Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However some seats go above and beyond. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without needing to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.
In deciding which of our top picks, we considered factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features and price. Find out which infant seat is right for you and your family by reading on.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, portable infant car seat come with additional features that are beyond the minimum standards. These can include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that support the straps, and more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a seat comes with, the are more efficient.
The more user-friendly a car seat can be it, the more likely parents will be to use it in a safe manner and decrease their child's risk of injury in an accident. This is especially true for the infant car seat, as it's designed for a short period of time. Find a seat that is easy to install with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat level. Make sure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.
Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as a no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are wonderful but the safety of your car seat is only as good as the vehicle that you use to drive. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for tips on how to properly ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.
When selecting an infant seat, remember that you will only be able to use it for a period of about two years before your child is ready to transition to an convertible seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat entirely and opt for a convertible car, which has a higher weight and height limit. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try out a variety of models in person before committing to one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car, and comes with handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Also, make sure to verify recalls prior making an purchase. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.
Simple to Use
You want a car seat for your infant that is easy to attach and remove from the base regardless of whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or shift it between multiple. Look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Also consider how it is easy to alter the car seat as your baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.
A premium feature that some infant seats come with is a load leg which acts as an extra brace between the seat's base and vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of an accident. It's an especially important feature if you drive an older car, as the risk of injury to the head during a crash is much higher when a baby is seated near to the floor, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other features that are premium and can enhance the user experience include a harness that is not rethread and anti-rebound bar, which will prevent the seat from rebounding in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown by studies to reduce the chance of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with a few key premium features I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has been awarded an excellent rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline settings, and an extended canopy that can be secured by magnets to ensure complete coverage.
A seat that is easily installed with just a lapbelt and without the requirement for the base is an alternative. That's ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require a trip back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the corresponding TRIV travel system have an extremely rigid LATCH system built right into the seat's bottom, making it quick and easy to install in any vehicle. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and can be converted into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great choice if you're on a budget.
Comfort
When your baby is stuck in the car seat for extended periods of time, it's essential that they feel comfortable. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush fabric that feels cozy against their back and tummy and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Choose an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow, as well.
A car seat with a variety of features is usually more expensive but also easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants, we consider aspects like a single-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also pay attention to the dimensions and weight, as a heavy or bulky seat can add stress to your biceps as you carry it into and out of your car, or in between cars.
Another good choice is a seat that has a load-leg, a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. This safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats, however, there are a few affordable models that include it.
The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll need to make sure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs around age two or 3. It's also worth considering convertible infant car seats that converts to an adult 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 is a combination of the car seat of an infant and a stroller into one package. It's the ideal choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school by public transport. It's also simple to set up. Our experts who tested it appreciated its user-friendlyness and its one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted that the seat is small, which is important for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical which is a major bonus for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.
Convenience
The best 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 in and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be machine washed (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is helpful both in the car and on the stroller.
A feature on the base could save you much time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been put in place correctly. The line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground once you've finished. It's particularly useful when you'll be changing the car seat between vehicles often, or if you intend to travel with your child and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.
Another useful feature is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to transport your baby's child from the car to the grocery store or out for errands without having to wrestle with the separate baby carrier. This can be a great advantage for new parents who want to get back to their normal routine after an extended commute or a trip with a baby.
If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat with more weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean all seats are created equal. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that brace a car seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injuries in crashes. Other extras, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, can also make for an easier ride for your baby and allow you become a more relaxed and more confident parent.