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 with no having to rethread our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will appreciate.
When deciding on our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, features and prices. Check out the following article to determine which infant seat may be right for your family.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Certain seats have additional features above and beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in, strap-holding sides, and so on. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a seat includes, the are more efficient.
The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This can reduce their child’s risk of injury in an accident. This is especially true for an infant car seat since it's only designed for an extremely short time. Look for a model that's easy to install with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help get the seat level. Make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.
Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as the no-rethread strap as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. Remember that even though these features are wonderful, a car seat's safety is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. You can find helpful tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant car seat and learn more about the car's safety features.
When you're choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll probably only be allowed to use it for approximately 2 years until your child is old enough to move to convertible car seats. 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 purchase an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and test out several models in person before committing to one. You can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car and also has useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. And, don't forget to verify recalls prior making the purchase. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.
Ease of Use
If you're planning to use the seat in a single car or transferring it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. Look for clear instructions on installation and a simple mechanism. Also consider how it is simple to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats have a load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the floor of the vehicle that provides additional security in the event of an accident. best car seats 's an especially important feature for those who drive an older vehicle, as the risk of sustaining head injuries during a crash is much higher when a child is sitting close to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.
Other premium features can improve the baby car seat experience. These include a non rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that helps stop the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown by research to reduce the chance of head injuries by up to 43%. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those with a tight budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a few premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat was awarded an outstanding rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.
Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that can be installed using the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who are planning to use Uber or taxi rides, because it eliminates the need to return to the car every time to replace a seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its equivalent TRIV travel system come with an extremely rigid LATCH system integrated into the bottom of the seat which makes it fast and simple to install in any vehicle. It also can be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to a highback booster or backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice for those on a tight budget.
Comfort
When your baby is in a car seat for a long period of time, it's essential that they feel comfortable. This means padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel cozy against their tummy or back, and a growing headrest. Also, look for a seat you can easily adjust as your child gets older.
A seat with many special features is often more expensive, but is also easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we take into consideration things like a one-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. We also consider dimensions and weight, since an overly heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps as you carry it into and out of your car or between cars.
A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash, is an alternative. It's usually found in expensive seats but we've seen few budget-friendly options that include this extra safety measure.
The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll need to ensure that the seat will remain suitable for your child once they reach their highest growth spurt, which is usually between the ages of two and three. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be transformed into a toddler seat. This option will give you a bit more flexibility in your car and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school on public transportation. It's also easy to put in, and our expert testers appreciated the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted that the seat is compact, which is important for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for those who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.
Convenience
The best infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically move up 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. Consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is beneficial both in the car and on a stroller.
A feature on the base can save you much time and headaches. It will let you know when it has been installed correctly. The line is located on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground once you've finished. It can be particularly helpful when you'll be switching the car seat frequently, or if intend to travel with your child and you'll need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easier to carry your baby to the supermarket or for running errands. You don't have to carry an additional carrier. This is an essential feature for parents who are looking to return to normal following a long trip or a commute with a baby.
If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat with more weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat in use longer.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean that all seats are made to be equal. Some seats have extra features, like load legs that brace a car seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bar that reduces the chance of head injuries during crashes. Certain additional features can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and you as a parent happier and more confident.