uk/categories/baby-car-seats/7 infants sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. Some seats offer extra features that are above and beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated strap-holding sides, and much more. The more features a car seat comes with the better, according the experts I spoke with.
The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This will lower their child’s risk of injury in a crash. This is especially true for an infant car seat since it's designed for an extremely short time. Choose a model that's easy to install with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat perfectly level. Make sure that the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.
Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features such as the no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are fantastic, a Spiderman Nania Car Seat: Group 1/2/3 for Kids - https://www.pushchairsandprams.uk/products/spiderman-nania-car-seat-for-... seat's safety is only dependent on the vehicle in which you drive. You can find tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your infant's car seat and find out more about the safety features.
When selecting an infant car seat rear facing - https://www.pushchairsandprams.uk/products/kinderkraft-i-spark-i-size-ba... car seat, bear in mind that you'll probably only be allowed to use it for around 2 years, until your child is old enough to move to a convertible car seat. Some families skip the infant seat altogether and opt for a convertible car, which has a higher weight and height limit. When buying an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before settling. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car and includes handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.
Ease of Use
You're looking for a car seat for your infant that is easy to connect and remove from the base, whether you intend to use it in just one vehicle or shift it between several. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Also consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats have a load leg. This brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of the vehicle and provides extra stability in case of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older car, because the risk of suffering a head injury is higher when the child is seated too close to the floor.
Other features that are premium can enhance the infant car seat experience. They include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from bouncing during a crash. The latter has been proven to decrease the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great option for those on a limited budget and looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and has a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has earned an exemplary rating from safety experts for children and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions as well as an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets for full coverage.
Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that can be put in using a lap belt and does not require the base. That's ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require the return trip to the car to install a new seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom making it quick and simple to install in any vehicle. It also can be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's a great choice for families with a limited budget.
Comfort
If your child is in the car seat for a long period of time, it's essential that they feel comfortable. This means padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels comfortable against their stomach or back, and a growing headrest. Also, look for a seat that is easy to adjust as your child gets older.
While a seat that has many special features may be more expensive, they're also often easier to use. That's why we look at things like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight, since the weight or bulk of a seat can add stress to your biceps when you're carrying it into and out of your car or between cars.
Another good choice is a seat that has a load-leg, a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in more expensive seats however we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this additional safety feature.
The weight and height limits are also important. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens around age two or 3. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be converted into a toddler seat. This option will give you a little more flexibility when you drive and is perfect for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona that combines car seats for an infant and a stroller into one package. It's the perfect pick for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school on public transportation. It's also simple to set up and our testers appreciated the ease of using the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is compact which is crucial for those who have a small trunk space. Additionally, it's free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge advantage for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. The best infant car seats are equipped with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important features to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy, which can be handy both inside the car and attached to a stroller.
One feature that might not seem like a big thing, but could save you a lot of hassle is a meter on the base that will let you know whether it's been put in place correctly. This line is located on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground when you're done. It's particularly useful if you're going to be switching the car seat frequently, or if you are planning to travel with your child and need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easier to transport your sleeping bundle to the grocery store, or to run the errands. You don't have to struggle with the hassle of a separate car seat. This is an essential feature for parents trying to get back to normal following a long trip or a commute with a baby.
If you are expecting your child to grow rapidly, choose the car seat for infants that have a greater weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat for longer.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it does not mean that all car seats are made equally. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that brace a car seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of sustaining head injuries during crashes. Other features, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, can also make for a more relaxing ride for your child and help you to be a happier, more confident parent.