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

Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some go beyond. 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 selecting our top choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, extra features, and price. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the seats come with additional features that are beyond the minimum requirements. These can include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that hold the straps, and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with, the better, according the experts I spoke to.

The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This will lower their child’s risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are only meant to be used for a short time. Find a seat that is easy to install with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to ensure that the seat perfectly level. Also, make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as the no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. These are wonderful, but don't forget that a safe car seat is still only as secure as the car you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual for advice on how to properly secure your infant seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll probably only be allowed 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 car seat completely and opt for a convertible car, which has a higher weight and height limit. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try out a variety of models in person prior to committing to one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits well in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's the most crucial aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

If you're planning to use the seat in a single car or transferring it between several, you want an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. Look for clear installation instructions and a smooth operation. Also consider how it is easy to alter the car seat as your baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.

A great feature that many infant seats have is a load leg which serves as an extra brace between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor to provide extra stability in the event of collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of a head injury is higher if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other top features that improve infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bar, which help keep the seat from bouncing back in a crash. The latter has been proven to decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a limited budget looking for an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a number of top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has been awarded an exemplary rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, and an extended canopy that secures with magnets to provide full coverage.

Another thing to look for is an infant seat that is able to be set up by the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who intend to use Uber or taxi rides, as it eliminates the need to get back in the car every time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for instance, have a rigid LATCH that is built into the bottom of their seats, making them quick and simple to install. It also can be used 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 when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're there for a long period of time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded, plush fabric to feel cozy against their tummy or back, and a growing headrest. Look for an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow, as well.

A seat that has many unique features is often more expensive but also easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat, we consider aspects like a single-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and no rethread harness. We also take into consideration the weight and size of the seat, as an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps while you move it to and from your vehicle or between vehicles.

Another good choice is a seat with 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 available in high-end seats, however there are a few affordable models that include it.

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child once they reach their highest growth rate usually at around the age of two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be converted into a toddler's car seat. This gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who often change vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which is a combination of a car seat for an infant and a stroller into one package. It's a great choice for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school on public transportation. It's also simple to put in. Our expert testers have praised its simplicity of use, including the one-handed latching mechanism and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers noted that the seat is small which is crucial for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of harmful chemicals which is a major advantage for parents who are concerned about their child's health and environment.

Convenience

The best car seat for newborn uk infant car seats are simple to use. The most comfortable infant car seats are equipped with convenience features that make it easier for parents to get in and out of the seat. Consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on a stroller.

One thing that may not be a big thing, but could save you a lot of headache is a meter on the base that will let you know whether it's been put in place correctly. This line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. It can be particularly helpful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat between vehicles often, or if you plan to travel with your child and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.

Another benefit is the possibility of attaching a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, making it easier to transport your baby's bundle of joy from the car to the grocery store or out for errands without the need to carry an additional carrier. This can be a great advantage for parents with newborns who want to return to their routine after an exhausting commute or outing with their newborn car seat insert.

If you expect your child to grow rapidly pick a car seat designed for infants with a higher weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean all seats are made to be equal. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that support a car seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of sustaining head injuries during crashes. Other features, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extended canopy, can also make for a more comfortable ride for baby and help you be a happier and more confident parent.