You'll Never Guess This Best Infant Seat's Tricks

best car seats for newborns uk Infant Seat Features

While all infant car seat travel seats conform to the federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. From extra padding to padded newborn inlay 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 appreciate.

When deciding on our top choices, we looked at factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features, and price. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. 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 more. The more features a car seat has, the better, according to experts I spoke to.

The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This can reduce the chance of injuries to their child during the event of a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are only designed to be used for a limited duration. Find a seat that is easy to install with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat perfectly level. Make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a strap that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are wonderful, a car seat's safety is only dependent on the vehicle in which you drive. You can find tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant car seat and learn more about the safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able to use it for about 2 years, until your child is ready to move to an convertible car seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat entirely and choose to purchase convertible cars that has greater weight and height limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and try a few models before making a decision on one. Then, you can make sure the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's essential to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

Easy of Use

If you're using the seat in one car or moving it among many, you need an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Also, think about how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.

One of the best features that infant seats have is a load leg, which serves as a brace between the seat's base and car's floor, providing additional stability in the event of a crash. It's a vital feature for those who drive an older car, as the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is greater when a baby is sitting close to the ground, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features can improve the infant car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown to decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with several key features that are premium I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was awarded an outstanding rating by child-passenger safety experts. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure complete coverage.

A seat that is easily installed with a lapbelt and without the necessity of the base is an alternative. This is ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require a journey back and forth to the car to install a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example include a strong LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats, making them quick and easy to install. It also can be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to a highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's a great choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long period of time. This means padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel snug against their stomachs or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child gets older.

While a car seats by age seat with a lot of special features may cost more but they're also generally easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat we look at factors such as a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, because a heavy or large seat can put stress on your biceps while you carry it to and from your vehicle or in between vehicles.

Another option is a car seat with 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.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll want to make sure that the seat will remain safe for your child after they reach their highest growth rate, which is usually around age two or three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler's seat. This will allow you a little more flexibility when you drive and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona that combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller in one unit. It's ideal for parents who are always moving around, particularly those who take public transport to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to put in and our testers praised the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also remarked how small the seat is and is an essential for those with limited trunk space. Plus, it's free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows the top infant car seats include convenience features to help parents get into and out with a minimum of hassle. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to facilitate cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is beneficial both in the car and on a stroller.

One thing that may seem like a small difference but can save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that informs you when it's been installed correctly. This line is located on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. This is especially helpful when you're going to be changing the car seat frequently, or the baby will be traveling with you and you have to install it in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it easier to transport your sleeping bundle to the store or to run errands. You don't need to struggle with a separate carrier. This can be a life-changing option for parents looking to return to normal following a long trip or a commute with a child.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, select an infant car seat for travel car seat that has a higher weight and height limit than that 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 does not mean that all car seats are made equally. Some have premium features that go beyond, including load legs that anchor the base of the car seat for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. A few accessories can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.