Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, a few go above and beyond. From extra padding to a cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without needing to rethread our best car seats For newborns uk of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will appreciate.

In deciding which of our top picks, we considered factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, features and price. Find out which infant seat may be right for your family.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats come with additional features that go beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in strap-holding sides, and so on. The more features a car seat is equipped with the better, according to experts I spoke with.

The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely parents will be to use it correctly, which can reduce the risk of injury to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are only meant to be used for a limited period of time. Look for a model that's easy to install with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to ensure that the seat level. Make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Other top features that some car seat manufacturers offer are a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are fantastic however, don't forget that the safety of your car seat is still only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant's car seat and find out more about the safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll probably only be able to use it for around 2 years, until your child is old enough to move to a convertible car seat. This is the reason why some families decide to leave out the infant car seats by age seat and go straight to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight limits. When buying an infant car seat, be sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before settling on one. You can then make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car, and comes with handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. And, don't forget to check for recalls before making an purchase. 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 transferring it between several, you want an infant car seat that is simple to put in and remove from the base. It is important to look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth mechanism. Also, think about how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

A great feature that many infant seats come with is a load leg which serves as an extra brace between the base of the seat and the car's floor, providing extra stability in the event of a crash. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older car, because the chance of a head injury is greater if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. These include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that can help stop the seat from bouncing during a crash. This has been proven by studies to reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great choice for those with a tight budget and looking for an ARC-certified car seat and has a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat was given an outstanding rating by safety experts for children. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure complete coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with a lapbelt, and without the need for an additional base is a different option. That's ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require an extra trip back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its corresponding TRIV travel system have a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom which makes it fast and simple to install in any car. It also can be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into the highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). This is an excellent option for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is stuck in car seats for extended periods of time, it's important they are comfortable. This means padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels comfortable against their stomach 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 seat that has a lot of special features might cost more, they're also often easier to use. This is why we take into consideration things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight since a heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps while you carry it in 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 an additional option. It's usually found in expensive seats however we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this extra safety measure.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs around age two or 3. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that converts into a toddler seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona which combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller into one piece. It's the perfect pick for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school on public transportation. It's also simple to set up and our experts who tested it appreciated the ease of using the latch with one hand and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also remarked how small the seat is and is an essential for those who have a small trunk space. Additionally, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for those who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.

Convenience

The best car seat for newborn infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the top infant car seats have convenience features that help parents get into and out with a minimal amount of effort. Other important features to consider are whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it features a canopy that can be useful in the car as well as attached to the stroller.

A feature on the base can save you much time and headaches. It shows you when it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to ground and should be situated on the base. It's particularly useful when you'll be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if are planning to travel with your child and need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.

Another feature that is beneficial is the possibility of attaching an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping infant from the car to the supermarket or out for errands without the need to carry the separate baby carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents looking to get back to their normal routine after an extended commute or a trip with their newborn.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat with a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety regulations However, that doesn't mean that they are all in the same way. Certain models have features that go beyond, such as load legs that brace the base of the car seat to provide additional stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. A few additional features can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, making you as a parent are happier and more confident.