Looking For Inspiration? Check Out Best Infant Seat

Best Infant Seat Features All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However some go above. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread the seat, our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate. In deciding which of our top picks, we considered factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, extra features and price. Find out which infant seat is the best fit for your family. Safety Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. Certain seats have additional features that go beyond the minimum standards. These include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that hold the 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 correctly. This will lower the chance of injuries to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially true for an infant car seat since it's only designed to last for only a brief period of time. Choose a model that has a bubble indicator and a spring-loaded reclining foot for making it easy to set the seat. Make sure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle. Some car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like the no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are great, a car seat's safety is only as good as the car that you use to drive. You can find tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your child's car seat, and also learn more about the vehicle's safety features. When selecting an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll probably only be allowed to use it for around two years before your child is old enough to switch to convertible car seats. This is the reason why some families decide to leave out the infant car seat and go directly to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher weight and height limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try out a variety of models in person before choosing one. You can ensure that the seat is safe for the child, fits in your vehicle and comes with useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's the most crucial aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road. User-Friendliness If you're using the seat in one vehicle or moving it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to put in and remove from the base. 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 grows and the quality of the materials used. Some infant seats include the load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat base and the floor of the vehicle that provides additional security in the event of a collision. This is a crucial feature if you drive an older vehicle, since the risk of head injury in a crash is greater when an infant is seated near to the ground, as per research conducted by Consumer Reports. Other top features that enhance the infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and an anti-rebound bar that can prevent the seat from rebounding in a crash. The latter has been proven to decrease the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great choice for those on a limited budget and looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. Pushchairs & Prams received an outstanding rating by safety experts for children. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extended canopy that has magnets that ensure full coverage. A seat that is easily installed with just lapbelts and does not require the requirement for a base is another option. That's ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require the trip back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the corresponding TRIV travel system have a sturdy LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom, making it quick and simple to install in any car. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great option when you're on a tight budget. Comfort It is essential that your child is comfortable in the car seat, especially if they are there for a long time. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that is soft against their back and tummy and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Choose an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow, and. A car seat with a variety of features is usually more expensive, but is also easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants, we consider factors such as a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also consider dimensions and weight since an overly heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps when you're carrying it into and out of your car or moving between cars. A seat with a load leg — a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash, is another good choice. 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 crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child when they reach their peak growth rate typically at around the age of two or three. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be converted into a toddler's seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families that frequently change cars or travel. Our test subjects loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's a great choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school on public transport. It is also easy to put in. Our expert testers appreciated its user-friendlyness and its one-handed latching system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers noted that the seat is incredibly compact and lightweight, which is essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical which is a huge bonus for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health. Convenience The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. The most effective 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 look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it features a canopy that can be useful both inside the car as well as attached to the stroller. A feature on the base can save a great deal of time and headaches. It shows you when it has been installed correctly. This line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. It's especially useful in the event that you'll be changing the car seat often, or if you are planning to travel with your baby and you'll need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis. A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easy to take your baby to the grocery store or for running errands. You don't need to struggle with a separate carrier. This could be a huge advantage for parents with newborns who want to get back to their normal routine after an exhausting commute or outing with a newborn. If you are expecting your child to grow rapidly pick a car seat designed for infants with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use for longer. All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety standards However, that doesn't mean they are all created in the same way. Certain models have features that go beyond, such as load legs that support the base of the car seat for additional stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Certain extras can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and make you as a parent are happier and more secure.