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

Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, a few are more than others. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will love, including extra padding, a padded inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no Rethreading.

When selecting our top picks, we considered factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, features and price. Find out the best car seats for newborns infant seat for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the seats have extra features that go above 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 is equipped with, the better, according to experts I spoke with.

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 the risk of injury to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are intended to be used for a limited duration. Choose a model that has an indicator that bubbles and an adjustable foot with a spring to make it easier to set the seat. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features, such as the no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are great but remember that the safety of your car seat is just as secure as the car you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual for advice on how to 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 choosing an infant car seat, be aware that you will only be able to use it for approximately 2 years before your child is ready to transition to a convertible seat. That's why some families opt to not use the infant car seat and go directly to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models in person before choosing one. Then, you can make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car and has useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Don't forget to verify recalls prior making a purchase. It's the most critical aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

If you're planning to use the seat in one car or transferring it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to install and detach from the base. Look for clearly labeled instructions for installation and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the quality materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats come with 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 collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older car, because the chance of a head injury is higher when the child is too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bars, which can prevent the seat from bouncing back in an accident. The latter has been proven by research to reduce the risk for head injuries by as much as 43%. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a tight budget looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has earned an outstanding rating from safety experts for children and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, plus an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets for full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is an infant carrier seat seat that is able to be set up by the lap belt, and does not require the base. This is a good option for parents who are planning to use Uber or taxi rides, since it doesn't require them to go back to the car every time to replace a seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its corresponding TRIV travel infant car seat system have a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the bottom of the seat, making it quick and easy to install in any vehicle. It can also 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 that is backless (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

If your child is in the car seat for a long period of time, it's essential that they feel safe. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush material that feels cozy against their tummy and back and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.

While a seat that has a lot of special features may be more expensive, they're also often easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we look at factors such as a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and a no rethread harness. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, since a heavy or large seat can put stress on your biceps while you carry it to and from your vehicle or in between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash, is an additional option. This additional safety feature is usually found in expensive seats, however there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll want to make sure that the seat will still be safe for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt, which is usually around age two or three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be converted into a toddler's car seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's a great option for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who use public transportation to commute to work or to school. It is also easy to set up. Our expert testers have praised its simplicity of use with the one-handed latching mechanism and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers reported that the seat is incredibly compact and lightweight, which is essential for those who have a small trunk space. Additionally, it's free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents who are concerned about their child's health and environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are easy to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the best infant car seats come with convenience features to help parents get into and out with minimal amount of effort. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to make cleaning easier) and whether it has a canopy. This is useful both in the car and on the stroller.

One thing that may seem like a small difference but can save you a lot of hassle is a meter on the base that lets you know when it's been installed correctly. This line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground when you're done. This is particularly useful when you're going to be changing the car seat frequently, or when your child will be traveling with you and you need to set it up in taxis or Ubers.

Another useful feature is the possibility of attaching a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping infant from the car to the supermarket or on errands without having to lug around an additional carrier. This can be a life-changing option for parents who are looking to return to normal after a long journey or a long commute with a child.

If you anticipate your baby to grow quickly opt for 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, but that does not mean that they are all in the same way. Some come with features that go beyond, like load legs that brace the base of the car seat to provide additional stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Other features, such as a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, can help create a more comfortable ride for your child and help you to be a happier, more confident parent.